Something Rhymes with Purple

Mind the gap. This week we’re looking for words for the things, feelings and experiences we don’t yet have names for. Featuring grief bacon, coughing and breaking wind at the same time, the nervousness you feel when you can’t remember someone’s name and Jimmy Carr’s backpfeifengesicht. A Somethin’ Else Production Susie’s trio of new words are: Confelicity: finding pleasure in someone else’s happiness (the opposite of schadenfreude) Pana po'o: Hawaiian word meaning to scratch your head...

This week we're playing word games. Featuring the origin of faffing, arse-ropes, bum fodder, Salvador Dali meeting Frankie Howerd, Susie's middle of the night blues and Gyles's star turn as Hamlet. A Somethin' Else Production. Susie's trio of words for the week are: Gigglemug: someone who is permanently cheerful. Coulrophobia: a fear of clowns. Maverick: named after Samuel Augustus Maverick, who left his herd of cattle un-branded.

The art of the euphemism. In other words: "the substitution of a mild, indirect or vague term for one considered to be harsh, offensive, embarrassing or distressing." Quentin Crisp said euphemisms "are like secret agents on a delicate mission. They must airily pass by a stinking mess with barely so much a nod of the head." Featuring the gruesome story of Sweet Fanny Adams, the Doughnut in Granny's Greenhouse and what 'Opportunity To Tidy' means to the Queen. A Somethin' Else Production. The...

Jargon is specialised terminology that both unites and excludes. Gyles is irritated by it. Susie loves it. Featuring cockney rhyming slang, opening the kimono, confessionals and incontinence pads. A Somethin’ Else Production. Susie's trio of words this week are: Crambazzled: looking prematurely aged or rough from drinking. Humdudgeon: an imaginary illness that may prevent you from getting out of bed or through the office door. Panic: dating back to the deity Pan who hid in the woods and...

How to master S-P-E-L-L-I-N-G. Why is it so difficult in the English language? Featuring the history of the bidet, the two types of tickling and a handy trick to prevent you from misspelling the word ‘Definitely’. A Somethin’ Else Production. Susie's trio of new words for the week are: Hirple: to limp and to walk with difficulty. Sarcophagus: a limestone tomb that would gradually decompose the body buried within it. Pandiculating: stretching and yawning at the same time.

Mind your language. This week Gyles and Susie are turning the air blue with a special episode all about swearing. Including the origins of S***, the versatility of F***, Fornication Under Consent of the King, Pope Joan and the scientific evidence (involving Brian Blessed) that swearing relieves stress. A Somethin' Else production. Susie's trio of swearing-themed words this week are: Lalochezia: the relief of tension in your body through swearing. Tmesis: cutting one word up and putting...

We look at American English. Featuring the story of Gyles's Great Great Great Grandfather, Noah Webster's gift of making spelling easier and Trump's covfefe kerfuffle. A Somethin’ Else Production. Susie's trio of USA-themed words for the week are: Scurryfunge: to rush around tidying before a visitor arrives. Skidaddle: to depart quickly or hurriedly. Boondoggle: an entirely futile or unnecessary undertaking.

We explore the surprising origins of the English language. Featuring Gérard Depardieu's nose, bloody drunks and the British Potato Council. A Somethin’ Else Production. Susie's trio of new words worth knowing are: Bang-a-bonk: old dialect for sitting lazily on a river bank. Bloviator: a braggot or a boaster. Boffola: an uproariously funny joke.

Susie Dent and Gyles Brandreth are here to increase your word power with a brand new podcast. Listen here to find out all about it.