History Daily: Episode Summary – Saturday Matinee: Etymoleon

Release Date: February 15, 2025
Host: Lindsay Graham
Produced by Airship | Noiser | Wondery

Introduction

In this enlightening episode of History Daily, host Lindsay Graham delves into the linguistic depths of love through the lens of the podcast Etymoleon, hosted by Leon. Titled "Saturday Matinee: Etymoleon", this episode explores the rich etymology behind Valentine's Day and various love-related terms, uncovering the historical and linguistic journeys that have shaped our modern expressions of affection.

Origins of Valentine's Day

The episode begins by tracing the origins of Valentine's Day back to the third-century priest, Valentine of Rome. According to legend, Valentine was imprisoned by Emperor Claudius II for conducting Christian weddings secretly. During his captivity, Valentine is said to have formed a bond with the Emperor’s daughter, even reputedly curing her of blindness. Before his execution, Valentine sent her a heartfelt letter signed, "Your Valentine" (03:09).

Leon highlights the mythological debates surrounding Valentine’s legacy, including the ambiguity over which Valentine Pope Gelasius intended to honor in declaring February 14th as St. Valentine’s Day. The connection between the day and romantic love was popularized by Geoffrey Chaucer’s 14th-century poem, "Parliament of Fowls", which links the date to the mating season of birds, symbolizing human romantic endeavors.

Etymology of “Valentine”

Delving into the etymology, the word "Valentine" is rooted in the Latin term "valeo," meaning "to be strong." This connection extends to other English words like "value," "valid," and "valiant," all emphasizing strength and worth (03:09). The use of "valentine" to describe a love token emerged in the early 19th century, evolving from anonymous love letters to the widespread greeting cards we send today by the end of that century.

Evolution of Words Associated with Love

Smitten and Passion

Leon explores how words like "smitten" and "passion" have transformed over time. Originally, "smitten" derived from Middle English, meaning to strike or hit, symbolizing being struck by love (03:09). Similarly, "passion" stems from the Latin "passio," meaning "to suffer," initially referring to the suffering of Christ before expanding to denote intense emotions and desire.

Infatuate and Besotted

The term "infatuated" traces back to the Latin "fatuus," meaning "foolish," highlighting the irrational nature of intense attraction (03:09). "Besotted," originating from the Old English "sot," also connotes foolishness, further emphasizing the sometimes irrational aspects of love.

Flirt and Seduce

Historically, "flirt" carried a derogatory connotation from the 16th to 18th centuries, referring to women of loose morals engaging in casual encounters (03:09). In contrast, "seduce" derives from the Latin "si" (apart) and "duco" (lead), meaning to lead someone away, often in a romantic or persuasive manner.

Musical and Mythological Terms

Cupid, Eros, Venus, and Aphrodite

Leon delves into the mythological figures associated with love:

• Cupid: Derived from the Latin "cupio," meaning "to desire," symbolizing the power to inspire love (03:09).
• Eros: The Greek counterpart to Cupid, originating from the ancient Greek word for love and desire.
• Venus and Aphrodite: Roman and Greek goddesses representing love and beauty. Venus translates to "loveliness and charm," while Aphrodite is the origin of the word "aphrodisiac."

Hormones and Love

The episode also touches on the biological underpinnings of love, discussing hormones like oxytocin, dopamine, and serotonin:

• Oxytocin: Known as the "love hormone," it reduces stress and fosters bonding (03:09).
• Dopamine: Surges during romantic feelings, playing a key role in the brain's reward system.
• Serotonin: Influences mood regulation and contributes to the obsessive thoughts experienced in new romances.

The Language of Kissing

Leon explores the origins of terms related to kissing:

• XOXO: Represents hugs and kisses, with "X" dating back to the 18th century as a symbol of honesty and a kiss on the cross (12:35).
• French Kiss: The term's origin is debated, with theories linking it to British and American soldiers in France during World War I or stereotypes of French sensuality (12:35).
• Snog: A British slang for a passionate kiss, possibly connected to the word "snug" (12:35).

Modern Expressions and Language Shifts

Leon discusses how words related to love have evolved to reflect modern sentiments:

• "Man Crush": Emerged in the 1990s to describe platonic admiration between men, diverging from earlier terms with more negative connotations.
• "Darling" and "Dear": Evolved from Old English roots, with "darling" signifying someone precious and "dear" extending to affectionate correspondence.

Conclusion

This episode of History Daily offers a comprehensive exploration of the linguistic roots of love-related terms, illuminating how language evolves alongside human emotions and societal changes. By unpacking the origins and transformations of words like "valentine," "passion," and "flirt," listeners gain a deeper appreciation for the rich tapestry of language that shapes our expressions of love.

Notable Quotes

• Leon on Valentine's Day Origins (03:09):
  "Valentine's Day may trace its origins to the story of Valentine of Rome, a third century priest imprisoned by the Roman emperor Claudius II for secretly conducting Christian weddings."

• Etymology of "Smitten" (03:09):
  "Smitten... originally meaning to strike or hit, now signifies being struck by love."

• On the Mystery of "French Kiss" (12:35):
  "The origin of using the letter O to symbolize a hug remains a mystery."
  "The term French kiss remains elusive, with theories ranging from military encounters to cultural stereotypes."

• Hormones Influencing Love (03:09):
  "Oxytocin, often called the love hormone, is known for reducing stress and anxiety."

Timestamp Reference

• [03:09] – Start of Leon’s in-depth discussion on Valentine's Day and related etymology.
• [12:35] – Exploration of terms related to kissing and their origins.

For more captivating historical insights and word histories, subscribe to History Daily and explore episodes like Saturday Matinee: Etymoleon. Whether you're a history enthusiast or a language lover, this episode offers a fascinating journey through the words that define our romantic expressions.