Something Rhymes with Purple

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: purple@somethinelse.com

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.

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287 episodes
Updated Jul 23, 2024

Episodes287

Newest first

Nov 30, 2021 · 34 min
Cybernetic
It's time to reboot your systems as we surf the web and probe around the intricate world of computers. Join us as we discover the origins of Google (and what the founders nearly called themselves instead), what digital mediums have to do with our fingers, and why you might not want to be invited to a computer 'picnic'. We also answer a brilliant email about the origins and uses of monitors, plus to help Gyles tell the difference between uploads and downloads there's a very special appearance from the king of the Purple Tech... Gully! A Somethin' Else production To buy SRWP mugs and more head to.... https://kontraband.shop/collections/something-rhymes-with-purple If you would like to sign up to Apple Subs please follow this link https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/something-rhymes-with-purple/id1456772823 and make sure that you are running the most up-to-date IOS on your computer/device otherwise it won’t work. If you would like to see Gyles and Susie LIVE and in person on our Something Rhymes With Purple UK Tour then please go to https://www.tiltedco.com/somethingrhymeswithpurple for tickets and more information. Susie’s Trio: Callythump - a riotous parade Foregleam - a dawning light Foozler - someone who regularly bungles things Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Nov 23, 2021 · 36 min
Barmpot
*This episode contains language that some listeners might find offensive* Today we are looking inwards and taking a linguistic journey through the world of mental health; how our attitudes towards it have changed over the years and how language has adapted to reflect this. Discover the connection between barmy and beer, the effect of the moon on our wellbeing, and why being bananas or nuts has nothing to do with anything that you eat. A Somethin’ Else production. To buy SRWP mugs and more head to.... https://kontraband.shop/collections/something-rhymes-with-purple If you would like to sign up to Apple Subs please follow this link https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/something-rhymes-with-purple/id1456772823 and make sure that you are running the most up-to-date IOS on your computer/device otherwise it won’t work. If you would like to see Gyles and Susie LIVE and in person on our Something Rhymes With Purple UK Tour then please go to https://www.tiltedco.com/somethingrhymeswithpurple for tickets and more information. Susie’s Trio: Pecksniffian – to be sanctimonious and self-righteous Pantomorphic – to be capable of producing any shape or state Parvanimity – having a small or ignoble mind Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Nov 16, 2021 · 33 min
Flenched
This week we’re having a rummage through the postbag and dedicating the whole episode to questions that you, the marvellous Purple People, send in each out. We help people find out where all the different meanings of ‘mandarin’ came from, ponder whether there’s a word for the twilight of the morning, and we get to the bottom of a rather tricksy wordy riddle. Also up for discussion are cauliflowers, rumours, ducks, and meadows. If you have a question that you’d like us to look into then please email purple@somethinelse.com A Somethin’ Else production. To buy SRWP mugs and more head to.... https://kontraband.shop/collections/something-rhymes-with-purple If you would like to sign up to Apple Subs please follow this link https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/something-rhymes-with-purple/id1456772823 and make sure that you are running the most up-to-date IOS on your computer/device otherwise it won’t work. If you would like to see Gyles and Susie LIVE and in person on our Something Rhymes With Purple UK Tour then please go to https://www.tiltedco.com/somethingrhymeswithpurple for tickets and more information. Susie’s Trio: Dumbledore – an old name for a bumble bee Melissa – honey bee Dysphemism – the opposite of a euphemism; an insult or unpleasant phrase deliberately used in place of a nicer one Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Nov 11, 2021 · 41 sec
SRWP Live in BATH 20th November
Purple People! We're so excited to be kicking off our live tour on Saturday 20th November at 3pm in BATH. We'll have all the podcast favourites as we record an extra special live episode of the show, they'll be lots of interactive wordy elements AND a live Q&A. Tickets are available from tiltedco.com/somethingrhymeswithpurple We can't wait to see you there! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Nov 9, 2021 · 37 min
Jerkwater
