permutation - Merriam-Webster's Word of the Day

Summary3 min read

Merriam-Webster's Word of the Day: "Permutation"

Date: May 31, 2026
Host: Peter Sokolowski

Episode Overview

This episode centers on the word "permutation," exploring its definitions, usage, and etymological history. Peter Sokolowski presents vivid examples from music and pop culture, notably referencing David Bowie, to illustrate how the word applies to real-life scenarios involving transformation and change.

Key Discussion Points and Insights

Definition and Usage

[00:38] Definition:
- Permutation (noun):
  - A formal word for any of the many different ways or forms in which something exists or can be arranged.
  - It can also refer to a major or fundamental change based primarily on rearrangement of existing elements.
  - Often used in the plural form.
[00:38] Example in Sentences:
- "Megadeth have weathered nearly all of metal's generational permutations, only once deviating from their formula with 1999's infamously confused country and industrial mishmash risk."
  - (Cited from Pitchfork by Ellie Ennis)

Cultural and Artistic References

[01:26] David Bowie and Artistic Reinvention:
- Sokolowski draws a parallel to Bowie's song "Changes" in illustrating permutation as ongoing transformation:
  - "Cha Cha Changes David Bowie sang memorably in his classic and appropriately titled hit Changes, which concerns the phenomenon of artistic reinvention, something Bowie knew a lot about. In fact, he could have titled the song Permutations, although we admit that that word would have been a bit clunkier to sing."
[01:53] Bowie as a Case Study:
- "Bowie's artistic persona went through many permutations over the course of his career, from the alien rock star Ziggy Stardust to the aristocratic thin white duke with the common denominator, the existing elements being Bowie himself."
[02:14] Individual Personae:
- Permutation can also refer to each individual version or identity assumed by an artist, as each is a variety resulting from fundamental change.

Etymology

[02:24] Origins:
- "Permutation, perhaps ironically, has not changed all that much since it was borrowed into Middle English from Anglo French as 'permutation.'"

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

On the essence of permutation:
- [00:38] "Permutation is, after all, all about change, specifically change as in character or condition of something based primarily on rearrangement of its existing elements."
  — Peter Sokolowski
On David Bowie's artistry:
- [01:53] "For example, Bowie's artistic Persona went through many permutations over the course of his career, from the alien rock star Ziggy Stardust to the aristocratic thin white duke with the common denominator, the existing elements being Bowie himself."
  — Peter Sokolowski
On the word's stable etymology:
- [02:24] "Permutation, perhaps ironically, has not changed all that much since it was borrowed into Middle English from Anglo French as 'permutation.'"
  — Peter Sokolowski

Timestamps for Important Segments

[00:38] — Detailed definition of the word and first example.
[01:26] — Reference to David Bowie's "Changes" and its connection to "permutation."
[01:53] — Description of Bowie's varied artistic identities as permutations.
[02:24] — Etymology and historical context of the word "permutation."
[02:44] — Podcast host sign-off and call to visit Merriam-Webster.

Tone and Presentation

Peter Sokolowski’s delivery remains warm, insightful, and peppered with playful asides (“although we admit that that word would have been a bit clunkier to sing”), making this a lively and accessible exploration of a formal vocabulary term.

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Transcript5 lines

[00:00]
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Foreign.
[00:06]
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It's the word of the day for May 31.
[00:12]
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[00:39]
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states or situations Today's word is permutation Spelled P E R M U T A T I O N Permutation is a noun. It's a formal word for any one of the many different ways or forms in which something exists or can be arranged. It can also refer to a major or fundamental change in something based primarily on rearrangement of its existing elements. Permutation is usually used in its plural form. Here's the word used in a sentence from Pitchfork by Ellie Ennis Megadeth have weathered nearly all of metal's generational permutations, only once deviating from their formula with 1999's infamously confused country and industrial mishmash risk Cha Cha Changes David Bowie sang memorably in his classic and appropriately titled hit Changes, which concerns the phenomenon of artistic reinvention, something Bowie knew a lot about. In fact, he could have titled the song Permutations, although we admit that that word would have been a bit clunkier to sing. Permutation is, after all, all about change, specifically change, as in character or condition of something based primarily on rearrangement of its existing elements. For example, Bowie's artistic Persona went through many permutations over the course of his career, from the alien rock star Ziggy Stardust to the aristocratic thin white duke with the common denominator, the existing elements being Bowie himself. Permutation can also be used for a form or variety resulting from such changes, and can thus refer to Bowie's individual personae as well. Permutation perhaps ironically, has not changed all that much since it was borrowed into Middle English from Anglo French as permutation with your word of the day. I'm Peter Sokolowski.
[02:45]
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