Skip to content
Something Rhymes with Purple podcast artwork

PODCAST · arts

Something Rhymes with Purple

by Sony Music Entertainment

Susie Dent and Gyles Brandreth invite you to enhance your vocabulary, uncover the hidden origins of language and share their love of words in this award-winning podcast. We love hearing from you, find us @SomethingRhymes on Twitter and Facebook, @SomethingRhymesWith on Instagram or you can email us here: [email protected] Want more Purple, people? Join the Purple Plus Club by clicking the banner in Apple podcasts or by heading to purpleplusclub.com to listen on other platforms for ad-free listening, and not 1 but 2 episodes of the show every week. You can buy our branded mugs, tote bags and T-shirts here: https://bit.ly/37huhqs A Sony Music Entertainment production.Find more great podcasts from Sony Music Entertainment at sonymusic.com/podcasts To bring your brand to life in this podcast, email [email protected] more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Publisher-supplied feed metadata · PodParley refreshed Apr 14, 2026 · Source feed

Episodes

  1. Thank You and Farewell!

    Wow, this is the final episode of Something Rhymes With Purple. Susie, Gyles, and all of us at Purple HQ want to say a massive THANK YOU for being the best audience in the whole wide world. We have had such fun making these episodes, and of course we had to finish with a listener correspondence...

  2. Portcullis

    Ah, it's the penultimate week for our fantastic podcast. Join Susie and Gyles as they unpack the wondorous world of castles. We love hearing from you, find us @SomethingRhymes on Twitter and Facebook, @SomethingRhymesWith on Instagram or you can email us on our email address here:...

  3. Sorbetto

    You scream, I scream, we all scream for ice cream! Join Susie and Gyles this week as they take us on a delicious journey, unpacking the history behind ice cream flavour names. We love hearing from you, find us @SomethingRhymes on Twitter and Facebook, @SomethingRhymesWith on Instagram or you can...

  4. Elixir

    This week Susie and Gyles explore the wonderful ancient world of alchemy... And have a big announcement to make straight from Purple HQ. We love hearing from you, find us @SomethingRhymes on Twitter and Facebook, @SomethingRhymesWith on Instagram or you can email us on our email address here:...

  5. Hades

    This week, Susie and Gyles explore the fiery (under)world of Hell. Join us as we unpack the infernal regions, a place of torment for the wicked after death. We love hearing from you, find us @SomethingRhymes on Twitter and Facebook, @SomethingRhymesWith on Instagram or you can email us on our…

    more
  6. Nirvana

    This week, Susie and Gyles explore heaven. Join us as we uncover the historical, linguistic, and cultural roots of this divine subject. We love hearing from you, find us @SomethingRhymes on Twitter and Facebook, @SomethingRhymesWith on Instagram or you can email us on our email address here:...

  7. Garbelage

    This week Susie and Gyles are talking dirty. No, not in that way, get your head out of the gutter... Literally. Join us as we explore where words such as 'trash', 'garbage', 'litter' and 'trash' originate from. So tune in and let's talk all kinds of rubbish together! We love hearing from you…

    more
  8. Sabana

    This week, Susie and Gyles embark on an exciting journey into the wild as we delve into the history and evolution of all things 'safari'. Discover how this term, rooted in Swahili and Arabic, has traveled through time and across continents to become synonymous with adventure and exploration. We...

  9. Saudade

    This week, we're unraveling the sentimental journey behind the word 'nostalgia'. Join Susie and Gyles on a linguistic journey through time, where every word is a portal to the past. Enjoy Susie’s Trio for the week: Desiderate: To yearn for something one once had but has now lost. Listicle…

    more
  10. Pizzicato

    Join us on a rhythmic journey through the history of one of the most iconic genres of music... JAZZ! Susie and Gyles dive deep into the origins and evolution of the term that defines a genre full of creativity, spontaneity, and soul. We love hearing from you, find us @SomethingRhymes on Twitter…

    more
  11. Murdre

    Join Susuie and Gyles this week as they unravel the linguistic roots behind murder. From the ancient origins of 'homicide' to the sinister evolution of 'assassination', we uncover the words we use to describe humanity's darkest deeds. We love hearing from you, find us @SomethingRhymes on Twitter...

  12. Hupnos

    This week, Susie and Gyles drift off far far away to the land of sleep... So tune in and embark on a journey through the nocturnal landscape of words. We love hearing from you, find us @SomethingRhymes on Twitter and Facebook, @SomethingRhymesWith on Instagram or you can email us on our email...