All aboard Purple People because today, Susie and Gyles will be taking you on a trip on the railways! As our locomotive pulls the carriages along, we’ll see how freight trains are fraught, why university book sellers were also at the station and how a stop-off at a small town became insulting. The Purple People will of course be receiving the red carpet treatment from Susie and Gyles will be making sure the timing on our schedules all align. What are you waiting for? Let’s get on the (gravy) train! If you have any questions for Susie and Gyles, please mark your letter ‘express’ and send it to purple@somethinelse.com for Susie and Gyles. A Somethin’ Else production. To buy SRWP mugs and more head to.... https://kontraband.shop/collections/something-rhymes-with-purple If you would like to sign up to Apple Subs please follow this link https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/something-rhymes-with-purple/id1456772823 and make sure that you are running the most up-to-date IOS on your computer/device otherwise it won’t work. If you would like to see Gyles and Susie LIVE and in person on our Something Rhymes With Purple UK Tour then please go to https://www.tiltedco.com/somethingrhymeswithpurple for tickets and more information. Susie’s trio: Malversation - corruption while in office Farmer’s Haircut - leaves a visible line of pale skin between the hair line and the tanned back of the neck Acersecomic - someone whose hair has never been cut Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Nov 2, 2021 · 31 min
Firgun
This week we’re full of chutzpah as we schmooze our way through the fabulous words that Yiddish has given to the English language. While our resident mensches don’t pretend to be mavens, they swell with kvelling as they revel in this rich and unique vocabulary covering everything from they smutty schmucks to the new Purple favourite ‘firgun’. Elsewhere Susie explains what ‘relexicalisation’ is, there’s a discussion on political correctness, and as always, three brilliant words to take into your week and a brand new poem to learn by heart. If you have a linguistic query or a tale from the table we’d love to hear it at purple@somethinelse.com. A Somethin’ Else production. To buy SRWP mugs and more head to.... https://kontraband.shop/collections/something-rhymes-with-purple If you would like to sign up to Apple Subs please follow this link https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/something-rhymes-with-purple/id1456772823 and make sure that you are running the most up-to-date IOS on your computer/device otherwise it won’t work. If you would like to see Gyles and Susie LIVE and in person on our Something Rhymes With Purple UK Tour then please go to https://www.tiltedco.com/somethingrhymeswithpurple for tickets and more information. Susie’s Trio: Fipple - the mouthpiece of a wind instrument Flews - the pendulous lateral parts of a dog’s upper lip Fugacious - transient or fleeting Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Oct 26, 2021 · 36 min
Scoff
Happy 175th birthday to Auguste Escoffier! In honour of the founding father of the modern restaurant we invite you Purple People, to join us in some fine dining today. Please let maitre d’hotel Brandreth sit you at your table (with its impeccably white table cloth) and waitron Dent will soon be here to serve you today’s finest offering of delectable culinary language. Soup is definitely off the menu (as are brown shoes…Gyles will explain!) and let’s hope you don’t order anything that is an ‘86’. That aside, as a purple person you are most certainly a WKF and therefore ‘Mr. Save’ has been called throughout this finest of establishments, ensuring your entertainment and wordy appetite will be satisfied today. If you have a linguistic query or a tale from the table we’d love to hear it at purple@somethinelse.com. A Somethin’ Else production. To buy SRWP mugs and more head to.... https://kontraband.shop/collections/something-rhymes-with-purple If you would like to sign up to Apple Subs please follow this link https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/something-rhymes-with-purple/id1456772823 and make sure that you are running the most up-to-date IOS on your computer/device otherwise it won’t work. If you would like to see Gyles and Susie LIVE and in person on our Something Rhymes With Purple UK Tour then please go to https://www.tiltedco.com/somethingrhymeswithpurple for tickets and more information. Susie’s trio: Pessundate - To cast down or ruin Timdoodle - Silly fellow (Cornish dialect) Linnard - Last person to finish when you’ve sat down for a meal Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Oct 19, 2021 · 38 min
Glisters
