Episode 99: Average

Words for Granted - An etymology and linguistics podcast

25-07-2021 • 20 mins

The word "average" has anything but an average etymology. If the leading theory is correct, "average" ultimately derives from an Arabic word meaning "defect". In this episode, we explore how this Arabic word made its way into European languages through sea trade and how, given this unlikely origin, its mathematical sense emerged over time.

You Might Like

The Allusionist
The Allusionist
Helen Zaltzman
A Way with Words - language, linguistics, and callers from all over
A Way with Words - language, linguistics, and callers from all over
Hosted by Martha Barnette and Grant Barrett. Produced by Stefanie Levine.
The History of Byzantium
The History of Byzantium
thehistoryofbyzantium@gmail.com
99% Invisible
99% Invisible
Roman Mars
You're Wrong About
You're Wrong About
Sarah Marshall
Star Wars Theory
Star Wars Theory
Jigowatt Media
The Rest Is History
The Rest Is History
Goalhanger Podcasts
Marvel's Wastelanders
Marvel's Wastelanders
Marvel & SiriusXM
Today in Focus
Today in Focus
The Guardian
Tides of History
Tides of History
Wondery / Patrick Wyman
History Extra podcast
History Extra podcast
Immediate Media
Freakonomics Radio
Freakonomics Radio
Freakonomics Radio + Stitcher
The Ancients
The Ancients
History Hit