Merriam-Webster's Word of the Day: "Flounder" – Episode Summary
Podcast Information:
- Title: Merriam-Webster's Word of the Day
- Host: Merriam-Webster
- Description: Free daily dose of word power from Merriam-Webster's experts
- Episode: Flounder
- Release Date: February 20, 2025
Introduction
In the February 20, 2025 episode of Merriam-Webster's Word of the Day, host Peter Sokolowski delves into the multifaceted verb "flounder." This episode offers listeners a comprehensive exploration of the word's definitions, usage, etymology, and its nuanced differences from similar terms.
Definition and Usage
Peter begins by clearly defining "flounder" as a verb:
"To flounder is to struggle, whether that struggle is about moving or obtaining footing, as in horses floundering through deep snow, or about knowing what to do or say." [00:30]
He emphasizes that the term encompasses both physical and metaphorical struggles. To illustrate its usage, Peter cites a literary example:
"In our London, people swore and spat, drank, quarreled and laughed in fretful bursts." [01:15]
This sentence from Leo Vardia Chevili's Hard By a Great Forest showcases "flounder" in a real-world context, highlighting the verb's versatility in describing various forms of struggle.
Etymology and Origin
Peter provides an insightful examination of the word's origins, tracing "flounder" back to its historical roots:
"The noun referring to a common food fish is of Scandinavian origin, the verb flounder, which dates to the late 16th century, is likely an alteration of an older verb, founder." [02:45]
He explains the common confusion between "flounder" and "founder," noting that both verbs have been intertwined since the 16th century. While "founder" has evolved to often mean to fail or to sink (particularly concerning waterborne vessels), "flounder" retained its unique meaning centered around struggle without the implication of total collapse.
Modern Usage and Nuances
Delving into contemporary usage, Peter distinguishes "flounder" from its counterpart "founder":
"The word lacks the finality of founder, which usually suggests complete collapse or failure, as that of a sinking ship." [04:10]
He elaborates that while "founder" conveys a sense of definitive failure, "flounder" implies ongoing struggle or acting clumsily without necessarily reaching a point of total breakdown. This subtle differentiation allows "flounder" to be applied in a broader range of contexts, both physical and metaphorical.
Key Insights and Conclusions
Throughout the episode, Peter underscores the importance of understanding the nuanced differences between similar verbs to enhance one's verbal precision. By dissecting "flounder," listeners gain not only the meaning but also the historical context and appropriate usage scenarios, enriching their vocabulary and comprehension skills.
Closing Remarks
In wrapping up, Peter encourages listeners to continue expanding their word power:
"With your word of the day, I'm Peter Sokolowski. Visit Merriam Webster.com today for definitions, wordplay and trending. Word lookups." [05:00]
He invites the audience to engage further with Merriam-Webster's resources, ensuring that the journey to linguistic mastery continues beyond the daily podcast episode.
Visit Merriam-Webster.com for more definitions, wordplay, and trending words to keep your vocabulary sharp and vibrant.