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

Episode: Heyday
Date: November 14, 2025
Host: Peter Sokolowski

Episode Overview

This episode of "Merriam-Webster's Word of the Day" focuses on the word "heyday." Host Peter Sokolowski explores its current meaning, usage, and the intriguing history of the word—from its origins as an expression of excitement to its modern use describing periods of great success or popularity. The episode is short, friendly, and educational in tone.

Key Discussion Points and Insights

1. Definition and Usage (00:42)

• Heyday is introduced as a noun, meaning "the period of one's greatest popularity, vigor, or prosperity."
• The word is usually used in the singular.
• Usage Example:
  “In its heyday, there were more than 200 Chi-Chi’s nationwide. The last restaurant closed in 2004.”
  — Minnesota Star Tribune (cited at 00:55)

2. Etymology and Historical Development (01:00)

• The -day in "heyday" does not refer to a 24-hour day.
• "Heyday" originated in the first half of the 1500s as an extended form of the interjection "hey," which had been used since the 13th century to express elation or wonder.
• “The day part was most likely just an extra syllable tagged on for effect.” (01:25)

3. Shakespearean Usage (01:30)

• By the end of the 16th century, "heyday" had also developed a noun meaning "high spirits."
• Notable Literary Reference:
  “As when Shakespeare’s Hamlet tells his mother, ‘You cannot call it love, for at your age, the heyday in the blood is tame.’” (01:38)

4. Modern Meaning Evolution (01:50)

• In the 18th century, a resemblance to the word “day” likely influenced the development of its current usage: describing when someone’s achievement or popularity is at its peak (“zenith”).

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• On the modern meaning:
  “Heyday refers to the period of one’s greatest popularity, vigor, or prosperity. It’s usually used in the singular.”
  — Peter Sokolowski (00:42)
• On etymology:
  “The day in heyday originally had nothing to do with the kind of day that’s made up of 24 hours. … The day part was most likely just an extra syllable tagged on for effect.”
  — Peter Sokolowski (01:00–01:25)
• On historical usage:
  “By the end of the 16th century, heyday had developed noun use with the meaning high spirits, as when Shakespeare’s Hamlet tells his mother, ‘You cannot call it love, for at your age, the heyday in the blood is tame.’”
  — Peter Sokolowski (01:30–01:38)

Timestamps for Important Segments

• 00:42: Introduction of the word "heyday" and its meaning
• 00:55: Example sentence from the Minnesota Star Tribune
• 01:00–01:25: Etymology and history of the word
• 01:30–01:38: Shakespeare’s use in "Hamlet"
• 01:50: Evolution of meaning in the 18th century

Summary

Peter Sokolowski delivers a concise yet rich exploration of "heyday," illustrating how a word rooted in simple expressions of wonder evolved over centuries into a term used for someone’s golden period. He connects Shakespearean literature to modern definitions, bringing history and language together with clarity and enthusiasm.