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

Episode Details

• Title: Merriam-Webster's Word of the Day
• Host: Peter Sokolowski
• Episode: "Gust"
• Release Date: May 30, 2025
• Description: A free daily dose of word power from Merriam-Webster's experts.

Introduction to "Gust"

In the May 30th episode of Merriam-Webster's Word of the Day, host Peter Sokolowski delves into the multifaceted word "gust." The episode serves as an engaging exploration of the word's definitions, usage, and historical evolution, providing listeners with a comprehensive understanding of its applications in both literal and figurative contexts.

Definition and Basic Usage

Peter begins by introducing "gust" as the day's featured word, spelling it out to reinforce its correct pronunciation and form.

"Today's Word is Gust. Spelled G U S T. Gust is a noun." [00:06]

He succinctly defines "gust" in its primary sense:

"It refers to a sudden, strong wind." [00:06]

Beyond meteorological phenomena, Peter expands on the figurative usage of the word:

"It's also used figuratively for a sudden outburst of something, such as a feeling." [00:06]

This duality underscores the word's versatility in the English language, allowing speakers to describe both physical and emotional surges with equal precision.

Usage Example

To illustrate "gust" in context, Peter cites a sentence from The Mail on Sunday of London, authored by Robert Gore Langton:

"This subversive comedy is now a posh panto directed by Max Webster. It gets gusts of laughter, but can feel rather forced, and the joyous language is left to fend for itself." [00:06]

This example showcases "gust" as a metaphorical representation of intermittent bursts of laughter, effectively conveying both the frequency and intensity of the reactions elicited by the comedy performance.

Etymology and Historical Context

Delving into the word's history, Peter provides an insightful overview of "gust" and its origins:

"You're no doubt familiar with the breezy gust, meaning a brief burst of wind, but about a century and a half before that word first appeared in print in the late 16th century, a different gust blew onto the scene." [00:06]

He traces the etymological roots of "gust" back to two distinct origins:

1. Meteorological Origin:

   • "The windy gust likely comes from a synoptic, anonymous Old Norse word guster." [00:06]
   • This lineage highlights the word's connection to ancient Norse language, emphasizing its long-standing presence in describing natural phenomena.

2. Sensory and Emotional Origin:

   • "The older gust, which refers to the sensation of taste as well as to a feeling of enthusiastic delight, comes ultimately from gustus, the Latin word for taste." [00:06]
   • This aspect reveals a different semantic path, where "gust" was historically tied to sensory experiences and emotional intensity.

Peter further explains the linguistic evolution:

"English speakers eventually mostly dropped that older gust, replacing it in the early 17th century with a similar gustus word borrowed from Italian." [00:06]

This shift illustrates the dynamic nature of language and how loanwords can influence and replace native terms over time.

Related Words and Modern Usage

Expanding on related vocabulary, Peter introduces "gusto" as the contemporary counterpart to the older "gustus" meaning:

"Gusto is now the go-to word when you want to refer to enthusiastic and vigorous enjoyment or appreciation." [00:06]

This connection not only enriches the listener's vocabulary but also provides a historical linkage that enhances the understanding of both words.

Practical Application

Concluding the linguistic exploration, Peter encourages listeners to actively incorporate "gust" into their daily language:

"You can use it with gusto with your Word of the Day." [00:06]

This playful encouragement serves as a mnemonic device, helping listeners remember both "gust" and "gusto" by leveraging their interconnected meanings.

Host's Closing Remarks

Peter wraps up the episode by directing listeners to Merriam-Webster's resources for further exploration:

"Visit Merriam Webster.com today for definitions, wordplay and trending word lookups." [00:06]

This invitation underscores the ongoing commitment of Merriam-Webster to support language enthusiasts in their quest for knowledge and eloquence.

Conclusion

The May 30th episode of Merriam-Webster's Word of the Day offers a thorough examination of the word "gust," blending definitions, contextual usage, and historical insights. By dissecting both its literal and figurative applications, Peter Sokolowski not only elucidates the word's meaning but also enriches the listener's appreciation for its linguistic heritage. This episode exemplifies the podcast's dedication to empowering listeners with a deeper understanding of the English language, one word at a time.