Bunny Trails: A Word History Podcast

Shauna Harrison, Dan Pugh
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Jun 14, 2023 • 32min

195 Lost to the Mists of Time

This week Shauna and Dan explore all that has been lost to the mists of time. Well, at least the phrase; which sounds spooky and spiritual. And maybe it is. Bonus: Calvin and Hobbes, peer pressure from dead people, amazing museums, and rhyming poems. Copyright 2023 by The Readiness Corner, LLC - All Rights Reserved
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Jun 7, 2023 • 34min

194 Butter Up

This week Shauna and Dan explore the flattering phrase, to butter someone up. The origins are a bit murky, but we'll explore some popular theories. Bonus: Spanish Idioms, Friendsgiving, and Great Captains. #BunnyTrails Copyright 2023 by The Readiness Corner, LLC - All Rights Reserved
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May 31, 2023 • 36min

RETRO 116 Calling Dibs and Other Chicago Phrases

RETRO: Shauna and Dan return from Chicago armed with numerous parts of what newspaperman Mike Ryoko called "Chicagoese". We take a good look at the origins of Calling Dibs before doing snippets of other words and phrases like Ferris Wheel, Jinx, Pipe Dream, and more. Bonus: Dan wishes he knew I-290 was gonna be called the Eisenhower. It would have saved him so many headaches. More bonuses: Italian Beef, Hot Dogs, and Gluten-Free Donuts. Originally aired July 7, 2021 Copyright 2023 by The Readiness Corner, LLC - All Rights Reserved
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May 24, 2023 • 30min

Retro 110 Pardon My French

RETRO: Dan gets an earworm and it turns into an entire episode on the phrase, "Pardon My French". Cause that's how it goes sometimes. This week our phrase moves from the early 1800s literal usage to a current way to excuse bad language, with plenty of high points along the way. #BunnyTrails Originally aired May 19, 2021 Copyright 2023 by The Readiness Corner, LLC - All Rights Reserved
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May 17, 2023 • 32min

193 In a Pickle

Dan hates on cucumbers. And a popular children's book series. And a popular TV mockumentary. But he is helpful in defining what a rundown is in baseball. Shauna explores a light history of pickling and the origins of "In a Pickle" on this week's #BunnyTrails. Copyright 2023 by The Readiness Corner, LLC - All Rights Reserved
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May 10, 2023 • 32min

192 My Goodness

This week Shauna and Dan explore the phrase, My Goodness. How can My Goodness euphemistically refer to a god, when the words god and good are not etymologically related? And did Shakespeare start this one? Bonus: John Gilroy's Guinness campaign and Goldilocks' mattress. Copyright 2023 by The Readiness Corner, LLC - All Rights Reserved
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May 3, 2023 • 31min

191 Face the Music

This week Shauna and Dan explore the phrase, Face the Music. Dan turns into an old man and yells at clouds while Shauna misses Bill and Ted. Bonus: Dan confuses Hugh Grant and John Hannah, then shares his dice collection. #BunnyTrails Copyright 2023 by The Readiness Corner, LLC - All Rights Reserved
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Apr 26, 2023 • 34min

Retro 94 Earworm

RETRO: Science fiction and science fact collide this week as Shauna and Dan discuss the origins and fun pre-history of the word "earworm". And then they talk all about those songs that just won't leave your brain! But don't worry, there is hope as they talk about possible cures, too. So much practical knowledge on this week's #BunnyTrails! Originally aired January 6, 2021. Copyright 2023 by The Readiness Corner, LLC - All Rights Reserved
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Apr 19, 2023 • 32min

190 Know Him From Adam

This week Shauna and Dan explore the phrase "Don't know him from Adam". Also works with 'her from Adam'. Or 'her from Eve'. Or so many other pronouns. Bonus: Georgian London Criminal Court, Christmas movies, and School Lunches. #BunnyTrails Copyright 2023 by The Readiness Corner, LLC - All Rights Reserved
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Apr 12, 2023 • 32min

189 Barking Up the Wrong Tree

This week Shauna and Dan explore the phrase, "Barking Up the Wrong Tree". This episode is full of outlandish stories including an interesting tale by David Crockett, who preferred not to use the childlike moniker, Davy. Also, Shauna calls everyone born in 1980 or earlier "old". Bonus: Locutus of Borg, professional drivers, and the largest bear in all of America. Probably. Copyright 2023 by The Readiness Corner, LLC - All Rights Reserved

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