Summary of Merriam-Webster's Word of the Day Podcast

Episode Title: Uncanny

Host: Peter Sokolowski

Release Date: May 10, 2025

Introduction

In the May 10th episode of Merriam-Webster's "Word of the Day" podcast, host Peter Sokolowski delves into the intriguing adjective "uncanny." The episode aims to enrich listeners' vocabulary by exploring the meaning, usage, and etymology of the word, providing both educational insights and engaging examples.

Defining "Uncanny"

Peter Sokolowski begins by spelling out the word and offering a comprehensive definition. He describes "uncanny" as something that is "strange or unusual in a way that is surprising or difficult to understand," often carrying a supernatural connotation.

Peter Sokolowski [00:41]:
"Uncanny is an adjective. It's typically used to describe something that is strange or unusual in a way that is surprising or difficult to understand. It can also describe something that seems to have a supernatural character or origin."

Usage Example

To illustrate the word's application, Sokolowski shares a vivid example from a publication, demonstrating how "uncanny" can be used to convey eerie or unsettling imagery.

Peter Sokolowski [00:52]:
"Here's the word used in a sentence from the Post and Courier of Charleston, South: 'As Nelson Moultrie walked through the cemetery and observed trees growing in ways that resemble the shapes of people, like one that bore an uncanny resemblance to a pair of legs, she said she's already felt the presence of the people buried there.'"

This example emphasizes how "uncanny" effectively captures the unsettling and mysterious aspects of certain observations or experiences.

Exploring the Nuances of "Uncanny"

Sokolowski further explores the nuances of "uncanny," highlighting its ability to unsettle and mystify. He contrasts it with its prefix-less counterpart, "canny," which conveys cleverness and prudence.

Peter Sokolowski [01:30]:
"Strip the word of its prefix, though, and you're left with canny, a word that can be used as a synonym for words like clever and prudent."

He notes that while "canny" and "uncanny" aren't direct antonyms, they share historical roots from the early Scottish word "canny," meaning wise or prudent. Intriguingly, "canny" in Scots also carried a secondary meaning akin to its more mysterious counterpart.

Historical and Etymological Insights

Delving into the etymology, Sokolowski references the Oxford English Dictionary to shed light on the negative constructions of "canny," which align more closely with the meaning of "uncanny."

Peter Sokolowski [02:10]:
"The Oxford English Dictionary defines a sense of the word used chiefly in negative constructions, as in not canny, to describe what is not safe to be involved with, or more broadly, what is not in accordance with what is right or natural, as in the idea is not canny rather uncanny."

This exploration underscores the rich linguistic history of "uncanny," demonstrating its deep roots and evolving usage over time.

Conclusion

In wrapping up the episode, Sokolowski invites listeners to further engage with Merriam-Webster's resources.

Peter Sokolowski [02:20]:
"With your word of the day, I'm Peter Sokolowski."

He directs the audience to visit merriamwebster.com for more definitions, wordplay, and trending word lookups, encouraging continuous learning and exploration of the English language.

Key Takeaways

• "Uncanny" describes something strangely mysterious or supernatural.
• It can evoke feelings of unease or surprise.
• The word shares historical roots with "canny," highlighting an interesting linguistic relationship.
• Understanding "uncanny" enhances one's ability to articulate complex and eerie experiences or observations.

This episode serves as an insightful guide to the word "uncanny," enriching listeners' vocabulary while providing engaging examples and historical context.