Overview

Episode Theme:
This episode of Merriam-Webster’s Word of the Day podcast (January 17th, 2026) focuses on the word "notorious". Hosted by Peter Sokolowski, the episode explores the definition, usage, and origins of notorious, clarifying its historical development and current connotations.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

Definition & Usage

• What it Means:
  Notorious is an adjective used to describe people or things that are well known, especially for something bad or unfavorable.
  (00:06)

  "Notorious is an adjective. It describes people and things that are well known or famous, especially for something bad or unfavorable."
  — Peter Sokolowski (00:14)

• Example in a Sentence:
  Utilized in the context of Long Island traffic, pulling from a Newsday article:

  "Long Island's cul de sac, geography and notorious traffic, proposed bridges and tunnels to Connecticut are bound to get attention on the island."
  — Peter Sokolowski, quoting Newsday (00:27)

• Contrast and Nuance:
  The host emphasizes the distinction between being famous and being notorious, noting the additional implication of disreputability.

  "Although notorious, which comes from the Latin noscere, meaning to come to know, can be a synonym of the word famous, it's more often a synonym of infamous, having long ago developed the additional implication of someone or something disreputable."
  — Peter Sokolowski (00:54)

Origins and Etymology

• Latin Roots:
  Notorious comes from the Latin noscere, which means "to come to know."
  (00:46)

• Historical Usage:
  The first unfavorable (bad reputation) sense is traced back to the Book of Common Prayer, 1549:

  "The Book of common prayer of 1549 includes one of the first known uses of the unfavorable meaning in print, referring to notorious sinners."
  — Peter Sokolowski (01:09)

Everyday Interpretation

• Modern Connotations:
  Sokolowski plays on the dual interpretation:

  "For those who don't give a fig about a bad reputation, being notorious for unpopular behavior is no biggie. Being notorious for topping the Billboard charts. Now there's a biggie."
  — Peter Sokolowski (00:39)

• Wordplay & Callback:
  The episode wraps up with a lighthearted play on the phrase “more problems,” referencing the consequences of being notorious:

  "You know what they say? More notorious sinners. More problems with your Word of the day."
  — Peter Sokolowski (01:18)

Memorable Quotes

• "Notorious is an adjective. It describes people and things that are well known or famous, especially for something bad or unfavorable."
  — Peter Sokolowski (00:14)

• "Although notorious... can be a synonym of the word famous, it's more often a synonym of infamous, having long ago developed the additional implication of someone or something disreputable."
  — Peter Sokolowski (00:54)

• "The Book of common prayer of 1549 includes one of the first known uses of the unfavorable meaning in print, referring to notorious sinners."
  — Peter Sokolowski (01:09)

Timestamps for Key Segments

• 00:14: Definition of notorious
• 00:27: Example sentence from Newsday
• 00:39: Commentary on reputation and word implications
• 00:46: Etymology and synonym discussion
• 01:09: Historical usage context
• 01:18: Humorous closing remark

Conclusion

This concise, playful episode provides insight into the word notorious, highlighting its definition, nuanced connotations, and colorful history. Through clear examples and lighthearted commentary, listeners come away with a deeper understanding of how notorious differs from merely being famous—a must-listen for word lovers and the curious alike.