It’s time for fake tan, sequins and your dancing shoes today, Purple People because Susie and Gyles are waltzing into the world of Ballroom Dancing…. One, two, three, One, two, three… We’ll be tripping the light fantastic as we explore the Waltz’s scandalous origin, cha-cha-cha-ing into the latin dances where Susie and Gyles prove it takes two to tango as we explore the Paso Doble and Charleston. Gyles will jitterbug us into the days of his school disco despair whilst Susie shares times of being footloose and fancy free with her favourite dancing memory. If you have a questions about ballroom dancing or anything you would like to share with Susie and Gyles, please email purple@somethinelse.com A Somethin’ Else production. To buy SRWP mugs and more head to.... https://kontraband.shop/collections/something-rhymes-with-purple Susie’s trio: Grobble - fumble about in the dark with the hand Sticklebutt - Headlong, with great impetuosity Grumptious - Feeling a little irritable Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Oct 12, 2021 · 33 min
Just A Minute
Testing, testing… one-two, one-two. Turn your wireless to the correct frequency and then turn it up as this week we bring you the terminology behind the world of radio. Discover the agricultural origins of the word ‘broadcast’, learn the difference between wet and dry audio, and find out why a bed is not for sleeping in and a disco isn’t an opportunity to dance. Elsewhere Susie’s got a fantastic trio of words to add to your vocabulary, we learn about Gyles’ first job in radio, and we’ve got a very special poem from a Purple Person. If you have a question for Gyles and Susie then please do email us on purple@somethinelse.com A Somethin’ Else production Susie’s Trio: Cromulent - acceptable or legitimate Pooter - a suction bottle used for collecting specimens Rawky - foggy, damp, and a little bit chilly Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Oct 5, 2021 · 37 min
Prepone
This week we abandon our mufty and don our finest khaki dungarees to set off from Blighty in search of the rich influence of Indian on the English language. We go doolally for juggernauts, repeat some mantras to reach nirvana, and we discover why ‘stadium’ might be your new favourite insult. And there was so much to cover that there is an extended version of this episode with an extra ten minutes of content for Purple Plus members available on Apple Subscriptions. To find access this, please follow go to Apple Podcasts using this link now: https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/something-rhymes-with-purple/id1456772823?i=1000537128681. Thank you to all the Purple People who suggested this wonderful subject and if you have a topic you’d like us to explore in a future episode then please email us: purple@somethinelse.com A Somethin’ Else production. Susie’s Trio: Maculate - stained Nyctophobia - an extreme fear of darkness Blandishment - false flattery in order to get what you want Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Sep 28, 2021 · 40 min
Masheen
It’s an honor to have you with us today Purple People as we plow through the colorful world of the lexicographer, author, language reformer and perhaps famously the dictionary creator, Noah Webster. Known as the father of American English, he is the man principally responsible for the loss of the ‘u’ in the American spelling of words like ‘color’ and the person responsible for adding J and V to our alphabet. Although we still visit islands (not ilands) and operate machines rather than masheens, his contribution to language is staggering and in this episode Susie and Gyles will deep dive into what cawt on and which went to the linguistic jail (thankfully ‘jail’ was one of the replacements that did catch on and replace its former ‘gaol’). If you have a question or there’s a topic you’d like us to explore in a future episode then please email purple@somethinelse.com A Somethin’ Else production. To buy SRWP mugs and more head to.... https://kontraband.shop/collections/something-rhymes-with-purple Susie’s trio: Finagal - to use devious methods to bring something about Havey-cavey - unsteady/uncertain or not sure of what you’re doing Toot-Moot - a low, muffled conversation Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Sep 21, 2021 · 32 min
Mausolos
Pick up your finest trowel and join us as we dig around the etymology of archaeology. Find out the link between helmet and hell, why we have an ancient king to thank for grand mausoleums, and why a thesaurus is even more of a treasure trove than you might first think. Elsewhere Susie has some great examples of fossil words that you might like to bring back to life and Gyles gets passionate about Sutton Hoo. Gyles and Susie also delve into the inbox to answer some more of your fantastic questions as well as receiving a slap on the wrist for making a walkie-talkie faux pas… If you have a question or there’s a topic you’d like us to explore in a future episode then please email purple@somethinelse.com A Somethin’ Else production. Susie’s trio: Wheem - pleasant, gentle, or smooth Ponommerins - light, fleecy clouds that dapple the sky Shobbling - doing little odd-jobs around the house Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Sep 14, 2021 · 36 min
Pluffy
