This episode delves into the history of words related to cosmetic surgery and procedures. Botox can be traced back to poisonous sausages, collagen goes back to an ancient word meaning glue and veneer comes from the same root as the word furniture. Also unearthed in this episode are the etymologies of the words aesthetic, liposuction and rhinoplasty.

This episode looks at culture war slurs such as woke, gammon and snowflake, exploring the origins of their use in political commentary and the roots of the words in the English language. Listen on to find out who is credited with the controversial phrase 'pale, male and stale' and what the term 'loony left' has to do with the moon.

This episode is all about words related to sustainability, looking at the origins of words like climate, environment, eco and carbon. Find out where the 'denier' in climate denier comes from and why the word 'zealot', as in an eco zealot, is related to jealousy.

This episode delves into words with double meanings. From words with contradictory meanings, to those that have had their meanings change over decades and centuries. To 'dust' can mean to wipe fine particles away, or to sprinkle them, and 'sanction' can mean to allow or to restrict. Just like the word 'sick', the word 'bad' can, in some contexts, mean good. 'Nice' used to mean ignorant and 'awful' used to mean inspiring. Listen on for the etymologies behind these words of contradicting meanings.

This episode takes a look at the origins of words, terms and phrases related to the state of inebriation. From bladdered, legless and steaming to 'three sheets to the wind' and 'Dutch courage', this episode explores where the underlying words originate and how the terms may have come about. If you want to know what dog hair has to do with a hangover - 'hair of the dog' - be sure to listen.

This episode explores the etymology of words associated with house buying. From the origins of 'realtor', the US term for an estate agent, to the connection between conveyancing and a group of ships, this episode takes a look at the roots of the words related to buying a home. The words mortgage, deed, deposit and leasehold all feature.

This episode explores the etymology behind the titles, styles and royal abodes associated with the late Queen Elizabeth II. The name Elizabeth, which means 'God is my oath', is a fascinating one with many variants and diminutives. Listen for the origins of Buckingham, Windsor and Balmoral, names of royal residences, as well as the meanings behind the late Queen's middle names Alexandra and Mary, and her many other royal styles. 

This episodes explores the etymology behind words of matrimony. The hus in husband comes from the Old English word for a house, which was hūs, and wife comes from a word which simply meant woman, which explains why midwives are called midwives. This episode looks at the origins of the words wedding, nuptials and civil partnership, as well as theories for the history of the term 'cold feet'. Plus, some name meanings inspired by people famous for their multiple marriages.

This episode explores the etymology behind words rising to prominence in conversations around the cost of living. Closing with the first recorded use of the term 'cost of living' this episode reveals where the words inflation, interest rates, bills, price hikes and air fryer originate. 

This episode explores the etymology behind royal titles and ranks of nobility. The titles of Lord and Lady have an interesting history connected to bread, both originating from the Old English word for bread which was hlaf - the root of the word loaf. This episode uncovers what is known about the origins of the words King, Queen, Duke/Duchess, Prince/Princess, Marquess/Marchioness, Earl, Count/Countess and Baron/Baroness.