Island and the Silent S That Never Belonged

Influenza and the Flu: How the Stars Named a Disease

Why do we call it influenza—and how did the flu get a name connected to the stars? In this episode of Origins in Five, we trace the word from medieval Latin and Italian belief in celestial “influence” to the modern illness we know today. Questions? Comments? Email us at originsinfive@gmail.com.

Sabotage: The Wooden Shoe Myth

Did sabotage really come from French workers throwing wooden shoes into factory machines? In this episode of Origins in Five, we unpack the famous story, why it’s probably a myth, and the more revealing origin behind a word that began with clumsy work, slowdowns, and deliberate resistance. Questions? Comments? Email us at originsinfive@gmail.com.

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.