The Why of Words

Explore the hidden history behind breakfast—a word that simply means breaking your fast, but carries centuries of ritual and meaning. From medieval traditions to modern mornings, discover why this everyday meal became sacred in English language and culture.

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More from Sticky Note Podcasts:
Deep in the Stacks (daily jazz vinyl) | Required Drinking (cocktail history) | Photography Knowledge (daily photo tips)
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Explore the fascinating etymology of 'avocado' and discover it's not the straightforward Spanish word most assume. Trace the word's journey from the Aztec *ahuacatl* through Spanish conquistadors in the 1500s, revealing a messier and more compelling linguistic history than guacamole suggests.

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More from Sticky Note Podcasts:
Deep in the Stacks (daily jazz vinyl) | Required Drinking (cocktail history) | Photography Knowledge (daily photo tips)
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Explore the surprising origins of ketchup, the condiment Americans consider homegrown. Discover how this iconic sauce traces back to 17th-century China's fermented fish sauce 'ke-tsiap,' challenging everything you thought you knew about this pantry staple.

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More from Sticky Note Podcasts:
Deep in the Stacks (daily jazz vinyl) | Required Drinking (cocktail history) | Photography Knowledge (daily photo tips)
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Discover the hidden meaning behind 'companion' — a word that literally means 'people you eat bread with.' This episode explores how the Latin roots *com* (with) and *panis* (bread) reveal that human friendship is fundamentally about sharing meals together.

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More from Sticky Note Podcasts:
Deep in the Stacks (daily jazz vinyl) | Required Drinking (cocktail history) | Photography Knowledge (daily photo tips)
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Discover the surprising origin of 'whiskey,' a word that tastes like campfire but means 'water of life.' This episode traces how medieval Irish and Scottish monks transformed the Latin phrase 'aqua vitae' into one of the world's most beloved spirits, revealing the hidden linguistic roots behind your favorite drink.

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More from Sticky Note Podcasts:
Deep in the Stacks (daily jazz vinyl) | Required Drinking (cocktail history) | Photography Knowledge (daily photo tips)
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Explore the surprising medieval origins of 'freelance.' Contrary to popular belief, the word doesn't come from the free market or Silicon Valley, but from 15th-century mercenary soldiers called 'free lances'—warriors with no feudal master or loyalty contracts.

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More from Sticky Note Podcasts:
Deep in the Stacks (daily jazz vinyl) | Required Drinking (cocktail history) | Photography Knowledge (daily photo tips)
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Discover the surprising origin of 'budget'—a word that started as a simple leather pouch in Old French (bougette) and evolved to shape how we discuss money today. This etymology reveals how everyday objects can transform into serious financial terminology.

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More from Sticky Note Podcasts:
Deep in the Stacks (daily jazz vinyl) | Required Drinking (cocktail history) | Photography Knowledge (daily photo tips)
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Explore the surprising origins of the word "fee" in this etymology deep dive. Contrary to common assumption, fee has nothing to do with payment or charges—it actually traces back to Old English feoh, meaning cattle or livestock, reflecting how wealth was measured in Germanic cultures.

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More from Sticky Note Podcasts:
Deep in the Stacks (daily jazz vinyl) | Required Drinking (cocktail history) | Photography Knowledge (daily photo tips)
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Discover the surprising origin of 'bankrupt' rooted in Renaissance Italy. The word comes from 'banca rotta'—literally a broken bench—stemming from the practice of smashing money changers' desks when they failed financially.

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More from Sticky Note Podcasts:
Deep in the Stacks (daily jazz vinyl) | Required Drinking (cocktail history) | Photography Knowledge (daily photo tips)
stickynotepodcasts.com

Explore the popular myth that Roman soldiers were paid in salt, giving us the word 'salary' from Latin salarium. Modern scholars cast doubt on this origin story, revealing the truth behind one of history's most memorable etymologies.

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More from Sticky Note Podcasts:
Deep in the Stacks (daily jazz vinyl) | Required Drinking (cocktail history) | Photography Knowledge (daily photo tips)
stickynotepodcasts.com