Overview

Episode Theme:
The episode centers on the word “askance”—its meaning, usage, origin, and related expressions. Host Peter Sokolowski explores both literal and figurative implications, providing historical context and examples to enrich listeners' vocabulary.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Definition and Pronunciation

• Timestamp: [00:42]
• Host (Peter Sokolowski):
  • Spells out the word: “A S, K, A N C E”
  • Gives the part of speech: adverb
  • Definition:
    • “In a way that shows a lack of trust or approval, or with a side glance.”

2. Sample Sentence Usage

• Timestamp: [00:42]
• Host:
  • Provides an example from the Times Picayune:
    • “In other cultures, they might look askance at such a gnarly, leggy thing wedged into a loaf, but we know that a whole fried soft shell crab is one of the gifts of southeast Louisiana's robust seafood heritage.”
  • Insight:
    • Demonstrates “askance” in the context of suspicion or disapproval within cultural differences.

3. Relation to Similar Words

• Timestamp: [01:02]
• Host:
  • Connects “askance” to similar expressions:
    • “As with the similar word ‘side eye,’ writers over the years have used ‘askance’ literally when someone is looking with a side glance, and figuratively, when such a glance is conveying disapproval or distrust.”
  • Key Point:
    • Both words can imply a nonverbal sign of judgment or doubt.

4. Etymology and Historical Usage

• Timestamp: [01:17]
• Host:
  • Notes medieval forms:
    • “Back in the days of Middle English, you could use askance and askance and askances to mean in such a way that as if to say and artificially or deceptively.”
  • Describes the word’s likely development:
    • “It's likely that askance developed from these forms with some help from askewent, meaning obliquely or askew.”
  • Gives the first known usage:
    • “Askance was first used in the 16th century with the meaning sideways or with a sideways glance.”
  • Insight:
    • The word’s history carries both physical directionality (sideways glances) and figurative meaning (distrust/disapproval).

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

1. On Definition

• Peter Sokolowski [00:42]:
  • “Askance is an adverb. It means in a way that shows a lack of trust or approval, or with a side glance.”

2. On Literal and Figurative Uses

• Peter Sokolowski [01:02]:
  • “Writers over the years have used askance literally when someone is looking with a side glance, and figuratively, when such a glance is conveying disapproval or distrust.”

3. On Historical Context

• Peter Sokolowski [01:17]:
  • “Back in the days of Middle English, you could use askance and askance and askances to mean in such a way that as if to say and artificially or deceptively.”

Important Segment Timestamps

• [00:42] — Word introduction, spelling, definition
• [00:45] — Example sentence from Times Picayune
• [01:02] — Comparison with “side eye”; literal and figurative explanation
• [01:17] — Etymology and usage in Middle English, origin discussion
• [01:29] — First use in the 16th century

Tone and Language

The tone is informative, precise, and accessible—delivering etymological depth with practical examples. Peter Sokolowski maintains clarity and approachability for listeners at all vocabulary levels.

Conclusion

Episode Takeaway:
Listeners walk away with a nuanced understanding of “askance”—how it signifies distrust or disapproval (literally or figuratively), its cultural utility in language, and its rich historical roots. The concise format makes it easy to digest and apply this word in context.

“With your word of the day, I’m Peter Sokolowski. Visit merriam-webster.com today for definitions, wordplay and trending word lookups.” [01:37]