Otherwords
Digs deep into the quintessential human trait of language to find the fascinating, thought-provoking, and funny stories behind the words and sounds we take for granted. Incorporating the fields of biology, history, cultural studies, literature and more, linguistics has something for everyone and offers a unique perspective into what it means to be human.
20211 season
HDCC
Season 1
55 episodes
1. The Unexpected Origins of the Word ‘Monster’Words don't pop up fully formed... they evolve over thousands of years. What can we learn about our relationship to monsters by tracking the word down into the distant past?CC8minMar 24, 2021
2. What's the Longest Word?Before we decide from a long list of contenders, we'll have to figure out what the word "word" really means...CC8minApr 14, 2021
3. Can Computers Really Talk? Or Are They Faking It?New advancements in technology are making it harder than ever to tell the difference between a computer and a human speaker... but what's going on under the hood? Is it really "language," or just a digital illusion?CC8minMay 5, 2021- 4. What People Get Wrong About African-American EnglishIt's one of the most studied — and most controversial — varieties of English. But many people still hold deep misconceptions about African-American English (AAE).CC8minJun 16, 2021
- 5. Popular Words Invented by AuthorsAuthors often create words just for a one-time usage... but a special few will gain traction and become full-fledged parts of our shared lexicon! Otherwords is a new PBS web series on Storied that digs deep into this quintessential human trait of language and fınds the fascinating, thought-provoking, and funny stories behind the words and sounds we take for granted. Incorporating the fıelds of biology, history, cultural studies, literature, and more, linguistics has something for everyone and offers a unique perspective into what it means to be human.CC8minJul 28, 2021
- 6. 60 Euphemisms for Death!No topic is as universally avoided--yet universally unavoidable--as DEATH. So, it's got a lot of euphemisms in virtually every language.CC8minSep 20, 2021
- 7. Is Swearing Good for Your Brain?Does swearing get a bad rap? There's evidence that the shouting obscenities has an evolutionary purpose... and may be good for your psyche!CC8minJan 20, 2022
- 8. How Do Clichés Evolve into Memes?Adaptable clichés called "snowclones" are EVERYWHERE on the internet. We use them for memes, inside jokes, to show our membership of the group. But they weren't invented online. In fact, they're way older than you think!CC8minFeb 24, 2022
- 9. The Screwed-Up History of English SpellingThe English spelling system is a MESS... arguably more than any other language. How did it get this way?CC8minMar 24, 2022
- 10. Pronouns: Little Words That Say a LotPronouns may be little, but they say a lot, and they're always changing!CC7minApr 21, 2022
- 11. Is Gossip... Good?Gossip is an integral part of human social structure... and maybe the reason language evolved in the first place!CC8minMay 26, 2022
- 12. Foreign Words We Need in EnglishEnglish has more words than most other languages, but there are still so many familiar things and experiences that we don't have a word for... but other languages do! Here are some of our faves!CC7minJun 23, 2022
13. Is Bilingualism a Superpower?There was a time when psychologists thought growing up bilingual was harmful to brain development, but recent studies into bilingual children have turned that idea on its head!CC10minJul 28, 2022- 14. The Stories Behind Food NamesIt shouldn't matter what a food is called as long as it tastes good, right? Well, maybe not.CC8minAug 25, 2022
15. Literally No One Likes a Grammar CopBesides being annoying, what if the grammar police are actually... wrong?CC10minSep 22, 2022
16. Why Sign Language Was Banned in AmericaSign Languages are just as linguistically valid and vibrant as spoken languages, and beneficial to learn for Deaf and hearing people. So why for decades was it illegal to teach them in American schools?CC12minOct 27, 2022
17. How Brands Ruin SlangWhy do brands use slang in their marketing? And why does it sound so... cringey?CC8minJan 26, 2023- 18. Is "R" a Vowel?We all know that the vowels are A, E, I, O, U and sometimes Y... But the way linguists define vowels may mean R qualifies as well!CC7minFeb 23, 2023
- 19. Where Alcoholic Drinks Got Their NamesAlcohol has been with humanity since the dawn of civilization, and we use still use some of the same terms for it! Come with us on an etymological journey through the history of drinking.CC7minMar 23, 2023
- 20. How English Took Over the WorldHow did English become the most spoken language on the planet, and why are there so many varieties of English?CC7minApr 20, 2023
- 21. The Weird History of Invented LanguagesCan you really invent a language? These people sure tried! But does anyone actually speak them?CC10minMay 25, 2023
- 22. How Queer Communities Created Secret LanguagesAcross the globe, queer communities have relied on secret lexicons known as "argots" to communicate safely, which have developed over the years into what some call "verbal jazz."CC7minJun 22, 2023
- 23. What Brain Damage Reveals About LanguageSome of the first discoveries about the relationship between language and the brain were made by studying patients with brain damage. Of course, before modern technology, the only way you could see the brain was by opening it up.CC9minJul 27, 2023
- 24. Why Does Texting Feel Different from Talking?Your texts might be cool and clever, but you still get tongue-tied when talking to people face-to-face. Why is that? It's all just words, right? Learn the difference between what linguist call synchronous and asynchronous communication.CC7minAug 24, 2023
- 25. How the Colors Got Their NamesThe earliest humans didn't have words for colors... and the way they evolved follow a remarkably similar path across cultures.CC7minSep 21, 2023
- 26. The Most Extreme Place NamesPlace names, known as "toponyms" do more than just help us know where we're supposed to meet up.| They often provide clues that can tell you a lot about a location: its geography, history and the people who lived there.CC8minOct 19, 2023
