# What's a snollygoster? A concise lesson in political speak - Mark Forsyth

Page: https://stenobird.com/podcast/ted-ed-7859430/what-s-a-snollygoster-a-concise-lesson-in-political-speak-mark-forsyth
Text version: https://stenobird.com/podcast/ted-ed-7859430/what-s-a-snollygoster-a-concise-lesson-in-political-speak-mark-forsyth.md
Podcast: [TED-Ed](https://stenobird.com/podcast/ted-ed-7859430)
Published: 2026-06-14T22:30:00+00:00
Episode link: https://traffic.megaphone.fm/VG2845125581.mp3
Audio file: https://traffic.megaphone.fm/VG2845125581.mp3
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Duration seconds: 504

## Resource

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

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## Transcript

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