What 'kith and kin' and 'beck and call' have in common

In short

Grammar Girl explores the fascinating world of 'fossil words' – words that persist only within fixed phrases. The episode delves into the origins and meanings of phrases like 'kith and kin', 'beck and call', and 'hue and cry', explaining how the individual words have largely fallen out of common usage. The show also features listener contributions, including examples of 'eggcorns' (misheard words like 'eye bulbs' for eyeballs) and the history behind phrases related to children's games and place names like 'Nimrod'. The discussion highlights how language evolves and how older words leave traces in modern expressions.

Key takeaways

• Fossil words are words that survive only as part of fixed phrases, having lost their independent meaning or usage.
• Phrases like 'kith and kin', 'beck and call', and 'hue and cry' contain fossil words whose original meanings are often misunderstood.
• Listener contributions reveal interesting linguistic phenomena like 'eggcorns' and the historical context of various phrases and place names.
• The meaning and usage of words and phrases evolve over time, sometimes leading to surprising etymological journeys.

Chapters

1. 00:00

   Introduction to Fossil Words

   The podcast begins by introducing the concept of 'fossil words' – words that survive only as part of fixed phrases, like 'kith', 'beck', and 'hue'. The host, Grammar Girl, sets the stage for exploring these linguistic remnants.

2. 00:35

   Listener Follow-Up and 'Kith and Kin'

   The segment starts with listener follow-ups, leading into an example of 'kith and kin'. The host explains that 'kith' refers to familiar friends, neighbors, or relatives, and the phrase dates back to the late 1300s, originally meaning country and kinsfolk.

3. 01:30

   The Fossil Word 'Beck'

   The discussion shifts to the phrase 'beck and call'. The host clarifies that 'beck' originally meant to signal someone with a nod or gesture, evolving from a verb to a noun. The phrase 'beck and call' means being ready to do what someone asks.

4. 02:15

   Exploring 'Hue and Cry'

   The phrase 'hue and cry' is examined, explaining its historical context in law enforcement. Originally, it meant a public outcry to pursue a criminal. 'Hue' comes from the Old French word for clamor or public outcry, and the phrase dates back to the 1200s.

5. 03:00

   Distinguishing 'Hue' (Color) vs. 'Hue' (Outcry)

   The host differentiates the 'hue' in 'hue and cry' from the 'hue' meaning color. The latter, derived from Old English, refers to shades and tints and has a different origin and meaning.

6. 03:30

   The Phrase 'Spick and Span'

   The phrase 'spick and span' is introduced, meaning extremely clean, fresh, and tidy. The host explains its older form, 'spick and span new', which meant brand new. 'Spick' referred to a spike or a fresh wood chip.

7. 04:15

   Listener Contribution: 'Eggcorns'

   A listener named Paul shares his son's 'eggcorns' – misheard or reinterpreted words that make sense in their own way. Examples include 'lawn motor' for lawn mower, 'eyeballs' for 'eye bulbs', and 'underbrella' for umbrella.

8. 05:00

   Listener Follow-Up: 'Hucklebuckle Beanstalk'

   Another listener follow-up discusses the phrase 'hucklebuckle beanstalk', used when finding something lost. This phrase is linked to children's games like 'Hide the Thimble' and has various regional names and versions.

9. 05:45

   Listener Follow-Up: 'Nimrod'

   A listener named Michelle shares information about the word 'Nimrod'. It's revealed that the town of Watersmeet, Michigan, calls itself the 'Home of the Nimrods', referencing the biblical figure known as a mighty hunter, which is the mascot for their local school.

10. 06:30

    Conclusion and Call to Action

    Grammar Girl wraps up the episode, thanking listeners for their contributions and encouraging them to continue engaging with the podcast. She reminds listeners to like and subscribe.

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