  13. Mundungus

    This week, Susie and Gyles explore fragrances and scents. Join us as we inhale the sweet aromas of people and places... We love hearing from you, find us @SomethingRhymes on Twitter and Facebook, @SomethingRhymesWith on Instagram or you can email us on our email address here:...

  14. Botulus

    *Cough cough*... This week Susie and Gyles explore the language of diseases. From Cholera to Mumps, and Malaria to Influenza, they have you covered. Also, we reveal the WINNERS of our 'To Dent' and 'To Brandreth' competition! We love hearing from you, find us @SomethingRhymes on Twitter and...

  15. Fascicles

    This week, Susie and Gyles unravel the intricate history of dictionaries, those indispensable guides that serve as gateways to language. From ancient lexicons to modern compendiums, we explore how dictionaries have shaped our understanding of words and the world around us. And Gyles lets us know...

  16. Bafflegab

    This week Susie and Gyles get lost in the world of nonsensical language, and embrace the weird, wacky and wonderful ways the English language can be. Your favourite duo also pay homage to the masters of nonsensical language – Dr. Seuss, whose fantastical worlds and playful rhymes have enchanted...

  17. Oxford, Gibson and Brogue

    This week Susie and Gyles delve back into a favourite topic, shoes. Inspired by purple person Kevin, the origins of all manner of footwear are discussed such as Oxford's, Brogue's and Gibson's. We love hearing from you, find us @SomethingRhymes on Twitter and Facebook, @SomethingRhymesWith on...

  18. Happy Birthday Gyles!

    This week it's about the birthday boy, as we celebrate all things Gyles Brandreth. Not only does Gyles spoil us with a plethora of his famous anecdotes, but he becomes the linguistics quizmaster and places Susie in the hot seat to answer questions from his book 'Have You Eaten Grandma'. HAPPY...

  19. Treasure House

    From the latin word dicere meaning ‘to speak, to tell or to say’. This week Susie and Gyles are looking at the ultimate word bible, the dictionary! Gyles ponders the difference between a glossary and a dictionary. And Susie delves into prescriptivism vs descriptivism We love hearing from you…

    more
  20. Cool Britannia

    The 90s was a crazy decade, brimming with pop culture moments that defined Britain. Susie and Gyles discuss words that gained popularity in the post Cold War era, from Cool Britannia, to the Spice Girls, Dianamania to the World Wide Web... We love hearing from you, find us @SomethingRhymes on...

  21. Lovely Jubbly

    'A moo point is like a cows opinion, it doesn't matter, it's moo'. This week Gyles and Susie have fun looking at the influence that television has had on language. Gyles gets nostalgic with some of his and his children's favourite UK and American TV programmes. And Susie explores the words that...

  22. Schnurrbart

    Flow it, show it, grow it! This week Susie and Gyles look at the history and etymology of all things to do with hair. Gyles takes us down memory lane and tells us about when he used to rock a full facial set (head to our social media pages for pics!) And Susie does what she does best, by...

  23. Gategate

    Dive into the groovy world of etymology as we journey back to the vibrant decades of the 70s and 80s in this week's episode. Join Susie and Gyles and get ready to disco through the evolution of language, exploring the funky slang, radical expressions, and iconic phrases that defined these iconic...

  24. Bagpudding

    Roses are red, Violets are blue, Love makes the world go round, And so does etymology too! Happy Valentines Day! This week, Susie and Gyles explore the words of affection we used in our everyday vernacular... From darling, to cabbage(?!), to sweetie, to bae - we find out where these cutie-pie…

    more
  25. Beatlemania

    This week at the Purple HQ, we explore words that come from the swinging 60s! Hear all about Gyles meeting The Beatles in an Apple shop back in the day, and Susie unpacking extraordinary etymologies... We love hearing from you, find us @SomethingRhymes on Twitter and Facebook…

    more
  26. (H)aitch

    Join Susie and Gyles this week as we unravel the captivating stories behind the letters 'E' to 'L,' in the second installment of our alphabet journey. We explore the rich history and surprising connections that have shaped our language, and of course indulge in Gyles' infamous anecdotes. We love...

