Shows
I Hate TalkingBonus Onomatopeia Behind the ScenesSend us a text Special behind the scenes bonus episode:The hosts discuss how to represent a rewind sound (onomatopoeia). They debate whether to cut out a portion of the recording or continue, and ultimately decide to keep the candid moment because it's funny, then agree to continue from where they left off.---Any views expressed on this podcast are those solely of the hosts and is for entertainment purposes only. None of the content is medical advice or financial advice. Special thanks to Tim Wright aka CoLD S...2025-07-2500 minI Hate TalkingOnomatopeia and the Sounds of ColdplaySend us a text The hosts continue their discussion on the word "onomatopoeia," elaborating on its definition (words that imitate sounds, like "splash" or "ping") and etymology (from Greek meaning "name making"), and exploring examples of onomatopoeia, especially in animal and bird names. They highlight how different languages create onomatopoeia differently (e.g., a duck’s sound is “quack” in English, “coin” in French, “gaga” in Japanese), and discuss how language, words, and their meanings evolve over time and across cultures.The episode shifts focus to a recent viral incident involving a “kiss cam” at a Coldplay concert...2025-07-2439 minI Hate TalkingBloops, Bloopers, and TreesSend us a text The Word of the Episode: "Bloop""Bloop" Origins and Mysteries: The episode opens with a discussion about the word "bloop," notable in the hosts' family for its mysterious oceanic association. The "bloop" refers to an ultra-low-frequency underwater sound detected in 1997 by two hydrophones 5,000 miles apart. It initially fueled speculation about an unknown sea creature, fueled by the interests of one of the hosts' children.Scientific Explanation: Despite myths about sea monsters, the scientific consensus is that the "bloop" sound was caused by underwater seismic activity or icebergs colliding, specifically identified as an "i...2025-07-1733 minI Hate TalkingRoshambo (alternatively known as Rock Paper Scissors)Send us a text Episode 66 of "I Hate Talking" shifts to a more lighthearted tone after two serious episodes, focusing on the word "Rochambeau," which is another name for the game rock-paper-scissors. The hosts discuss the debated origins of the term. One popular but incorrect urban legend claims that a French general named Rochambeau used the game to make battlefield decisions during the American Revolutionary War. However, the World Rock Paper Scissors Association debunks this, stating the term’s true origin is unclear but likely unrelated to the general.The game itself originated in China, pos...2025-07-1016 minI Hate TalkingParallel Play - Part 2Send us a text Episode 65 of "I Hate Talking" centers on the word "cogitate" and continues the discussion about parallel play.The hosts introduce and explore the word "cogitate," which means to think deeply about something, tracing its Latin roots and comparing it with "meditate." They note that while both words involve deep thought, "cogitate" implies active, problem-focused thinking, whereas "meditate" often connotes relaxation or contemplation without a specific goal.The hosts discuss how "meditate" is more commonly used in modern English, while "cogitate" is rare and might be misunderstood if used in conversation. They highlight t...2025-07-0328 minI Hate TalkingParallel Play - Part 1Send us a text The hosts discuss the concept of "parallel play," ultimately choosing it over other potential topics like "predictive programming" or "apse" for this episode.Definition and Origins:Parallel play originally describes a stage in child development where children play side by side without direct interaction, as a precursor to cooperative play.The term is now also applied to adults: it refers to people engaging in separate activities in the same physical space, such as one reading while the other watches TV, without direct interaction.Hosts’ Perspectives:One host dislikes par...2025-06-2631 minI Hate TalkingPareidolia (Seeing Faces and More in Everyday Scenery)Send us a text Example #1: Person Standing Over Edge of A Cliff Seen In Background of One Photo but Not Another.Example #2: My family member went on a hike – but someone (or something) else showed up in her photo.The Pareidolia episode:Pareidolia is the tendency to perceive familiar patterns, especially faces, in random or ambiguous images and objects.Common examples include seeing faces in clouds, rock formations, or everyday items like breakfast foods.Etymology and OriginsThe term derives from Greek roots: "para" meaning "beyond" and "eidolon" mea...2025-06-1924 minI Hate TalkingGoing Gangbusters on Personal Health and MoreSend us a text Main Topic: The Word "Gangbusters"The episode centers on the meaning, usage, and origin of the word "gangbusters," prompted by a listener request.The hosts initially discuss their own understanding, associating "gangbusters" with something that is very successful, energetic, or goes "all out."Dictionary definitions are referenced:(1) A police officer or person who breaks up criminal gangs.(2) Something very successful or performed exceptionally well.The term is noted as informal and primarily North American in usage.Etymology and Historical Usage"Gangbusters" originated from a popular 1930s–1950s radio show called "Gan...2025-06-1227 minI Hate TalkingThings of Which We're Proud, Plus PlumbersSend us a text The episode centers around the etymology of the word "plumber" and segues into a broader discussion about pride, personal achievements, and learning styles.Key Points:Origin of "Plumber":The hosts discuss the word "plumber," tracing its roots to the Latin word plumbum (meaning lead), which is why the chemical symbol for lead is Pb. Historically, plumbers worked with lead pipes, hence the profession's name..Learning Styles:The conversation touches on different mnemonic techniques, with one host preferring visual mnemonics and the other auditory, highlighting how people remember i...2025-06-0527 minI Hate TalkingBonus Knock Knock JokeSend us a text Bonus knock knock joke, following our humorous episode from yesterday!---Any views expressed on this podcast are those solely of the hosts and is for entertainment purposes only. None of the content is medical advice or financial advice. Special thanks to Tim Wright aka CoLD SToRAGE for his permission to use the song Operatique. 2025-05-3000 minI Hate TalkingWhat a Joke of an EpisodeSend us a text Episode Milestone and Word of the DayThe hosts discuss the significance of reaching episode 60, debating whether 50 or 60 is a more exciting milestone.The featured word is "rubric." They explore its meanings:In education and structure: a checklist or set of criteria to fulfill a purpose.In liturgical context: instructions for how a religious service should be conducted, not the service itself.As a category: grouping ideas under a broader concept.The etymology of "rubric" traces back to the Latin "rubeus" (meaning red), through Old French and Middle English, to modern English. T...2025-05-2939 minI Hate TalkingLatin Terms and When To CommitSend us a text Key Terms and EtymologyDe Minimis: This Latin phrase, from "de minimis non curat lex" meaning "the law does not concern itself with trifles," refers to a threshold value in tariff law. Goods imported into the US below a certain dollar amount (e.g., $800) are considered trivial and not subject to tariffs, while those above are.Ad Valorem: Also Latin, meaning "according to the value," this term describes a tariff or tax that is a percentage of the value of goods, similar to a sales tax. An item can be subject to b...2025-05-2225 minI Hate TalkingTaxes, Value, and VolunteeringSend us a text Word of the Episode: TariffThe hosts define a tariff as a tax imposed by a government on goods, usually on imports, with the goal of making foreign goods less competitive compared to domestic products. Tariffs can also be applied to exports, though this is less common and often used when a country has a unique product or resource.Types and Purposes of TariffsThere are two main types:Specific tariff: A fixed fee per unit (e.g., $500 per container).Ad valorem tariff: A percentage of the declared value of t...2025-05-1528 minI Hate TalkingInstrumental TariffsSend us a text The episode opens with the hosts noting there are no major announcements and moves directly into discussing the “word or phrase of the episode”: instrumental. The hosts observed that “instrumental” has come up frequently in their recent personal conversations, prompting them to explore its meanings and usage.Etymology and Definitions•Etymology: The word “instrumental” traces back to Latin instruere (construct or equip), then to instrumentum (implement or equipment), later entering Middle English as “instrument,” and finally “instrumental” as an adjective.•Definitions:•General Use: When someone or something is described as “instrumental,” it means...2025-05-0833 minI Hate TalkingOne Year Podcasting Celebration and Norman DoorsSend us a text Episode 56 of “I Hate Talking” celebrates the podcast’s one-year anniversary since its launch in May 2024, reflecting on the journey and thanking listeners for their support. The hosts announce that all episodes now have transcripts and improved show notes to enhance accessibility and discoverability.The episode’s featured phrase is “Norman Door,” a term named after design expert Don Norman, referring to doors whose operation (push or pull) is unclear or confusing to users. The hosts discuss examples of Norman Doors, including doors with misleading handles or no handles, and share personal anec...2025-05-0132 minI Hate TalkingMind Your Ps and QsSend us a textDiscussion Focus:The hosts explore the origin and meaning of the phrase "mind your P's and Q's," sharing theories, personal experiences, and research.Main Theories Discussed:Typesetting/Printing Press Theory:The phrase may have originated from early printing, where printers had to be careful not to confuse the lowercase letters "p" and "q," which look similar when set backward for printing.Tavern/Pub Theory:Another theory suggests the phrase comes from English and Australian pubs, where bartenders kept track...2025-04-2432 min