

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

Apr 5, 2023 • 29min
188 Airing Dirty Laundry
This week Shauna and Dan explore the phrase "Airing Your Dirty Laundry". Except originally, it wasn't "airing". Nor was it "laundry". And on occasion, it wasn't even "dirty". Bonus: Modern Major Generals, Fancy Shower Curtains, and jilted musicians. Also, stick around for the post-credit scene if you like bad jokes. Copyright 2023 by The Readiness Corner, LLC - All Rights Reserved

Mar 29, 2023 • 31min
187 At a Crossroads
This week Shauna and Dan explore the phrase, "At a Crossroads", which has a strong association with blues legend Robert Johnson. Bonus: Search engine optimization in the 1700s and cool pet names. Also, how do you pronounce gnocchi? Copyright 2023 by The Readiness Corner, LLC - All Rights Reserved

Mar 22, 2023 • 34min
186 Give an Inch, Take a Mile
Did you know "If you give them an inch, they'll take a mile" wasn't the original usage for this phrase? And the original usage stuck around until the mid 1900s? This week on #BunnyTrails Shauna and Dan explore the origins and past of this saucy phrase. Copyright 2023 by The Readiness Corner, LLC - All Rights Reserved

Mar 15, 2023 • 32min
185 If You Can't Stand the Heat Then Get Out of the Kitchen
Harry S. Truman was known for his metaphorical way of speaking. This week's phrase, "if you can't stand the heat, get out of the kitchen" was one he helped popularize. But where did it come from? Even Truman himself credits different people at different times. So join us as we explore this phrase. #BunnyTrails Copyright 2023 by The Readiness Corner, LLC - All Rights Reserved

Mar 8, 2023 • 32min
184 The Rabbit Died
This week Shauna and Dan explore the fast burning phrase, The Rabbit Died. We talk the history of early pregnancy tests and how that led to this interesting phrase. Along the way we hear about several TV shows that used the phrase and then talk about Billy Crystal doing CPR on a bunny. Fun times. #BunnyTrails Copyright 2023 by The Readiness Corner, LLC - All Rights Reserved

Mar 1, 2023 • 32min
183 Line Your Pockets
Shauna and Dan explore the money-grabbing phrase, Line Your Pockets. Along the way, we learn about Dan's dainty wallet, the Peculiar Miss Pickett, and how George Washington was against price gouging. #BunnyTrails Copyright 2023 by The Readiness Corner, LLC - All Rights Reserved

Feb 22, 2023 • 31min
RETRO 59 Old Dog, New Tricks
In this RETRO episode, we'll answer the age old question, Can you teach an old dog new tricks? Spoiler Alert: You can. Shauna and Dan talk vocal discrimination, materialism in the early 1900s, the downside of Martin Van Buren, and PCs vs Macs. Dan finds a new favorite song while also recognizing the although way we argue has changed, the fact that we are mean to each other when not speaking face to face hasn't changed at all. #BunnyTrails Copyright 2023 by The Readiness Corner, LLC - All Rights Reserved

Feb 15, 2023 • 28min
182 Something to Write Home About
This week Shauna and Dan explore the phrase Something to Write Home About. In it, we learn that old-timey writers couldn't call a whale a whale. Bonus: Presidential Prison Dentists, Shauna struggles with geography, and we decide the best oceans - once we figure out what an ocean even is. #BunnyTrails Copyright 2023 by The Readiness Corner, LLC - All Rights Reserved

Feb 8, 2023 • 32min
181 Bless Your Heart
This week Shauna and Dan explore a southern work of art with "Bless Your Heart". Don't let the fact that it precedes the United States deter you from learning more about this versatile phrase. Bonus: Godzilla, Ms. Lewis' Third Thursday Ladies, and zucchini pickles. #BunnyTrails Copyright 2023 by The Readiness Corner, LLC - All Rights Reserved

Feb 1, 2023 • 30min
180 Dead of Winter
This week Dan ponders why he lives in a place where the air hurts his face and he and Shauna explore the phrase Dead of Winter. Bonus: Made up bands, magical self-cleaning kitchens, and the meme-tastic Samuel Johnson. #BunnyTrails Copyright 2023 by The Readiness Corner, LLC - All Rights Reserved


