Lexicon Valley: The etymology and history of the word carnival with lexicographer Ben Zimmer.

Where Does the Word Carnival Come From?

Where Does the Word Carnival Come From?

Slate
Lexicon Valley
A show about the mysteries of English.
March 9 2015 10:29 AM

Two Theories on the Origin of Carnival

Listen to Slate’s show about the contested origin of a gluttonous word, featuring lexicographer Ben Zimmer.

Lexicon Valley has moved! Find new episodes here.

A carnival
“When flesh is bidden farewell.”

Photo by Patrik Stollarz/AFP/Getty Images

Listen to Lexicon Valley Episode No. 55: Where Does the Word Carnival Come From?

Subscribe in iTunes ∙ RSS feed ∙ Download ∙ Play in another tab

Mike Vuolo and Bob Garfield discuss the etymology and history of the word carnival with Wall Street Journal language columnist Ben Zimmer. For more on carnival, visit Zimmer's Word Routes column on Vocabulary.com.

You’ll find every Lexicon Valley episode at slate.com/lexiconvalley, or in the player below:

Send your thoughts about the show to lexiconvalley@slate.com.