Merriam-Webster's Word of the Day: "Rancid" (October 24, 2025)

Overview

This episode of Merriam-Webster’s Word of the Day introduces and explores the word “rancid,” both in its literal sense—describing spoiled, unpleasant-smelling food—and its figurative usage for things that are offensive or distasteful. Host Peter Sokolowski unpacks the etymology of "rancid" and related words, provides engaging usage examples, and offers listeners deeper insight into how the word fits into modern English.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

Definition and Pronunciation

• Spelling & Part of Speech:
  • "Today's word is rancid, spelled R-A-N-C-I-D. Rancid is an adjective." [00:04]
• Literal Meaning:
  • “It usually describes something edible that has a strong and unpleasant smell or taste because it's no longer fresh.” [00:09]
• Figurative Meaning:
  • “In figurative use, rancid describes things that are very distasteful or offensive.” [00:17]

Usage Example

• In Context:
  • A sentence from The New York Times illustrates how to spot rancid oil:
    • “A great oil should smell green, fresh, alive. Give it a sniff before pouring, even once. Vibrant olive oils can start to lose their aroma after a while. If the oil smells bland, it's best for sauteing, roasting or baking rather than finishing. If it smells rancid or waxy, toss it.” [00:21]

Related Words and Etymology

• Comparison to Similar Words:
  • “Rancid and putrid and fetid. Oh my. All three words are used to describe unpleasant smells and tastes, and each traces its roots to a stinky Latin word.” [00:36]
• Etymological Roots:
  • “‘Rancid’ can be traced back to rancēre. The root of ‘putrid’ shares an ancestor with putēre, and ‘fetid’ comes from foetēre, all verbs meaning ‘to stink.’” [00:41]

Figurative Use and Historical Note

• Development of Figurative Sense:
  • “Not long after entering the language in the early 17th century, ‘rancid’ also developed a second figurative sense, which is used for non gustatory and non olfactory senses, as in ‘rancid hypocrisy.’” [00:49]

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• On literal meaning:
  • “Rancid is an adjective. It usually describes something edible that has a strong and unpleasant smell or taste because it's no longer fresh.” — Peter Sokolowski [00:06]
• Usage example:
  • “If it smells rancid or waxy, toss it.” — The New York Times via Peter Sokolowski [00:32]
• On related terms:
  • “Rancid and putrid and fetid. Oh my.” — Peter Sokolowski [00:36]
• On etymology:
  • “‘Rancid’ can be traced back to rancēre. The root of ‘putrid’ shares an ancestor with putēre, and ‘fetid’ comes from foetēre, all verbs meaning ‘to stink.’” — Peter Sokolowski [00:41]
• On figurative usage:
  • “Not long after entering the language in the early 17th century, ‘rancid’ also developed a second figurative sense, which is used for non gustatory and non olfactory senses, as in ‘rancid hypocrisy.’” — Peter Sokolowski [00:49]

Important Timestamps

• 00:00 – Introduction and spelling
• 00:09 – Literal definition
• 00:17 – Figurative use
• 00:21 – Usage example (New York Times sentence)
• 00:36 – Related words and etymology introduction
• 00:41 – Etymology explained
• 00:49 – Figurative use and historical development

Tone and Style

Peter Sokolowski delivers the episode in the signature Merriam-Webster style—informative, lively, and accessible. The explanations are concise yet comprehensive, with a touch of word-lover enthusiasm and a dash of humor: “Rancid and putrid and fetid. Oh my.”

In short:
This episode doesn’t just teach you what “rancid” means, it gives you vivid examples, helps you distinguish related terms, and makes language history come alive for your daily dose of word knowledge.