Podcast Summary: Merriam-Webster's Word of the Day
Episode: Vendetta
Date: January 16, 2026
Host: Peter Sokolowski (Merriam-Webster)
Episode Overview
This episode of Merriam-Webster's Word of the Day focuses on the term "vendetta"—exploring its definition, origin, historical context, and related words in the English language. The podcast aims to enrich listeners’ vocabulary and delve into the fascinating stories behind everyday words.
Key Discussion Points & Insights
1. Word Definition and Usage
- Vendetta is a noun referring to:
- An active and mutual hatred between two families or groups, especially a blood feud.
- A prolonged series of retaliatory, vengeful, or hostile acts.
- A strong commitment to carrying out such acts.
- Notable Example Sentence:
- "Rita publicly refused a vendetta at his funeral. She wouldn't ask her sons to avenge him, even though that wasn't just normal for the time it was expected." (00:46)
2. Etymology and Historical Context
- Borrowing & Spelling:
- English speakers adopted “vendetta” directly from Italian in the 19th century. The spelling has remained unchanged. (00:58)
- Original Meaning:
- In Italian (especially referring to Corsican culture), the word initially meant revenge within the context of family or clan feuds. (01:10)
- Expansion of Meaning:
- The definition later extended to similar acts of retaliation beyond family feuds, eventually encompassing any form of ongoing vengeful behavior. (01:15)
3. Linguistic Connections
- Word Roots:
- Vendetta comes from the Latin verb vindicta, signifying revenge or vindication. (01:22)
- Related English words include: avenge, revenge, vengeance, vindicate, and vindictive. (01:30)
Memorable Quotes & Timestamps
- On the definition:
- “Vendetta is a noun. It refers to an active and mutual hatred between two families or groups, also known as a blood feud.”
(Host, 00:10)
- “Vendetta is a noun. It refers to an active and mutual hatred between two families or groups, also known as a blood feud.”
- On real-life application:
- “Rita publicly refused a vendetta at his funeral. She wouldn't ask her sons to avenge him, even though that wasn't just normal for the time it was expected.”
(Host, 00:46 - referencing Rita Halash’s novel, Deep)
- “Rita publicly refused a vendetta at his funeral. She wouldn't ask her sons to avenge him, even though that wasn't just normal for the time it was expected.”
- On origins:
- “English speakers borrowed the word vendetta, spelling and all, from Italian in the 19th century.”
(Host, 00:58) - “Vendetta ultimately traces to the Latin verb vindicta, meaning revenge or vindication.”
(Host, 01:22)
- “English speakers borrowed the word vendetta, spelling and all, from Italian in the 19th century.”
- On word families:
- “That Latin word is also in the family tree of other English terms related to getting even, including avenge, revenge, vengeance, vindicate, and vindictive.”
(Host, 01:30)
- “That Latin word is also in the family tree of other English terms related to getting even, including avenge, revenge, vengeance, vindicate, and vindictive.”
Important Timestamps
- 00:06 – Episode introduction and the word of the day: vendetta
- 00:10 – Definition of vendetta
- 00:46 – Example usage from literature
- 00:58 – Borrowing from Italian and original context
- 01:22 – Latin roots and related English words
- 01:45 – End of main content
Episode Tone & Language
Peter Sokolowski delivers the segment in an informative and accessible manner, weaving together clear explanations, cultural context, and etymological detail to make the word both memorable and relatable.
For daily vocabulary enrichment, you can visit Merriam-Webster.com for more word definitions, wordplay, and trending word lookups.