  27. Rizz

    Have you ever spotted a beige flag in your situationship? Are you a die hard Swiftie? Do you think you've got plenty of Rizz? If you don't know what we're on about, Purple People, then you need to get with the times! This week, Susie & Gyles reveal the Oxford English Dictionary's 'Word of the…

    more
  28. Semiquincentennial

    PURPLE PEOPLE! Today is an extra special day for Something Rhymes With Purple - we are celebrating our 250th episode! So to celebrate, we have decided to rifle through our glorious inbox, and answer YOUR questions. Thank you so much for tuning in each week, here's to the next 250! - from Susie,...

  29. Mafiosa

    Embark on a linguistic odyssey with this week's episode as Susie and Gyles unravel the hidden histories behind Mafia terminology. We explore the gripping meanings of the words that have shaped the clandestine world of the Mafia, showcasing how language itself becomes a powerful force in the...

  30. Pertolerate

    Happy New Year, Purple People! We're kicking off 2024 by flicking through the pages of Gyles book' 'Word Play'. Join us and join in as we unpack and explore odd and unusual words in the English language. We love hearing from you, find us @SomethingRhymes on Twitter and Facebook,...

  31. Jollification (Santa Claus)

    NOTE: This episode is all about the LEGEND of Santa Claus. We advise you to not listen to this episode around young children. Ho ho ho! Merry Christmas Purple People! This week join Susie and Gyles as they discuss the legend of Santa Claus, and how this mystical figure has transformed through the...

  32. Ragman roll

    STOP WHAT YOU'RE DOING PURPLE PEOPLE! Our journey throught the 20th century is not over yet... In fact, we've hit the halfway point! Join Susie and Gyles as we explore the war years and into the baby boom. We love hearing from you, find us @SomethingRhymes on Twitter and Facebook,...

  33. Alphabetician

    Jump into the linguistic playground with Susie and Gyles as they spin through the magical world of alphabet this week. Join us for a joyous jaunt through the whimsical origins of our beloved alphabet. This week we go from A to E! We love hearing from you, find us @SomethingRhymes on Twitter and...

  34. Flappers

    Join Susie and Gyles as they unravel the origins and evolution of the captivating language that defined the 1920s and 1930s, from the slang of flappers to the colloquial expressions born out of economic turmoil. Discover the hidden stories behind the words that shaped an era, as we delve deep…

    more
  35. Umpteen

    This week, Susie and Gyles dive into the linguistic time capsule of the early 20th century. Join in as they explore the birth of new words and phrases that shaped communication from 1900 to 1910, providing a unique perspective on the evolution of our linguistic landscape." We love hearing from…

    more
  36. Gauntlet

    Step into the linguistic battlefield with this week's as Susie and Gyles explore the origins of medieval armour terminology. Join us as we immerse ourselves in the rich history of words that once adorned the knights of old, forging a connection between language and the clangor of medieval warfare...

  37. Sprogs

    Susie and Gyles are getting you to use your loafs this week, as they glide through the fun and ferocious etymology behing the unique language of RAF slang. Together they'll decode the hidden stories and linguistic roots behind the expressions that echo through the Royal Air Force, bringing you...

  38. Fandango de pokum

    Join us this week as we turn the pages of our very own Susie Dent’s brand new book: ‘Interesting Stories About Curious Words’. We explore all the very best niche stories behind much loved words in the English language. We love hearing from you, find us @SomethingRhymes on Twitter and Facebook,...

  39. Hygge

    In this week's episode, we unravel the captivating history behind the autumnal season. Join Susie Dent and Gyles Brandreth on a linguistic journey through time as we explore the origins and evolution of the term, discovering the rich tapestry of meanings woven into this vibrant season.. Tune in…

    more
  40. HOT BEEF!

    This week, join Susie and Gyles as we unravel the lively history behind common exclamations, from the classic ‘phwoar!’ to the newer and expressive ‘oof!’. Uncover the linguistic journey that transforms mere words into powerful expressions, adding a dash of excitement to your language…

    more
  41. Roots of Happiness

    This weeks episode is an extra special one. Our very own Susie Dent has a wonderful new book out! We browse through 'Roots of Happiness', a joyous collection of 100 positive words and their origins which shows how wonderful language can be - and how you can use your words to make the world a...

  42. Pingere

    This week Susie and Gyles dive into the linguistic canvas of words. Join use as we explore the rich tapestry of illustrations and pictures as we trace the origins of these expressive terms. Together let’s uncover the hidden strokes of meaning as we paint a linguistic masterpiece, exploring the...

  43. Diva

    Dive into the linguistic tapestry of English on this week's episode as we unravel the captivating Italian influences that have woven their way into our language. Susie and Gyles go on a journey through time and words, exploring the rich etymological connections that bridge Italy and English. From...

  44. Archipelago

    This week's episode is coming to you from the back of a London Black Cab! Gyles kept calm and carried on to deliver the purple people today's episode on maps! We embark on a captivating journey through the history of maps, uncovering the hidden stories behind the words we use to describe these...

  45. Scrumdiddlyumptious

    In this week's gloriumptious episode, Susie & Gyles delve into the whimsical and wondrous world of Roald Dahl. Join us as we explore the enchanting etymology behind some of Dahl's most iconic words, and discover the linguistic magic that brings his tales to life. We love hearing from you, find us...

  46. Raspis

    Join Susie and Gyles this week as they unravel the delightful chaos of misnomers, where words dance to their own tunes! Discover the quirky origins behind some linguistic rebels and the stories they've mistaken for truth. We love hearing from you, find us @SomethingRhymes on Twitter and Facebook,...

  47. Auld Reekie

    In this week's episode, Susie & Gyles are taking a stroll down the linguistic lanes of the 'Edinburgh Fringe’, tracing its linguistic roots and exploring how this cultural extravaganza got its quirky name. Join us on a journey through words and time as we uncover the intricate tapestry of…

    more
  48. Tittermatorter

    In this week's merry episode, we're frolicking through the linguistic playground! Join Susie & Gyles as they swing through the history and etymologies of all things fun. Come and relive your youth, Purple People! We love hearing from you, find us @SomethingRhymes on Twitter and Facebook,...

  49. Cerealia

    This week, Susie & Gyles demystify calendar mysteries. Join us as we unravel the the quirky origins of the m months’ names - from January to December. We love hearing from you, find us @SomethingRhymes on Twitter and Facebook, @SomethingRhymesWith on Instagram or you can email us on our NEW email...

  50. Clarus

    This week, we are live from the Bristol Old Vic as Susie & Gyles tune into the vast history of the ‘orchestra’. Join us as we discover the melodious connections between orchestras and their vibrant etymologies! We love hearing from you, find us @SomethingRhymes on Twitter and Facebook,...

Type above to search every episode's transcript for a word or phrase. Matches are scoped to this podcast.

Searching…

We're indexing this podcast's transcripts for the first time — this can take a minute or two. We'll show results as soon as they're ready.

No matches for "" in this podcast's transcripts.

Showing of matches

No topics indexed yet for this podcast.

Loading reviews...

ABOUT THIS SHOW

Susie Dent and Gyles Brandreth invite you to enhance your vocabulary, uncover the hidden origins of language and share their love of words in this award-winning podcast. We love hearing from you, find us @SomethingRhymes on Twitter and Facebook, @SomethingRhymesWith on Instagram or you can email us here: [email protected] Want more Purple, people? Join the Purple Plus Club by clicking the banner in Apple podcasts or by heading to purpleplusclub.com to listen on other platforms for ad-free listening, and not 1 but 2 episodes of the show every week. You can buy our branded mugs, tote bags and T-shirts here: https://bit.ly/37huhqs A Sony Music Entertainment production.Find more great podcasts from Sony Music Entertainment at sonymusic.com/podcasts To bring your brand to life in this podcast, email [email protected] more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

HOSTED BY

Sony Music Entertainment

Produced by Sony Music

CATEGORIES

Frequently Asked Questions

How many episodes does Something Rhymes with Purple have?

Something Rhymes with Purple currently has 287 episodes available on PodParley. New episodes are automatically indexed when they're published to the podcast feed.

What is Something Rhymes with Purple about?

Susie Dent and Gyles Brandreth invite you to enhance your vocabulary, uncover the hidden origins of language and share their love of words in this award-winning podcast. We love hearing from you, find us @SomethingRhymes on Twitter and Facebook, @SomethingRhymesWith on Instagram or you can email us...

How often does Something Rhymes with Purple release new episodes?

Something Rhymes with Purple publishes regularly with 287 episodes available. Check the episode list for the typical release schedule.

Where can I listen to Something Rhymes with Purple?

You can listen to Something Rhymes with Purple on PodParley by clicking any episode. We provide an embedded audio player for direct listening, and you can also subscribe via your preferred podcast app using the RSS feed.

Who hosts Something Rhymes with Purple?

Something Rhymes with Purple is created and hosted by Sony Music Entertainment.
URL copied to clipboard!