Podcast Summary: Merriam-Webster's Word of the Day
Episode: pseudonym
Date: December 1, 2025
Host: Peter Sokolowski, Merriam-Webster
Overview
In this episode, Merriam-Webster’s “Word of the Day” introduces and explores the word pseudonym. Host Peter Sokolowski delves into its meaning, usage, etymology, and some famous examples from literary history, offering listeners a concise yet rich exploration of the term for anyone interested in language and writing.
Key Discussion Points and Insights
Definition and Usage
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[00:00] Peter Sokolowski presents the word:
- Pseudonym (noun): a name that someone, such as a writer, uses instead of their real name.
- Spelling: P S E U D O N Y M
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Example in a sentence:
- Used from Den of Geek by Don K:
“Edgar Wright, the filmmaker and genre specialist who has given the world modern gems like Shaun of the Dead, Hot Fuzz and Baby Driver, estimates he was around 13 years old when he read the Bachman Books, a collection of four novels that Stephen King published under the pseudonym Richard Bachman during the early years of his career.”
- Used from Den of Geek by Don K:
Etymology and Linguistic Roots
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Greek origin:
“The word pseudonym has its origins in the Greek adjective pseudonymos, which means bearing a false name.” — Peter Sokolowski [00:48]
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Language journey:
- French speakers adapted the Greek as “pseudonyme.”
- English then modified the French word into “pseudonym.”
Famous Pseudonym Examples
- [01:08] The host notes:
- “Many celebrated authors have used pseudonyms.”
- Samuel Clemens wrote as Mark Twain
- Charles Lutwidge Dodgson became Lewis Carroll
- Marianne Evans published as George Eliot
- “Many celebrated authors have used pseudonyms.”
Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments
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On the meaning and spelling:
“Today's word is pseudonym, spelled P S E U D O N Y M. Pseudonym is a noun. It's a name that someone such as a writer uses instead of their real name.” — Peter Sokolowski [00:03]
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On literary legends:
“Many celebrated authors have used pseudonyms. Samuel Clemens wrote under the pseudonym Mark Twain, Charles Lutwidge Dodgson assumed the pseudonym Lewis Carroll, and Marianne Evans used George Eliot as her pseudonym.” — [01:08]
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On etymology:
“The word pseudonym has its origins in the Greek adjective pseudonymos, which means bearing a false name. French speakers adopted the Greek word as the noun pseudonyme, and English speakers later modified the French word into pseudonym.” — [00:48]
Timestamps for Key Segments
- 00:00 — Introduction of the Word and Definition
- 00:22 — Usage Example (Stephen King and Richard Bachman)
- 00:48 — Etymology & Linguistic Journey
- 01:08 — Notable Authors with Pseudonyms
Tone and Closing
The tone remains informative, concise, and inviting, characteristic of Merriam-Webster. Sokolowski closes by encouraging listeners to visit the website for more explorations in language.
For those interested in language, writing, or literary history, this episode offers a brief yet thorough look at a word loaded with creative intrigue—even if you’ve never considered adopting a pseudonym yourself.