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

Podcast Information:

• Title: Merriam-Webster's Word of the Day
• Host: Merriam-Webster (Peter Sokolowski)
• Episode: Hidebound
• Release Date: August 10, 2025

Introduction to "Hidebound"

In the August 10th episode of Merriam-Webster's Word of the Day, host Peter Sokolowski introduces the word hidebound. The episode delves into its definition, usage, origins, and evolution in the English language, providing listeners with a comprehensive understanding of this descriptive adjective.

Definition and Meaning

Peter begins by spelling out the word:

Hidebound
H-I-D-E-B-O-U-N-D
(Timestamp: 00:42)

He defines hidebound as an adjective used to describe someone or something that is inflexible and unwilling to accept new or different ideas.

"Someone or something described as hidebound is inflexible and unwilling to accept new or different ideas."
(Timestamp: 00:42)

Literary Usage

To illustrate the word in context, Peter shares a sentence from Joe Mungo Reid's novel, Terrestrial History:

"He was exciting then, different from all the physicists I worked with in the way that he was so broadly educated and interested, not hidebound and literal as my colleagues were."
(Timestamp: 00:42)

This example highlights the contrast between being open-minded and being rigid or unyielding, effectively showcasing the meaning of hidebound.

Etymology and Origins

Peter explores the historical roots of hidebound, tracing its origins back to the early 17th century in agricultural contexts. Initially, the term was used to describe cattle whose skins, due to illness or poor nutrition, adhered tightly to their skeletons. This condition made the hides difficult to manipulate by hand.

"Hidebound was originally used to describe cattle whose skin, due to illness or poor feeding, clung to the skeleton and could not be pinched, loosened, or worked with the fingers."
(Timestamp: 00:42)

Following its use with livestock, hidebound was extended to humans to describe individuals with similarly tight or inflexible skin, both literally and metaphorically.

Evolution of Meaning

The term quickly transitioned from its literal agricultural roots to metaphorical applications. Initially, hidebound was used figuratively to describe people as stingy or miserly, drawing a parallel between the tightness of a hide and tightness in behavior or generosity. However, this particular sense has since fallen out of favor.

The enduring figurative meaning of hidebound pertains to rigidity and resistance to change:

"A second figurative usage, describing people who are rigid or unyielding in their actions or beliefs, lives on in our language today with your word of the day."
(Timestamp: 00:42)

This current usage emphasizes an unwillingness to adapt or accept new ideas, making it a relevant term in various modern contexts, from organizational behavior to personal attitudes.

Contemporary Relevance

In today's fast-paced and ever-evolving world, being labeled as hidebound carries significant weight. It often serves as a critique against outdated practices, resistance to innovation, or conservative mindsets that hinder progress. Whether in professional settings, cultural discussions, or personal relationships, describing someone or something as hidebound suggests a need for greater openness and flexibility.

Conclusion

Peter Sokolowski's exploration of hidebound in this episode of Merriam-Webster's Word of the Day provides listeners with a thorough understanding of the word's meaning, historical context, and contemporary applicability. By tracing its journey from agricultural terminology to a metaphor for rigidity, the episode underscores the dynamic nature of language and the importance of adaptability in both words and behavior.

Notable Quotes

• Definition of Hidebound:

  "Someone or something described as hidebound is inflexible and unwilling to accept new or different ideas."
  (Timestamp: 00:42)

• Literary Example:

  "He was exciting then, different from all the physicists I worked with in the way that he was so broadly educated and interested, not hidebound and literal as my colleagues were."
  (Timestamp: 00:42)

• Evolution of Meaning:

  "A second figurative usage, describing people who are rigid or unyielding in their actions or beliefs, lives on in our language today with your word of the day."
  (Timestamp: 00:42)

This detailed summary encapsulates the key points, discussions, insights, and conclusions from the podcast episode on hidebound, providing a comprehensive overview for those who haven't listened to the episode.