Episode
What's a snollygoster? A concise lesson in political speak - Mark Forsyth
- Podcast
- TED-Ed
- Published
- Jun 14, 2026
- Duration seconds
- 504
- Processing state
not_requested- Canonical source
- https://traffic.megaphone.fm/VG2845125581.mp3
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Summary
Most politicians choose their words carefully, to shape the reality they hope to create. But does it work? Etymologist Mark Forsyth shares a few entertaining word-origin stories from British and American history (for instance, did you ever wonder how George Washington became "president"?) and draws a surprising conclusion. (From TEDxHousesofParliament in London)Talk by Mark Forsyth. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices