How birds got human names

Magpie is short for "Margaret Pie" and I swear I'm not even joking

19 hrs ago • 

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March 2025

My favourite etymologies: clue

How a word for worms and string became a word for advice

Mar 8 • 

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My favourite etymologies: "to curry favour"

Or, the unfathomably dark depths of the equine soul

Mar 1 • 

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August 2023

Huge announcement: there’s a Weird Medieval Guys BOOK coming out soon!

oh my god!!! oh my god!!!! oh my god!!!!!

Aug 21, 2023 • 

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The Medieval Monks Who Lived on Top of Giant Pillars

A history of the monastic high life

Aug 2, 2023 • 

Aran James

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July 2023

An 800 year old prayer book that's decorated with puns

Plus a little history of manuscript illustration

Jul 4, 2023 • 

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June 2023

Why is medieval art so weird?

In this inaugural episode of the Weird Medieval Guys podcast, Olivia and Aran discuss why medieval art is so intriguing to modern viewers and what makes…

Jun 23, 2023 • 

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Explore medieval life and death with these 5 fun interactive maps!

Travels, murders, and......eels?!!

Jun 1, 2023 • 

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May 2023

Why did medieval people invent so many collective nouns?

A pride of lions, a paddling of ducks, and....a herd of harlots?

May 9, 2023 • 

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April 2023

What does a biblically accurate angel actually look like?

Sexy? Scary? Both?

Apr 22, 2023 • 

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No, the King doesn't own all the swans in Britain

So who does?

Apr 17, 2023 • 

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Do you have less free time than a medieval peasant?

A look at the source and historical background behind a notorious claim

Apr 11, 2023 • 

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