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Origins in Five

Origins in Five

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Origins in Five is a short podcast for curious minds. Each episode explores the origin of a single word — where it came from, how its meaning evolved, and what history it carries today. These five-minute stories reveal the hidden history of everyday language.

© 2026 Origins in Five Social Sciences World
Episodes
  • From Genius to Insult: The Story of Dunce

    From Genius to Insult: The Story of Dunce
    May 13 2026

    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.
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    4 mins
  • Sandwich: The Gambling Earl Behind the Word

    Sandwich: The Gambling Earl Behind the Word
    May 11 2026

    Why do we call it a sandwich? In this episode of Origins in Five, we trace the word back to John Montague, the Earl of Sandwich, and the famous story of a meal designed for long hours at the card table.

    Questions? Comments? Email us at originsinfive@gmail.com.
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    5 mins
  • Island and the Silent S That Never Belonged

    Island and the Silent S That Never Belonged
    May 6 2026

    Why does island have an S that nobody says? In this episode of Origins in Five, we trace the word back through Old English and Middle English to uncover how a mistaken link to French and Latin gave island a silent letter it was never meant to have.

    Questions? Comments? Email us at originsinfive@gmail.com.
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    4 mins
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