The political, royal and obscene meanings of ...

1233. This week, we talk to Laura Spinney, author of "Proto: How One Ancient Language Went Global." We look at how linguists reconstruct a language no one wrote down and why the ancient word for "wheel" is still debated. Then we look at how ancient DNA pointed to nomadic herders ...  Show more

1232. This week, we look at four ordinary words — "hippocampus," "chimera," "behemoth," and "gargantuan" — that all started as the names of monsters. Then, we look at where sailors got the phrase "graveyard watch" and at the difference between a graveyard and a cemetery.The monst ...  Show more

In this episode, you’ll learn how to use the common expression “once in a blue moon.” In Part 2, which will be posted shortly, you’ll hear the story of Rosa Parks and learn about the Civil Rights Movement. Want to take your learning further? ⭐ ⁠Visit the website⁠ for more learnin ...  Show more

In this episode of the American English Podcast, you’ll learn how to use the common English expression “out of the blue.” First, we’ll start with a joke, then we’ll break down what the expression means and go through a few real-life examples so you can hear how it’s used naturall ...  Show more

How many 'blue' phrases do you know? Learn three more with Phil in this podcast.TRANSCRIPT Find a free transcript for this episode and more programmes to help you with your English at: https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/english/features/s5english_in_a_minuteFIND BBC LEARNING E ...  Show more