Episode · Modern Wisdom · 2026-04-18
Books mentioned on Inside The Viral Words That Make You Click - Etymology Nerd - #1086
Adam Aleksic is a linguist, content creator, and author, best known online as the Etymology Nerd. What’s happening to language right now?
Adam Aleksic recommended The Presentation of Self in Everyday Life by Erving Goffman and Braiding Sweetgrass by Robin Wall Kimmerer, and discussed The Etymologicon by Mark Forsyth. Chris Williamson discussed The Elements of Eloquence by Mark Forsyth.
Books mentioned, in the order they came up
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The Presentation of Self in Everyday Life
Why people recommend it: This classic 1956 sociology text by Erving Goffman uses theatrical metaphors to examine how individuals manage impressions and perform social roles in everyday life.
Recommended“I think people should all read this guy, Irving Gooffman. and he's a sociologist from the 1960s and he comes up with this great book, the presentation of the self in everyday life”
Where to get it
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The Etymologicon
The Etymologicon by Mark Forsyth is an entertaining and accessible exploration of the bizarre, surprising, and interconnected origins of words and language.
Discussed“um the Etomlogicon, who wrote that? Mark Foright.”
Where to get it
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The Elements of Eloquence
The Elements of Eloquence by Mark Forsyth is a reference book that breaks down rhetorical figures and patterns of writing designed to make phrasing memorable and impactful.
Discussed“Did you read Elements of Eloquence as well?”
Where to get it
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Braiding Sweetgrass
Braiding Sweetgrass by Robin Wall Kimmerer is a renowned exploration of botany, Indigenous wisdom, and humanity's reciprocal relationship with the natural world.
Recommended“I love this book Braiding Sweetgrass. In it there's the podawatami expression to be a Saturday.”
Where to get it
