Podcast Summary: Merriam-Webster's Word of the Day Episode: canard
Release Date: February 5, 2025
Host: Peter Sokolowski

Introduction

Merriam-Webster's Word of the Day podcast delivers daily insights into the English language, enhancing listeners' vocabulary with expert explanations and contextual applications. In the February 5, 2025 episode, hosted by Peter Sokolowski, the featured word is "canard." This episode delves into the multifaceted meanings of "canard," its usage in modern language, historical origins, and its unique application in aeronautics.

Definition of "Canard"

Peter Sokolowski begins by defining canard as a noun with multiple meanings:

1. False Report or Story: A canard refers to a false report, story, belief, or rumor that lacks truth.
2. Aeronautical Terms: It also denotes a type of airplane or a small airfoil in aviation contexts.

Sokolowski articulates, "canard is a noun. It refers to a false report or story, or to a belief or rumor that isn't true. It can also refer to a kind of airplane as well as to a kind of small airfoil." [00:41]

Usage in Context

To illustrate the usage of canard in contemporary language, Sokolowski cites a sentence from The Atlantic, quoting journalist Kara Swisher:

"It's such a canard to think young people don't care about great information. They do. We have to start thinking as media of where they're getting it." [00:41]

This example underscores the word's application in denouncing unfounded beliefs or misconceptions.

Etymology and Historical Origins

Sokolowski traces the origins of canard back to 16th-century France. The term "Vendre des canards ramothier" was a colorful French expression meaning "to fool or to cheat." Literally translating to "to half sell ducks," the exact connotation of "half sell" remains obscure, likely stemming from a widely known but now lost story of that era.

He explains, "The French phrase means literally to half sell ducks. No one now knows just what was meant by to half sell. The saying was probably based on some story widely known at the time, but the details have not survived." [00:41]

Despite the ambiguity of its original meaning, the phrase's popularity facilitated the adoption of canard into the English lexicon in the mid-1800s, where it retained its connotation of a hoax or fabrication.

Aeronautical Significance

Expanding beyond its primary definitions, Sokolowski explores canard's relevance in aviation. He notes that the term was adopted to describe certain aircraft from the early days of flight:

"The aeronautical sense of canard, used from the early days of flying, comes from the stubby duck-like appearance of the aircraft." [00:41]

In aeronautics, a canard refers to a configuration where a small wing or horizontal stabilizer is placed forward of the main wing, resembling the appearance of a duck's front.

Conclusion

Peter Sokolowski wraps up the episode by encapsulating the versatility of the word canard. From denoting falsehoods in everyday discourse to its specialized use in aeronautics, canard exemplifies the richness of the English language and its capacity to evolve and adapt through history.

Notable Quotes:

• "canard is a noun. It refers to a false report or story, or to a belief or rumor that isn't true." — Peter Sokolowski [00:41]
• "It's such a canard to think young people don't care about great information. They do. We have to start thinking as media of where they're getting it." — Kara Swisher, cited in The Atlantic [00:41]
• "The aeronautical sense of canard... comes from the stubby duck-like appearance of the aircraft." — Peter Sokolowski [00:41]

For more definitions, wordplay, and trending word lookups, visit MerriamWebster.com.