This week we’re going goo-goo and gaga as we investigate the wonderful words associated with babies. We cut the umbilical cord, discover the Roman connections with c-sections, and reveal the link between a fountain and a baby’s head. So, depending on where you are in the world, pop a dummy or a pacifier into your mouth and hop into our linguistic pram/buggy and we’ll whizz you through the language of babies before a well-earned nap in your cot… or should that be crib? Elsewhere Gyles reveals the fascinating results of studies into the memories and language-learning of the very young and Susie offers up an unusual remedy for a baby in breach. And of course we answer lots of your questions along the way about being ‘wet behind the ears’, ’throwing the baby out with the bath water’, and much more. If you have a linguistic query for Susie and Gyles then the email address is purple@somethinelse.com. We’d love to hear from you! Susie’s: Trio: - Doppet: to play a musical instrument rather jerkily - Pleep: to speak in a querulous tone of voice - Pluffy: to be fat and fluffy A Somethin’ Else production. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Sep 7, 2021 · 36 min
Big Top
Join us under the Big Top this week as your ringmasters Susie and Gyles crack their etymological whips to tell the stories of the freaks, geeks, and clowns that populate our circuses. We discover the famous hands Gyles has shaken at one remove thanks to Popov The Clown, we learn about the joke behind jugglers, and we ask what’s the point of acrobats? A Somethin’ Else Production. Susie’s Trio: Quodlibertarian - a pedantic blowhard; someone who argues over every single point Tranklements - bric-a-brac Fulminous - relating to or resembling thunder and lightning If you want to get in touch with a question or suggestion then please email purple@somethinelse.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Aug 31, 2021 · 40 min
Grok
Postman Purple is back with his big sack of Purple People correspondence! You heard it right folks, Gyles and Susie are diving into the mail bag where we are going to explore what connects airports and kitchens, what happened when Susie tried charcoal toothpaste and we have some Purple People theories on your ‘Aunt Nels’ (spoiler: includes shells and elephants). We also venture into the world of the extraterrestrial and - perhaps a purple first - learn some language of the martians. Gyles takes us on a dangerous and sadly fateful voyage with a Flawed Horny Well Worn Ghost (Gyles will reveal all!) and also coins a new term we are sure many of you will relate to, as he acknowledges himself as a ‘dent-o-phile’. - to be submitted to the OED imminently. Yours faithfully, The Purple Producers A Somethin’ Else production. We love getting your Purple Post so please email purple@somethinelse.com and you might be hearing your question in your Aunt Nels in the upcoming weeks. TRIO Plangent - A loud and resonant sound Dendrology - The scientific study of trees Wegotist - Someone who overuses the royal ‘we’ To buy SRWP mugs and more head to.... https://kontraband.shop/collections/something-rhymes-with-purple Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Aug 24, 2021 · 36 min
Icarus
Chocks away! Roll out! Hello! It’s another Tuesday and we’re pushing the envelope (well, not really, but we love alliteration) and presenting you, our Purple People, with another episode! The last year and a half has been almost entirely devoid of holidays. Have you missed the miniatures? Have you longed for a drink as you fly over the drink? Have you ever had a Delsey dinner with a crumb cruncher? Well even if you’re not up in the air, we at Something Rhymes With Purple will get you half way there this week, as we take off, cruise and land in the world of Aeroplanes! Susie tells us how her love of turbulence turned a corner when a trolly dolly took a tumble (though don’t you call them that!) and explains how Roger and Romeo are related. Gyles adds the concorde to his fabulous list of names to drop and tells us all about Carol Vorderman in the cockpit! Elsewhere Mayday has nothing to do with Summer, crop dusting has nothing to do with the harvest and mangoes may well be the favourite fruit of Mile High club members. We love getting your Purple Post so if you have a question for Gyles and Susie then fire it over to purple@somethinelse.com and Bob’s your uncle. To buy SRWP mugs and more head to.... https://kontraband.shop/collections/something-rhymes-with-purple TRIO Umbriferous - casting or making shade Solander - protective box made in the form of a book Ortanique - cross between and orange and a tangerine A Somethin’ Else production. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Aug 17, 2021 · 46 min
Merry-go-sorry
