Podcast Summary: Merriam-Webster's Word of the Day – "Parlay"
Episode Information:
- Title: Merriam-Webster's Word of the Day
- Host: Peter Sokolowski
- Episode: "Parlay"
- Release Date: January 16, 2025
- Description: A free daily dose of word power from Merriam-Webster's experts.
Introduction to "Parlay"
In the January 16, 2025 episode of Merriam-Webster's Word of the Day, host Peter Sokolowski delves into the intriguing verb "parlay". This episode offers listeners a comprehensive exploration of the word's definition, usage, and historical evolution, enriching their vocabulary and understanding of nuanced language.
Definition and Usage
Peter Sokolowski begins by clarifying the pronunciation and spelling of "parlay": P-A-R-L-A-Y. He defines it as a verb meaning "to use or develop something in order to obtain something of greater value." This action often pairs with the preposition "into," illustrating the transformation or leveraging of one asset to gain another.
Notable Quote:
"Parlay is often used with the word into."
— Peter Sokolowski [00:00]
Example in Context
To ground the definition in real-world usage, Sokolowski references a sentence from The Atlantic by Laura Kelly:
"Sometimes celebrities parlay their name and following into big time sales and hype, though of course not all of them or their projects are created equal."
This example highlights how individuals can leverage their existing fame or resources to achieve greater success, encapsulating the essence of "parlay" in a contemporary setting.
Notable Quote:
"Sometimes celebrities parlay their name and following into big time sales and hype, though of course not all of them or their projects are created equal."
— Laura Kelly, cited by Peter Sokolowski [00:00]
Etymology and Evolution
Sokolowski traces the etymology of "parlay," revealing its roots in gambling terminology. Originally, "parlay" was exclusively associated with betting, meaning "to take winnings from a previous bet along with one's original stake of money, and use them to make another bet or series of bets." This usage stems from the noun "paroli," a term borrowed from French, which itself was derived from Italian, referring to a similar betting system.
Over time, the word migrated beyond the realm of gambling. English speakers began to adopt "parlay" figuratively, expanding its application to various contexts where skills, efforts, or resources are leveraged to achieve greater outcomes. Additionally, "parlay" evolved into a noun synonymous with "parolee," although this usage remains less common.
Notable Quote:
"The word parlay originally belonged exclusively to gambling parlance... After decades of this specific use, not only did parlay start to be used as a noun synonymous with parolee, but English speakers upped the ante by using the verb figuratively..."
— Peter Sokolowski [00:00]
Conclusion
Peter Sokolowski wraps up the episode by encouraging listeners to visit Merriam-Webster's website for more definitions, wordplay, and trending word lookups. The exploration of "parlay" not only enriches the audience's vocabulary but also provides insights into how words evolve and adapt across different contexts and over time.
Final Note:
"With your Word of the Day, I'm Peter Sokolowski. Visit merriamwebster.com today for definitions, wordplay and trending word lookups."
— Peter Sokolowski [00:00]
This episode serves as an enlightening guide to understanding and effectively using the word "parlay," demonstrating Merriam-Webster's commitment to enhancing listeners' language skills through expert-led discussions and real-world examples.