Podcast Summary: Merriam-Webster's Word of the Day – "Excursion"

Release Date: January 9, 2025
Host: Merriam-Webster
Episode Title: Excursion

Introduction

In the January 9th episode of Merriam-Webster's Word of the Day, host Peter Sokolowski delves into the rich and multifaceted word "excursion." This episode not only defines the term but also explores its various applications in both literal and figurative contexts, providing listeners with a comprehensive understanding of its usage and origins.

Definition of "Excursion"

Peter Sokolowski begins by clearly defining "excursion" as a noun with two primary meanings:

1. A Trip for Pleasure: A short journey undertaken for enjoyment or leisure.
2. A Deviation from the Norm: A figurative use denoting a departure from a set direction or course, often implying a digression.

Quote:
“Excursion is a noun. It refers to a trip, and especially to a short one made for pleasure. Excursion is also often used figuratively to refer to a deviation from a direction, definite or proper course, and often in particular to a digression.”
— Peter Sokolowski [00:41]

Usage Examples

To illustrate the versatility of "excursion," Sokolowski provides concrete examples from music history and popular culture:

1. Miles Davis and Jazz Fusion:

   • In James Kaplan's Three Shades of Miles Davis, John Coltrane, Bill Evans and the Lost Empire of Cool, Davis's shift from acoustic jazz to a fusion of jazz and rock is cited as a stylistic excursion that puzzled traditional jazz enthusiasts.

2. A Tribe Called Quest's "Low End Theory":

   • The 1991 album is highlighted as a seminal work in hip hop that ventured into jazz territories, marking it as one of the genre's most successful early excursions. The collaboration with legendary bassist Ron Carter exemplifies this artistic journey.

Quotes:
“Miles Davis abandoned acoustic jazz altogether, moving to the easy, uneasy blend of jazz and rock that would cause consternation among jazz purists and come to be known as fusion.”
— Peter Sokolowski [00:41]

A Tribe Called Quest's 1991 album the Low End Theory is not only widely regarded as one of the greatest hip hop albums of all time, but one of the genre's most successful early excursions into jazz.
— Peter Sokolowski [01:30]

Etymology of "Excursion"

Diving into the word's origins, Sokolowski explains that "excursion" is derived from the Latin verb "excurrere," which means "to run out or to extend." This etymology breaks down into:

• "Ex-" meaning "out of."
• "Currere" meaning "to run."

This root highlights the concept of moving outward or extending beyond a usual boundary, which is central to both its literal and figurative meanings.

Quote:
“The word comes from the Latin verb excurrere, meaning to run out or to extend, which combines the prefix ex meaning out of, and the verb curare, meaning to run.”
— Peter Sokolowski [02:20]

Contemporary Usage

While "excursion" can historically refer to military raids or attacks, its modern usage predominantly leans towards positive and enjoyable ventures such as jaunts, junkets, and rambles. This shift underscores the word's association with leisure and pleasant deviations from the ordinary.

Sokolowski encourages listeners to incorporate "excursion" into their everyday vocabulary, suggesting that the next time they embark on a short trip—be it to a park, beach, or elsewhere—they could enhance the experience by listening to A Tribe Called Quest's "Low End Theory," whose first track aptly titled "Excursions," complements the day's word.

Quote:
“Although it is sometimes used to refer to attacks or raids made against an enemy, as in military excursions, excursion is mostly used today for much more enjoyable jaunts, junkets, and rambles accordingly.”
— Peter Sokolowski [02:50]

Conclusion

Peter Sokolowski wraps up the episode by reinforcing the dual nature of "excursion"—as both a physical trip for pleasure and a metaphorical departure from the norm. By providing historical and cultural examples, he offers listeners a nuanced appreciation of the word's versatility and encourages its usage in various contexts.

Quote:
“On your next excursion, whether to the park, beach or elsewhere, you could do worse than to queue up the Low End Theory on your playlist. The album's first track, after all, is titled Excursions with your word of the day.”
— Peter Sokolowski [03:00]

For more definitions, wordplay, and trending word lookups, listeners are invited to visit merriamwebster.com.