EPISODE · Nov 26, 2016 · 23 MIN

Episode 15: Sinister

from Words for Granted - An etymology and linguistics podcast

Today's episode explores the etymological and cultural connections between the words 'sinister' and 'left,' as in, 'left-handed.' In the world of Ancient Rome, the left hand was surrounded by an unlucky superstition. Though the superstition has faded away, the original word denoting this connection––sinister––has not. While the evolution of 'sinister' is the focus of today's episode, it fits into a larger theme of etymological biases against left-handedness found in languages around the world.

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This episode was published on November 26, 2016.

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