198. Scrimshank: The Sailor’s Art of Shirking

198. Scrimshank: The Sailor’s Art of Shirking

Emily sets sail with Kyle this week into the nautical history of ‘scrimshank.’ With not a second to spend dawdling, the duo drift quickly into the world of whaling, sailor slang, and idle shipboard hobbies. As with many a seafaring term of yore, the deeper they dive, the murkier the etymology becomes. From ‘scrimshaw’ to ‘scrimp shanking’ to ‘skrimshander,’ there’s no time to waste (or money, for that matter) with a crew made up of naval slang, mysterious origins, and general maritime mischief.  More than just a history of laziness, scrimshank tells a sea tale about work, discipline, and the language we use for getting out of both. From whaling ships to military barracks to modern workplaces, the word endures as the perfect accusation for anyone doing just about anything other than what they’re supposed to be doing. Join us every week as we explore the fascinating origins and meanings of words, uncovering the hidden stories behind language and how it evolves over time, for language enthusiasts and etymology buffs alike. Like what you hear? Follow Butter No Parsnips elsewhere: • Instagram [https://instagram.com/butternoparsnipspodcast] • Facebook [https://www.facebook.com/ButterNoParsnipsPodcast] • TikTok [https://www.tiktok.com/@butternoparsnips] • Twitch [https://www.twitch.tv/butternoparsnips] • Support the show: • Patreon [http://www.patreon.com/ButterNoParsnips] • Website [http://www.bnppod.com] • Ko-fi [https://www.ko-fi.com/butternoparsnips] • Produced by Seth Gliksman [http://www.sethgliksman.com], Kyle Imperatore, and Emily Moyers Main theme and accompanying themes by Kyle Imperatore

197. Historiaster: …And The Mess Is History

This week, Kyle and Emily finally throw some shade. In learning the etymology and history of the word historiaster, they’ll unearth a treasure trove of historical diss-tracks and put-downs harsh enough to make an intellectual cry “mater”. Turns out, historians had a lot of strong words for their rivals, and Kyle brings the receipts as he serves the tea on their feuds. And while the consequences of poor writing can certainly be catastrophic, Emily learns that these mediocre words are not a disaster, at least linguistically. But it’s not only the petty historian with a bone to pick – Kyle discovers professions of all shapes and sizes have known to act as critic to their peers using the little known suffix, -aster. Finally, Emily is tickled pink to breathe new life into the dead-word revitalization project formerly known as Save the Words [https://web.archive.org/web/20101123091614/http://www.savethewords.org/ ], with its quirky advice and example sentences. Join us every week as we explore the fascinating origins and meanings of words, uncovering the hidden stories behind language and how it evolves over time, for language enthusiasts and etymology buffs alike. Like what you hear? Follow Butter No Parsnips elsewhere: • Instagram [https://instagram.com/butternoparsnipspodcast] • Facebook [https://www.facebook.com/ButterNoParsnipsPodcast] • TikTok [https://www.tiktok.com/@butternoparsnips] • Twitch [https://www.twitch.tv/butternoparsnips] • Support the show: • Patreon [http://www.patreon.com/ButterNoParsnips] • Website [http://www.bnppod.com] • Ko-fi [https://www.ko-fi.com/butternoparsnips] • Produced by Seth Gliksman [http://www.sethgliksman.com], Kyle Imperatore, and Emily Moyers Main theme and accompanying themes by Kyle Imperatore

