Island and the Silent S That Never Belonged

From Reverence to Insult: The Story of Awful

In this episode of Origins in Five, we trace the surprising history of the word awful. Once a word of reverence and fear—closely related to awesome—it slowly drifted from sacred praise to everyday insult. Questions? Comments? Email us at originsinfive@gmail.com.

Gaslight: From the Stage to the Art of Manipulation

Where did the word gaslight come from? In this episode of Origins in 5, we trace the term back to a 1938 stage thriller and the eerie image of dimming lamps used to make someone doubt their own mind. Questions? Comments? Email us at originsinfive@gmail.com.

Gossip: From Godparent to Rumor

In this episode of Origins in Five, we trace the surprising history of the word gossip. What now means rumor, scandal, and private talk once referred to a trusted godparent or close companion present at childbirth. Questions? Comments? Email us at originsinfive@gmail.com.

Eavesdrop: How Secret Listening Started Under the Roof

What does a roof have to do with secretly listening in on someone else’s conversation? In this episode of Origins in Five, we trace the word eavesdrop from medieval houses and dripping rainwater to gossip, spying, and the legal records of early modern England.  Questions? Comments? Email us at originsinfive@gmail.com.

From Genius to Insult: The Story of Dunce

Why does dunce mean a slow learner when it came from the name of a brilliant medieval scholar? In this episode of Origins in Five, we trace the strange journey from John Duns Scotus to the insult dunce—and the sad history behind the dunce cap. Questions? Comments? Email us at originsinfive@gmail.com.