EPISODE · Feb 17, 2021 · 26 MIN
28. The Onomatopoeia Episode
from Word Matters
O-N-O-M-A-T-O-P-O-E-I-A. The forming of a word in imitation of a sound.First, we'll look at some words that first described a sound (like pop, or buzz) that then went on to describe completely different things (like pop, or buzz). Then, we'll get into the phenomenon known as back-formation, or, the creation of a word by the alteration of an existing word (like burgle from burglar). It leaves some people feeling less than gruntled.Hosted by Emily Brewster, Neil Serven, Ammon Shea, and Peter Sokolowski.Produced in collaboration with New England Public Media.Transcript available here.Today's Podcast is brought to you by The Great Courses Plus. Visit TheGreatCoursesPlus.com/matters to receive a free month of unlimited access.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
What this episode covers
A discussion of our favorite ways words are created
NOW PLAYING
28. The Onomatopoeia Episode
No transcript for this episode yet
Similar Episodes
Apr 30, 2026 ·21m
Apr 18, 2026 ·22m
Apr 17, 2026 ·22m
Apr 16, 2026 ·22m
Apr 15, 2026 ·23m
Apr 14, 2026 ·22m