- 27. How Language Nerds Solve CrimesNo synopsis available yet.CC9minJan 25, 2024
- 28. Why Do These Words Get Mispronounced So Much?There are actually good reasons why people tend to mispronounce the same words... and why they ofTen end up being the new standard!CC9minFeb 22, 2024
- 29. Is the Southern Accent Disappearing?Linguists studying the Southern American Dialect reckon that it ain't what it used to be, y'all. I do declayuh!CC8minMar 21, 2024
- 30. Why Do We Use Cringey Words for Loved Ones?From "kitty" to "lovebug," people across the world use very similar type of words for the people they love. What's behind this universal linguistic trend?CC9minApr 26, 2024
- 31. Why Do Baby Names Fall Out of Fashion?How many Mildreds did you go to school with? If you're under 60 years old, probably none! Mildred may have been a top ten baby name 100 years ago, but today its almost extinct... Why is that??CC8minMay 30, 2024
32. How Cults Use Language to ControlIf there's one thing cult leaders do, it's talk. A LOT. Language is an integral part of how cults keep their members bonded, isolated and obedient.CC11minJun 20, 2024
33. What Is Your Body Telling People?You can choose your words as carefully as you want, but your body may be sending other messages you're not even aware of!CC9minJul 25, 2024
34. Why Is English Awash in Sailors' Jargon?There are so many common words and phrases in English that came from the world of sailing, it's almost OVERWHELMING!CC9minAug 22, 2024- 35. You Were Probably Taught to Read WrongThere are so many common words and phrases in English that came from the world of sailing, it's almost OVERWHELMING!CC9minSep 19, 2024
36. Is English a Creole?There's been a lot of debate amongst linguists about what actually constitutes a creole language. By some definitions, English might be a creole!CC8minOct 31, 2024
37. Can TV Change the Way We Speak?Some parents are concerned (or thrilled?) that their kids might be developing an Australian accent from watching Bluey... but is that really possible? How much of our language acquisition comes from TV anyway?CC7minNov 21, 2024
38. The Ancient Origins of Body WordsThe parts of the human body were likely some of the first things people gave names to, so their deep etymologies can teach us a lot about how language has changed over the millennia.CC9minJan 30, 2025
39. How Languages DieLike species, languages can go extinct. But there are different stages of language death, and some can be reversed.CC9minFeb 27, 2025
40. Why A.I. Struggles with Negative WordsOne of the first words a baby learns is NO! But negation is a deceptively complex linguistic process!CC7minApr 3, 2025
41. Inside the Fiercest Debate in LinguisticsIt's one of the most contentious debates in linguistics, and at the heart of what it means to be human!CC13minApr 24, 2025
42. Where Did Cringey Corporate Jargon Come From?We're gonna have to ask you to go ahead and watch this video.CC6minMay 22, 2025
43. These Magic Words Are REAL!Since ancient times, humans have believed in the special power of words to change the world around them... and they might be right!CC8minJun 26, 2025
44. Will Algorithmic Self-Censorship Unalive Language?TikTok users are altering their speech to evade algorithmic filters--but will this harm language in the long run?CC8minJul 24, 2025
45. Popular Word Origins That Are Totally WRONGSometimes misunderstandings and made-up origins get popular enough to stick around... we call these "folk etymologies"!CC8minAug 21, 2025
46. The 2,000 Year Evolution of PunctuationThere was a time when written words were all scrunched together without any spaces or symbols to help the reader make sense of it. How did we get from that to this?CC10minSep 23, 2025
47. How Brands Use Linguistics to Control Your MindLearn the linguistic secrets that companies use to subtly implant thoughts about their products directly into your brain!CC10minOct 28, 2025
48. Why Linguists Love What's Happening with K-PopAs K-Pop slowly takes over the whole world, linguists have noticed it's changing the way people speak in multiple countries.CC8minFeb 3, 2026
49. Lying Is Way More Complicated Than You ThinkWe all know that lying is wrong, right? But trying to figure out what *exactly* counts as a lie is something that religions, courts and linguists have grappled with for years.CC10minMar 3, 2026
50. Why We All Disagree on How to Talk About TimeIn English-speaking countries, the past is "behind" us and the future is still "ahead." But there's much more linguistic variety in how we talk about time... and it might actually influence how we perceive it.CC10minMar 31, 2026
51. Why Every Generation Uses This One Slang WordMost slang words come and go, but there's one undisputed king that's over 100 years old and still as relevant as ever... and that's cool.CC10minApr 28, 2026
52. The Problem with Judges Acting Like LinguistsIn a court of law, your fate can be determined by how a judge interprets a word or sentence... but should judges be acting as armchair linguists?CC11minMay 26, 2026
53. Why Are There So Few Words for Smells?Humans can differentiate as many as a TRILLION different odors, and yet of all the senses, we have the fewest number of words for SMELLS... why is that?CC10minJun 23, 2026- 54. The People Trying to Control LanguageIt's said that you can't control how language is used... but that doesn't stop these organizations from trying!CC8minJul 21, 2026
- 55. Does "Baby Talk" Have a Purpose?Baby talk (aka Infant Directed Speech) has gotten a lot of hate over the years, but recent studies may have put the controversy to beddy-bye.CC10minAug 17, 2026
Otherwords
20211 season49 episodesReturning Series
Digs deep into the quintessential human trait of language to find the fascinating, thought-provoking, and funny stories behind the words and sounds we take for granted. Incorporating the fields of biology, history, cultural studies, literature and more, linguistics has something for everyone and offers a unique perspective into what it means to be human.
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English
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