

Bunny Trails: A Word History Podcast
Shauna Harrison, Dan Pugh
Welcome to our whimsical adventure of idioms and other turns of phrase. Each week, we delve into the origins of phrases to find out how they came into the English language. We tell the story of how the phrase got from its beginnings to where it is today. Shauna and Dan are two big nerds, so expect some geek culture references, random trivia facts, and loads of laughs!
Episodes
Mentioned books

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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


