What does 'elegy' mean?

Elegy (noun): A poem of serious reflection, typically a lament for the dead. Derived from the Greek word elegos, meaning "song of mourning," an elegy reflects sorrow or pensiveness, often in a poetic or musical form.

In this episode of Nerd Word, we explore the poignant power of "elegy" and its role in literature, culture, and history. From Walt Whitman’s famous O Captain! My Captain! to John Milton’s Lycidas, the elegy has long been a vessel for expressing loss. Join us for a lively discussion on the word’s Greek roots, how it differs from "eulogy," and its connection to dirges and requiems. Don’t miss the skit where a new teacher challenges their students to write an elegy—with a few twists along the way!

What You’ll Learn in This Episode

• The definition and Greek origins of "elegy."

• How an elegy differs from a eulogy, dirge, or requiem.

• Famous elegies in literature, including Whitman’s O Captain! My Captain! and Milton’s Lycidas.

• The poetic structure of elegiac couplets and their historical use.

• Why elegies remain a meaningful way to reflect on loss and mourning.

Skit Highlights

• Jay and Elle debate whether "O Captain! My Captain!" is the perfect example of an elegy—or just a tribute to Robin Williams.

• A new teacher shakes up the classroom with a challenge to write an elegiac poem.

Listener Challenge

What would your elegy look like? Write a short poem reflecting on a meaningful moment or person, and share it with us on social media using #NerdWordThePodcast!

Links and Resources

• Visit NerdWordThePodcast.com for more vocabulary-packed episodes and exclusive content!

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Tags

• Word of the Day Podcast

• Vocabulary Podcast

• What Does Elegy Mean?

• Elegy vs. Eulogy

• Greek Roots of Elegy

• Famous Elegies in Literature

• Educational Podcast

• Edutainment

• What is an Elegiac Poem?

• Quirky Vocabulary Podcast