Overview

Episode Theme:
This episode of Merriam-Webster's Word of the Day (September 16, 2025) focuses on the word "debunk." The host, Peter Sokolowski, explores the meaning, origin, usage, and nuance of the word, providing listeners with an enriching linguistic deep-dive.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Word Introduction & Definition

• Word: debunk
• Spelling: D-E-B-U-N-K
• Part of Speech: Verb
• Meaning:
  • To debunk something (such as a belief or theory) is to show that it is not true.
  • Example from host: "To debunk something is to take the bunk out of it, that bunk being nonsense." (00:41)

2. Example in Context

• Usage Example:
  • From Adam Gopnik in The New Yorker:

    “Conspiracy theorists and those of us who argue with them have the scars to show for it, often maintain that the ones debunking the conspiracies are allied with the conspirators.” (00:59)

3. Etymology & Origins

• Word Origin:
  • "Bunk" is short for "bunkum," which has political origins.
  • Debunk has been in use since the 1920s.
  • The verb "debunk" means to remove or expose the "bunk" (nonsense or falsehood) from something.
    • Memorable quote: “To debunk something is to take the bunk out of it, that bunk being nonsense.” (01:15)

4. Synonyms and Nuance

• Comparison with Similar Words:
  • Disprove and rebut: To show something is not true.
  • Debunk: While related, debunk suggests not only that something is untrue, but that it’s a sham or deliberate trick.
    • Memorable quote: “Debunk… contrasts with synonyms like disprove and rebut by suggesting that something is not merely untrue but is also a sham, a trick meant to deceive.” (01:26)
  • Disproving is a factual correction; debunking has a slightly stronger implication of exposing exaggeration, foolishness, or deception.

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• On the meaning:
  “To debunk something is to take the bunk out of it, that bunk being nonsense.” – Peter Sokolowski (01:15)

• On the nuance of the word:
  “Debunk… suggests that something is not merely untrue but is also a sham, a trick meant to deceive.” – Peter Sokolowski (01:26)

• On usage:
  “One can simply disprove a myth, but if it is debunked, the implication is that the myth was a grossly exaggerated or foolish claim.” – Peter Sokolowski (01:39)

• External example:
  “Conspiracy theorists and those of us who argue with them have the scars to show for it, often maintain that the ones debunking the conspiracies are allied with the conspirators.” – Adam Gopnik, The New Yorker (00:59)

Timestamps for Important Segments

• 00:41 — Introduction of the word "debunk" and spelling
• 00:50 — Example in a sentence from The New Yorker
• 01:08 — Explanation of the word's origin (bunk, bunkum, political roots)
• 01:26 — Contrast with "disprove" and "rebut," explanation of nuance
• 01:39 — Further illustration of usage and implication
• 01:50 — Host sign off

Miscellaneous

• For more word definitions and language play, listeners are encouraged to visit merriam-webster.com.

Summary prepared for: Listeners seeking an expert breakdown of “debunk,” its nuance, and how to wield it with precision in conversation and writing.