Welcome to episode number 40, where we’ll discuss the origins of the phrase “running amok,” not only because we all can feel like chickens with our heads cut off at times but also because this is another expression that has a false story floating around when it comes to its etymology. These days, we think of “running amok” as things getting out of hand. Preschoolers on the loose with finger-paints on the walls? They’re running amok, right? But this expression actually has a much darker history.

Ancient Egyptian editors, brain research, getting into the muck about "amok" (see what I did there?), find out the latest in writing and communications news and more in Episode #40 of The "Words You Should Know" podcast.