Love—it’s a word that carries more baggage than a bad breakup. But where does it come from, and how did it become the catch-all term for everything from deep friendship to obsessive romance? In this special Valentine’s Day episode of Lexiconned, we dive into the origins of love, tracing it from Old English lufu to Shakespeare’s poetry and beyond. We’ll explore love’s many linguistic forms, its role in history and literature, and some of the strangest love-related idioms in the English language. Plus, we ask the big questions: Why do we fall in love? What did “making love” originally mean? And can one word really capture all the complexities of human emotion? Tune in for a mix of etymology, history, and humor—because love, like language, is never simple. 

Sources:

• Etymology of "Love": Etymonline (https://www.etymonline.com/word/love)
• Old English "lufu": Beowulf and Anglo-Saxon manuscripts
• Greek words for love: The Cambridge Dictionary of Classical Civilization
• Shakespeare's influence on love idioms: Oxford English Dictionary
• Origins of "making love": Historical English linguistics studies

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Whiskey: The Water of Life and the Spirit of History"
In this episode of Lexiconned, TJ pours into the rich, complex history of whiskey, the storied spirit that has warmed hearts and sparked debates for centuries. From its Gaelic roots as "uisce beatha"—the "water of life"—to its pivotal role in America’s Whiskey Rebellion, this episode explores whiskey’s journey across continents and centuries. Discover the differences between Scotch whisky and Irish whiskey, the rise of bourbon as a uniquely American creation, and the cultural legacy of this iconic drink. Whether you take it neat or on the rocks, this episode will leave you thirsty for more. Sláinte! 


Sources:
https://www.rebellionresearch.com/
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Whiskey_Rebellion
https://www.oxfordreference.com/display/10.1093/oi/authority.20110803122045416#:~:text=Name%20derived%20from%20the%20Gaelic,to%20make%20whisky%20(1494).
https://specificmechanical.com/news/blog/the-differences-between-distilling-irish-whiskey-and-scottish-whisky/#:~:text=Irish%20whiskey%20is%20often%20triple,critical%20step%20for%20both%20spirits.

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"Spam: From Mystery Meat to Digital Junk"
This week on Lexiconned, we’re diving into the meaty origins of a word that’s been clogging inboxes and fueling breakfast tables alike—spam. Where did it come from? Why did it stick? And how did a canned meat product go from wartime ration to internet annoyance? We’ll explore its humble beginnings, its unlikely role in comedy history, and the tech twist that gave it a second life as the nemesis of email users everywhere. Tune in for a slice of language history that’s anything but canned. 




Sources:
https://www.spam.com/museum
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Spam_(Monty_Python_sketch)
https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/microsoft-365-life-hacks/privacy-and-safety/what-is-email-spam
https://web.archive.org/web/20060326032433/http://www.mailmsg.com/SPAM_history.htm

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 Ever heard someone say it’s "raining cats and dogs" and imagined a furry storm? In this episode, we dive into the origins of this bizarre idiom. Is it rooted in Norse mythology, medieval sanitation, or just a wild misinterpretation? We’ll unravel the truth behind this phrase, debunk some persistent myths, and explore how language evolves in unexpected ways. Tune in for a shower of history, a drizzle of humor, and maybe even a downpour of surprising facts. No umbrellas required!

Sources:
https://www.loc.gov/everyday-mysteries/meteorology-climatology/item/what-is-the-origin-of-the-phrase-its-raining-cats-and-dogs/

https://www.bookbrowse.com/expressions/detail/index.cfm/expression_number/706/its-raining-cats-and-dogs

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Raining_cats_and_dogs

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What exactly is a meme? In this episode of Lexiconned, we dive into the fascinating origin story of the word that dominates our internet culture. From its surprising beginnings as a concept in evolutionary biology, coined by Richard Dawkins in the 1970s, to its rapid evolution into a language of its own online, we uncover how "meme" transformed from cultural genes to viral sensations. Along the way, we explore what makes a meme truly meme-worthy, revisit some classic internet moments (Dancing Baby, anyone?), and examine how memes have shaped everything from political movements to brand marketing. Join TJ for a witty, insightful journey through linguistic history and digital culture that will have you looking at your favorite memes in a whole new light.

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 In this week’s episode of Lexiconned, we explore the surprisingly unkind history of a word we use every day: nice. Did you know that this seemingly harmless compliment started its life as a Latin insult ? From Chaucer's sly use of the word to its modern overuse, “nice” has had a rollercoaster journey through the centuries. Join me as we uncover how this word evolved from foolish to friendly, why its vagueness makes it so versatile, and how you can wield it. Stay curious, stay kind—and maybe rethink calling someone “nice.” 

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Welcome to the inaugural episode of Lexiconned! We’re diving into the muck—literally—with one of the most versatile and misunderstood words in the English language: “shit.”

Where does "shit" come from? Join host TJ Martin as he debunks a popular myth and takes you on a journey through the fascinating history of the word. From its Old English roots to its evolution as profanity, slang, and even cultural icon, this episode reveals how “shit” went from medical texts to late-night cable TV.

Discover the myths, the history, and the many roles this linguistic Swiss Army knife has played—because when it comes to words, there’s always more than meets the ear.

Don’t miss:

• The myth of “Ship High in Transit”.
• The medieval remedy for diarrhea (spoiler: it’s gross).
• How “shit” became the Gary Oldman of language—versatile, iconic, and indispensable.

Join us for laughs, learning, and a little linguistic mess. Lexiconned—because words have conned us all.

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