Podcast Summary: Merriam-Webster's Word of the Day – "Simpatico" (August 31, 2025)
Main Theme
The episode explores the word "simpatico", delving into its spelling, meanings, etymology, and evolution in usage. Listeners are introduced to examples of the word in literature and contemporary culture, highlighting how it describes people or things that share qualities or get along well.
Key Discussion Points & Insights
1. Definition and Usage
- Word: Simpatico
- Spelling: S I M P A T I C O (00:42)
- Part of Speech: Adjective
- Definitions:
- Describes two or more people or things with shared qualities, interests, etc.
- Can also refer to someone who is agreeable or likable.
2. Contemporary Example
- Quote from the New York Times (early 2010s):
- Describing Edouard Taberner Perez’s compilation of Chief Keef’s Instagram photos in “visually simpatico grids of 12.” (00:42–01:29)
- Highlights how the word applies not only to people but also to harmoniously arranged objects or concepts.
3. Etymology
- Origins:
- From the Latin noun “simpatia” (meaning “sympathy”)
- Borrowed into English from both Italian ("simpatico") and Spanish ("simpático") (01:29–01:41)
- Historical Use:
- In Italian and Spanish, mainly described people who are well-liked or easy to get along with.
4. Example from Literature
- Henry James, "The Portrait of a Lady" (1881):
- “Ah, he was so simpatico, I’m awfully sorry for you.” (01:45–01:54)
- Early English usage closely followed the original, focusing on likability.
5. Evolving Usage
- In recent years, "simpatico" has broadened in English to describe not just agreeable individuals, but also people or things that work well together or share compatibility. (01:54–02:10)
Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments
- On Current Usage:
- “Simpatico typically describes two or more people or things with shared qualities, interests, etc. It can also describe someone who is agreeable or likable.” – [Host, 00:42]
- On Contemporary Example:
- “...presenting them in visually simpatico grids of 12.” (referring to Chief Keef’s Instagram photos rearranged by Edouard Taberner Perez) – [Host quoting the New York Times, 01:15]
- On Literary History:
- “Ah, he was so simpatico, I’m awfully sorry for you.” – [Host quoting Henry James, 01:45]
Timestamps for Key Segments
- 00:42 – Introduction to "simpatico": spelling, definition, and context
- 01:10 – Example from the New York Times on arranging Chief Keef’s Instagram photos
- 01:29 – Etymology and language history
- 01:45 – Henry James literary example
- 01:54 – Evolution to broader usage including compatibility/work well together
- 02:10 – Host sign-off
Episode Tone
Friendly, informative, and concise, aiming to enrich the listener’s vocabulary with cultural depth and historical context.
Further Resources
For more definitions, wordplay, and trending word lookups, visit Merriam-Webster.com (02:25).