Episodes

  • Womb: The First World
    Nov 7 2024

    Dive into the origins and meanings of the word womb.

    This episode unravels its linguistic roots, its cultural and symbolic resonance, and even some surprising turns in history and literature. Join us as we explore the deeper meanings and powerful associations of this word in language and life.


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    5 mins
  • Down to Debris
    Nov 6 2024

    In today’s episode of Daily Word Tea, we uncover the meaning of debris, a word that evokes remnants, ruins, and the traces of what once was.


    From its French roots to its journey across languages, we'll explore the history and pronunciation of debris and see how a single word can convey such a rich image of destruction, decay, and, sometimes, resilience.

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    4 mins
  • Pretend: More Than Make-Believe
    Nov 5 2024

    In today’s episode, we’re diving into the world of pretend—a word that can mean everything from playful imagination to outright deception.


    We’ll look at its roots, discuss how it's used in surprising ways, and learn what it tells us about human nature. Tune in to uncover the many faces of pretend

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    6 mins
  • Aisle, Aisle, Baby!
    Nov 4 2024

    Why is there an "s" in aisle if we don’t even pronounce it?

    Today, we’re taking a deep dive into the word aisle, exploring its silent letters, its dramatic history, and why it’s such a tricky term for English learners—especially if you’re coming from Italian. Let’s get into it!


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    6 mins
  • Genre Gems
    Nov 3 2024

    In today's episode, we dive into the word genre.

    While it might sound French (and it is!), genre has shaped how we categorize and explore stories, art, and even music.

    We'll break down its tricky pronunciation, uncover its roots, and find out why it’s essential in helping us choose what we love.

    Get ready to explore a word that’s everywhere, even if it’s a bit of a tongue-twister for Italian speakers.


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    5 mins
  • Choir: Harmonious Explorations
    Nov 2 2024

    In this episode, we explore the word choir, diving into its musical roots, pronunciation tips for Italian speakers, and its cultural significance.

    Discover how this term transcends mere definition, revealing the beauty of collective harmony and expression in both language and song.


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    5 mins
  • Colonel: A Word That Marches to Its Own Beat
    Nov 1 2024

    In today's episode, we take a closer look at colonel—a word that defies pronunciation logic and reveals the quirks of English's evolving past.


    Why does it sound nothing like it’s spelled? And how did it manage to make its way through centuries of language change? Stay tuned for a story of linguistic resilience, and discover how colonel continues to hold its military ground.

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    5 mins
  • Halloween: Ancient Spirits, Modern Thrills
    Oct 30 2024

    From ancient Samhain rituals to today’s candy-filled celebrations, Halloween is a night woven with history, myth, and magic.


    In this special and final episode of Spooky October, we’ll uncover Halloween’s ancient roots, its evolution into a modern holiday, and the iconic symbols that make this night so enchanting. Listen closely...

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    9 mins