196. Nostrum: An Over-the-Counter History

This week Emily and Kyle are looking for the perfect cure-all, but all they find are false claims. They’ll separate good remedies from bad, both within the pharmaceutical world and without, as they discuss the meaning and origin of the word nostrum. They begin by exploring why this word’s origins don’t seem to fit its definition. Kyle learns why “patent medicine” was rarely an accurate term. And Emily reveals a world of quackery and fraudulence in Medieval London, 19th century America, modern social media, and more. Our hosts discuss lies and exaggerations at the pharmacy. Emily demonstrates how some nostrums are more dangerous than others. Kyle traces a line from dubious OTC drugs to safeguarding FDA regulations. And our hosts look at a few metaphorical snake oils that extend this word’s usage. Join us every week as we explore the fascinating origins and meanings of words, uncovering the hidden stories behind language and how it evolves over time, for language enthusiasts and etymology buffs alike. Like what you hear? Follow Butter No Parsnips elsewhere: • Instagram [https://instagram.com/butternoparsnipspodcast] • Facebook [https://www.facebook.com/ButterNoParsnipsPodcast] • TikTok [https://www.tiktok.com/@butternoparsnips] • Twitch [https://www.twitch.tv/butternoparsnips] • Support the show: • Patreon [http://www.patreon.com/ButterNoParsnips] • Website [http://www.bnppod.com] • Ko-fi [https://www.ko-fi.com/butternoparsnips] • This episode was edited by Brigid Kennison. [https://www.brigidkennison.com/] Produced by Seth Gliksman [http://www.sethgliksman.com], Kyle Imperatore, and Emily Moyers Main theme and accompanying themes by Kyle Imperatore

195. Salmagundi: How a Salad Showpiece Made a Big Mess

Kyle and Emily are mired in a true word salad this week. Diving into a bit of food history as well as word history, they’ll talk about mish moshes of all different kinds, as well as the meaning and origin of the word salmagundi. In sifting through theories about this word’s origin, Kyle reveals a medley of food terms that are all surprisingly linked. Linguistically speaking, the word salt is worth its salt! And, although Emily isn’t too happy about the ingredients list, she is nonetheless impressed with this decadent dinner centerpiece. But our hosts aren’t just talking about food presentation. Kyle shares how the word salmagundi has been used outside the culinary world, in a hodge podge of other places. And Emily gets a refresher on everyone’s favorite nursery rhyme and comic book character, Solomon Grundy. Join us every week as we explore the fascinating origins and meanings of words, uncovering the hidden stories behind language and how it evolves over time, for language enthusiasts and etymology buffs alike. Like what you hear? Follow Butter No Parsnips elsewhere: • Instagram [https://instagram.com/butternoparsnipspodcast] • Facebook [https://www.facebook.com/ButterNoParsnipsPodcast] • TikTok [https://www.tiktok.com/@butternoparsnips] • Twitch [https://www.twitch.tv/butternoparsnips] • Support the show: • Patreon [http://www.patreon.com/ButterNoParsnips] • Website [http://www.bnppod.com] • Ko-fi [https://www.ko-fi.com/butternoparsnips] • Produced by Seth Gliksman [http://www.sethgliksman.com], Kyle Imperatore, and Emily Moyers Main theme and accompanying themes by Kyle Imperatore

194. Eavesdrip: The Rainy Day Origin of Snooping

Better pack an umbrella, because this week Emily and Kyle are seeking shelter from the rain. A conversation beginning at thatched roofs trickles down to local snoops, as our hosts discuss the meaning and origin of the word eavesdrip. The pair discuss why your roof juts past your walls, how a singular word can accidentally become plural, and what haircut was all the rage in the Anglo Saxon era. Kyle learns that building ordinances have a surprisingly long history, although they look a little different in Rome than in England. Emily reveals that not everyone resting under eaves is trying to avoid the rain. Eavesdropping becomes a criminal offense, and not for the reason you might think. And our hosts chat about medieval offenses such as nightwalking, theft, and plain old gossip. Join us every week as we explore the fascinating origins and meanings of words, uncovering the hidden stories behind language and how it evolves over time, for language enthusiasts and etymology buffs alike. Like what you hear? Follow Butter No Parsnips elsewhere: • Instagram [https://instagram.com/butternoparsnipspodcast] • Facebook [https://www.facebook.com/ButterNoParsnipsPodcast] • TikTok [https://www.tiktok.com/@butternoparsnips] • Twitch [https://www.twitch.tv/butternoparsnips] • Support the show: • Patreon [http://www.patreon.com/ButterNoParsnips] • Website [http://www.bnppod.com] • Ko-fi [https://www.ko-fi.com/butternoparsnips] • Produced by Seth Gliksman [http://www.sethgliksman.com], Kyle Imperatore, and Emily Moyers Main theme and accompanying themes by Kyle Imperatore