Roll up, roll up and scream if you want to go faster! This week Gyles and Susie take a spin on the carousel (or should that be merry-go-round) as they waltz their way through the general hoopla of fairgrounds and carnivals. They marvel at the ironic profession of the inventor of candy floss, they toss away the notion that coconuts are shy, and Gyles reminisces about his father’s attempts to knock an old woman out of her bed. Strap in, it’s going to be a rollercoaster of a ride. As always there are lots of your fabulous emails to answer so if you have a question for Gyles and Susie then fire it over to purple@somethinelse.com and Bob’s your uncle. A Somethin’ Else production Susie’s trio: Merry-go-sorry - a mixture of joy and sadness Edacious - fond of eating Sesquipedalian - a word with too many syllables; or using too many long words Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Aug 10, 2021 · 35 min
Naff
Bona to vada your dolly eek, Purple People! Now, if the above greeting to today’s episode is wholly incomprehensible then let Gyles and Susie decode it for you as they take us through the fascinating language of Polari. Whether you want to add a bit of Zhuzh to your conversation or if you have experienced something a bit naff recently, Susie is here to tell us to how these words found their way into this secret language which heralded from Italian, but evolved to encompass multiple other languages, as well as using a host of linguistic tricks to create this uniting language of the traveller communities. Gyles will track how this language made its way into popular culture (accompanied with a number of name drops, of course!) and why in modern days, Polari found one of its homes in the LGBTQ+ community. Lau your luppers on the strillers bona and afterwards, on your computer keyboard and let Susie and Gyles know about any Polari questions you may have or if you have some Polari words you would like to share with them by emailing purple@somethinelse.com. A Somethin’ Else production To buy SRWP mugs and more head to.... https://kontraband.shop/collections/something-rhymes-with-purple Susie’s Trio: Sardonian - someone who flatters with deadly intent Jettatore - someone who brings misfortune with them Redeless - without council, or not knowing what to do particularly in an emergency Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Aug 3, 2021 · 34 min
Podiuming
Happy Tuesday! We must ask, are there many Purple People in the Peri-perineum? It is the perfect way to spend a blursday! Now that we’ve properly exchanged pleasantries- get read… set and go! Because this week we are doing a Tom Daley and diving deep into the wonderfully relevant world of the Olympics! Do you fancy an ancient ritual in honour of Zeus? Given the tight leash on demographics oh so many Olympiads ago, we think… probably not! Are you buffed and oiled and ready for the athalon? Or do you prefer the discotheque to the discus? Regardless of what you need, we are here to answer all of your sporting and ancient athletic quibbles, queries and questions! Elsewhere, we have more name-dropping from Gyles, a lesson in ancient Greek from Susie and, as ever, your Purple Post! If you would like to get in touch with either Susie and Gyles please get in touch with us at purple@somethinelse.com. A Somethin’ Else production To buy SRWP mugs and more head to.... https://kontraband.shop/collections/something-rhymes-with-purple Susie’s Trio: Videnda- Things worth seeing Tacenda- Things that you must not speak about Pigsnie- darling or beloved Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Jul 27, 2021 · 37 min
Tuxedo Park
We can hear the bells today, Purple People! Here in the UK, we have hit wedding season so Susie and Gyles have decided to provide you with some charming titbits to entertain those table guests you’ll be next to on the big day. The time for firkytoodling is done so, get out your best tux (or morning suit as Gyles will passionately advocate), find your finest corsage and we hope you remembered to RSVP because the ushers will be showing you to your seat shortly. Susie will walk us - not down the aisle - but through the big day explaining how a bride swigging her ale at the bridal party was always the way, what tractors and the bride’s dress have in common and why personal hygiene issues were to thank for a key component of the bridesmaid attire for the day. But smelly wedding guests aren’t the only people making their mark on the big day as Gyles reveals his legacy regarding the civil wedding service. We also have the latest instalment in the etymological battle for the word ‘Digs’ with contestant Brandreth coming in with some further evidence. Purple people are promised front row seats as this war of words continues to unfold. Alongside wedding invites and ‘save the date’ postcards, Susie and Gyles would love receive a correspondence from you. If you would like to get in touch with either Susie and Gyles please get in touch with us at purple@somethinelse.com. A Somethin’ Else production To buy SRWP mugs and more head to.... https://kontraband.shop/collections/something-rhymes-with-purple Susie’s Trio: Procaffeinating - to put everything off until you’ve had at least one mug of coffee Conjubilant - rejoicing with others Introuvable - not capable of being found, specifically of books Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices