Episodes

• 2021

• Slughorn

  Welcome to this week’s tissue meeting where we’re doing our finest Mad Men impressions to get you subliminally hooked on the words we have to offer. From ‘5 o’clock shadow’ to ‘va va voom’ we’ve put a ‘tiger in our tank’ to discover the language that advertising has gifted to us in this episode which ‘does exactly what is says on the tin’. Simples. After discussing the most memorable advertising taglines, Susie gets into the technical language of adverts and slogans, and Gyles reveals his connection to Tony the Tiger… is there anyone that Gyles hasn’t met?! A Somethin’ Else Production. And we want to hear about your favourite adverts and ad campaigns from around the world - please let us know your catchiest slogans and catchphrases via purple@somethinelse.com Susie’s Trio: Nidificate - to make or build a nest Filipendulous - hanging by a thread Deliquesce - to melt away or gradually dissolve
  April 13, 2021

  41 min

• Best of SRWP Vol. 2

  It’s our 2nd birthday here on Purple so the perfect opportunity to remind ourselves of what a brilliant year we’ve had - despite the obvious challenges and difficult global situation. This time last year we reverted to recording remotely but, if anything, this added to the intimate feel of the episodes and provided us with a weekly half-hour of stillness within an otherwise chaotic world. Within these clips of the best bits of the last year we set sail across the world’s oceans, take a walk through the garden, and sit down to a delicious plate of pasta (and baked beans for Gyles). We also ask ourselves who put the cock in cockroach, why Knightsbridge is a unique destination, and there’s another chance to hear a spectacular name-dropping anecdote involving the Sultan of Swoon. A Somethin’ Else production. If you have a question for Gyles and Susie or you have a topic you would like exploring in a future episode then please email us purple@somethinelse.com Susie’s Trio… how many of these did you remember? Thermopot - a lover of hot drinks Pollicitation - an offer made but not yet accepted Lanspresado - the person who turns up at the pub having “accidentally” forgotten their wallet
  April 6, 2021

  42 min

• Snakes, Ladders and a Live show!

  Show notes: Hello Purple People, Word Nerds and to all of you who joined us live last Thursday but are loyally listening again! In this, our 104th Episode, we are LIVE on our two year anniversary and what better way to celebrate than with all of you, watching and listening from all over the planet! Susie is cat-bombed, Gyles’ jumpers are extraordinary and a mystery man makes an appearance… You won’t be bored of the board game chat, Susie impresses with her poker face and a rather witty Purple Person on Twitter has an excellent suggestion for a game of Gyles Name-drop bingo! We also answer some excellent Purple Post: Natalie wants to know why you can log in, log in a book and if logs coming from trees have anything to do with it; Helen wonders whether a bread roll or bread cake is better; and they say you can’t teach an old dog new tricks but Craig’s guide dog Bruce may think that’s a terrible cliché, and just who are we calling old anyway? How well do you know Susie’s trio? Each week Susie gives us three magnificent words to bolster our vocabulary but how much attention are you paying? Here is one of those words and three possible definitions… The word is SEQUACIOUS… a) someone who squirrels things away for safe keeping b) someone who acts in a manner outside of the church’s teachings c) someone who follows a person or philosophy without independence of thought Congratulations to our live show trio trivia winners, Theresa, Ben and Petrina! Gyles unusual scrabble words for your next game: AA: Volcanic Lava Bambi: Born Again Middle-aged Biker Boo-bird: Someone who boos
  March 30, 2021

  54 min

• Over-egging the Pudding

  Happy Tuesday Purple People and welcome to what is literally our best ever, extra special, supersized edition of the show! This week Gyles and Susie will be exploring the humongous world of hyperbole. They're stars, legends and heroes- but don't tell them I said so... Whether you're feeling rather mediocre or you're half way up a mountain, join us as we attempt to hop off the euphemism treadmill and prove that it's actually quite nice to be quite nice! Elsewhere Susie explains the dangers of gilding the lily and Gyles ponders the difference between inflation, truth and an alternative fact, before answering mail from you, our wonderful Purple People, for whom no superlative is too emphatic! A Somethin’ Else production. Don’t forget about our live show, coming to a computer near you on Thursday 25th March- grab tickets here! We're sure there are a million zillion exasperating examples of exaggerations you'd like to share, so get in touch by emailing us here: purple@somethinelse.com. Susie’s Trio: Dixiefixie- To be held in a state of confinement Doggerybore- Nonsense Puckeration- Anything that gets us hot under the collar 
  March 23, 2021

  41 min

• Phobophobia

  This episode comes with a heebie-jeebies warning because this week, Gyles and Susie are investigating phobias.  From the common claustrophobia to the less known gelophobia, this episode will explore what has been scaring us since the greeks. It’s also quite the confessional for our hosts as they’ll reveal their shared aerophobia, Susie’s self created prunidigiaphobia and Gyles tries to persuade us that he has glossophobia (we didn’t believe him either). However, one phobia we all know that for us Purple People isn’t a concern is porphyrophobia: a fear of Purple! A Somethin’ Else production. Don’t forget about our live show, coming to a computer near you on Thursday 29th March- grab tickets here! Gyles and Susie want to hear about any phobias that the Purple People have or any fears that don’t have a name yet, email purple@somethinelse.com. Susie's Trio:  Quonking - Unwelcome noise form the sideline  Snoaching - To speak through the noise  Nikhedonia - pleasure of anticipating victory
  March 16, 2021

  45 min

• Gongoozle

  It’s time to bang-a-bonk because today, Susie and Gyles are exploring the wordy world of waterways.  With Gyles’ recently honed expertise on canals, he’ll take us on a tour to shaggy banks, babbling brooks and we’ll also have time to stop off for a game of Poo sticks. But don’t worry, you won’t be stuck up a certain creek without a paddle as Susie will masterfully take us down the river where we’ll visit some rivals along the way.  A Somethin’ Else production Don't forget about our live show, coming to a computer near you on Thursday 29th March- grab tickets here! If you have any questions for Susie and Gyles, get in contact by emailing purple@somethinelse.com. Susie’s Trio:  Ranty Pole - A wild unruly young person Cockalorum - A self-important man Milver - Someone who chats incessantly through a film
  March 9, 2021

  45 min

• We are 100 today! Let’s party!

  Welcome to the party Purple People as we celebrate reaching our 100th episode - we promise that it is going to be full of pep, zest and pizazz!  Featuring booze, banquets and cockerels, Susie will take us on a tour of all the eating options at this bash from canapés to buffets, Slap-up meals to a Jacob’s Join whilst Gyles recounts tales of private soirees with the queen and punting parties of the Oxford scholars. Talking politics is strictly prohibited as it has been a LONG time since a party was only associated with political membership, so let’s get on our dancing shoes and join in the shin-dig, but whilst trying to avoid too many shins whilst we are dancing away!  Warning: This episode comes with a Party Pooper spoiler.  A Somethin’ Else production. If you have any wordy wonderings or linguistical lamentations you’d like to ask to Susie and Gyles, you can ask them by emailing purple@somethinelse.com. Susie’s Trio:  Stultilioquent - prone to foolish talk or babble  Woofits - unwell feeling, especially a headache and also a moody depression  Forblissed - filled with happiness
  March 2, 2021

  41 min

• Something Rhymes With Purple LIVE – Thursday 25th March 2021

  Come and see Gyles and Susie in action as Something Rhymes With Purple goes LIVE and ONLINE in 2021. After the success of last year’s live theatre show, SRWP is opening its doors once again but this time we’re streaming it online, so wherever you are in the world, come and JOIN US! Thursday 25th March 2021 7.30pm (GMT) For tickets please go HERE! Expect bizarre word journeys, the gruesome origins of everyday phrases, celebrity name-drops aplenty… plus a live Q&A with Gyles and Susie on the night.We look forward to seeing you there!
  February 27, 2021

  2 min

• Pettifogger

  In this our 99th episode we’re calling our Purple People to the bar and passing judgement on the words of law! Susie tells us what a large number of judges and a large amount of food have in common, why the Old Bailey has Roman origins and explains why a Juror must swear but never curse. Gyles asks some ad hoc questions, as is his modus operandi and proves that he’s no ignoramus when it comes to stories of late, great lawyers.  Later, Susie and Gyles are brief about briefs, explain the significance of colourful bags and ribbons, and cause mayhem with some dark humour- but who doesn't love the sound of a mans laughter? A Somethin' Else production. Susie's trio: Ninguid- having much snow Widdendream- to be in a state of confusion or mental disturbance Rhinarium- the moist nose of an animal like a dog or a cat If you would like to get in touch with Gyles and Susie with any questions, please email purple@somethinelse.com.
  February 23, 2021

  46 min

• Pity Me

  Do you know your Bournes from your Burghs, your Casters from your Chesters, your Kils from your Kirks? This week we’re having another look at place names and the fascinating stories behind some of our nationally treasured locations. Gyles and Susie tell us why Plymouth Hoe is not a misogynistic slur, why the God Thor never visits The Devil’s Punch Bowl and and where the oxen used to cross the river. Plus a hair-raising story from Halifax and a cry for compassion from Durham and Cornwall! Susies trio: Quignogs- ridiculous ideas or conceits  Finnying- timid or fearful  Nickerers- new shoes that creak  A Somethin’ Else production If you would like to get in touch with Gyles and Susie with any questions, please email purple@somethinelse.com.
  February 16, 2021

  41 min

• Protest

  Purple People we have been feeling flumped and slumped, so this week we’re getting pumped for Protest! And how thrilling protest can be. Whether its sedition or insurrection, riot or revolt, Susie and Gyles explore the words of protest and revolution.  Susie tells us why the Roman god Jupiter may have some thoughts about that incident at Capitol Hill, Gyles delights in the anti-ageism of the Senate and even manages to find something saucy in Congress.  Gyles and Susie also answer mail, get to the root of carrots/carets/carats and solve your excellent cross word clues. Featuring “Inspector Morse” by Jim Parker. Susie's Trio: Jawbation- an tedious, extensive rubuke Fossick- to rummage around, to search about Twickered- a word from the Isle of Wight, to be tired and weary
  February 9, 2021

  47 min

• Zarf

  Another month, another week, another episode for our dear Purple People! Take a whiff of that petrichor and allow us to metaphorically remove the phloem from life's banana. Come join us in this wordy oasis! This week Gyles and Susie will be remembering enough forgotten words to keep you thinking today, tomorrow and over-morrow. If you're fond of procrastination, or even a bit of perendination, never fear we'll be here whatever day of the week you like to listen. Gyles wonders if his hallux makes him a secret royal, takes pride in his glabrous visage and wonders where in the body the uvula is. Meanwhile, Susie explains why the philtrum and the omphalos are as precious to mammals as they were to Ancient Greeks, tells us why your caruncle may be bigger when you're tired and generally gives us the ultimate anatomy class according to an etymologist. We also answer some purple mail about poodle-fakers, pagans and pedipulation! A Somethin' Else production. Susies trio: Bucklebuster- a line in a play or book or comedy that makes you laugh out loud Sequaciousness- the slalavish following of another, even to extreme ends Whithering and Wuthering- move with great force or to buffet like the wind 
  February 2, 2021

  43 min

• Purpuriam (Pp)

  Gyles and Susie are sticking to their New Years Resolutions and really getting out of their comfort zone this week as they focus their etymological microscope on the world of science and chemistry… so expect lots of head-scratching from our hosts as they attempt to decode the periodic table with the help from Greek gods, cockerels and silver mines. Today’s journey of discovery will also encounter the life and achievements of Robert Bunsen, how sacrificial goats gave us pharmacies and if that wasn’t enough, Gyles will be serenading us too! A Somethin’ Else production If you would like to get in touch with Gyles and Susie with any questions, please email purple@somethinelse.com. Trio  Scribacious - having the tendency to write a lot or too much. Twankle - To play idly on a musical instrument  Lucubration - Nocturnal study or meditation
  January 26, 2021

  45 min

• Torquemada

  Calling all cruciverbalists! Susie and Gyles have a treat in store for you as they deep-dive into the most popular word game around: the Crossword.  Since its creation 108 years ago, the crossword has transfixed millions on both sides of the Atlantic and the charm of this game has worked its way into literature, fashion, film - even the Royals are known to be fans!  In today’s episode, come be a sleuth(hound) and see if you can outwit Topsy Turvy Roast Mules or a kissing monkey as our very own hosts go head-to-head with the most devilish cryptic clues around. Will an anagram, an envelopment or a web developer be enough to catch either of our two superb wordsmith hosts out? A Somethin’ Else production. If you have a crossword clue that would baffle Torquemada himself, then Gyles and Susie want to hear it! Please email purple@somethinelse.com. Trio  Explaterate - To talk continuously without stopping Nyctalopia - Poor vision in low light Nuppence - To have no money
  January 19, 2021

  40 min

• Testiculos habet et bene pendentes

  Take a seat, recline if you’d like or perhaps, even lie down because this week Susie and Gyles are going to be exploring the wonderful wordy world of furniture. Do you know your Chaise Lounge from your Divan? The Chesterfield from the Sedan? Get ready to be paraded around on a litter and discover why the secretaire is full of secrets, why bankruptcy ended in smashed benches and how a day-to-day bodily function named one of our most trusted household items… A Somethin’ Else production If you have any wordy wonderings or linguistical lamentations you’d like to ask to Susie and Gyles, you can get in touch by emailing purple@somethinelse.com Susie’s Trio:  Testiculating - talk bollocks while waving your hands around  Groaking - Stare longingly at someone else’s food. Cover-slut - item of clothing to hide any unsightly blemishes.    See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.
  January 12, 2021

  44 min

• Purple Post

  Hello and Happy New Year! This first week of January we are reacquainting ourselves with you lovely Purple People and replying to some of the questions, queries and quibbles that you’ve emailed in. From pelmanism to punters, from Guinness to Mustard we’ll be finding out whether a spendthrift is thrifty or spendy, and examining why you’d rather not go gallivanting with a gallant, even if he claims to be a gentleman.  Susie and Gyles also get a bit European (ooh la la), explaining why it’s rather gauche to call a woman zaftig, and recapitulate why one must always capitulate to an offer of poitín. If you'd like to hear Susie and Gyles answer your etymological inquiries then you can get in touch at purple@somethinelse.com. A Somethin’ Else production. Susie’s Trio:  Flarnecking- vulgarly flaunt something January- the month of Janus, the Roman God who presided over doors and new beginnings  Rogitation- to ask the same question over and over again   See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.
  January 5, 2021

  50 min
• 2020

• Words Of The Year 2020

  Merry Christmas, a Festive Merrineum and a Happy New Year! It is the end of 2020; a year full of covidiots, royal viruses and quaranteenies. This week’s episode has everything you need to get you through to the New Year. We kick off with the bare facts and the naked truth about Christmas cracker jokes, Gyles then puts Susie through her paces with some tricksy word games you too can enjoy at home, before we round up our SRWP Words of the Year for 2020. So get your pen and paper at the ready as Susie demonstrates why donkeys are a lexicographer’s worst nightmare and we revel in the words that have made us tingle with linguosity this year. A Somethin’ Else production. If you want to get in touch with Susie and Gyles to ask any questions, you can get in touch at purple@somethinelse.com. In “unprecedented times” we at Something Rhymes With Purple are immensely grateful to you, our listeners, for the year we’ve had. As Gyles has already said an exuberant “cheers!” to you a thousand different ways, we’ll just leave you with... Susie’s Trio: Belgard- a loving look, an amorous glance. Linguosity- a pleasure in using words, perhaps a little bit too much! Beblubbed- having swollen eyes from too much crying “Don’t be so beblubbed, respair is round the corner.” Happy holidays!   See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.
  December 29, 2020

  44 min

• What the Dickens?

  This week we are on an absolute rampage, alleviating boredom and staving off the Scrooge in the news as we acquaint ourselves with that master wordsmith, Charles Dickens. Gyles gives us a salacious biography and Susie demonstrates her aptitude for a career in talking books. Keep a tight grip on your podcatcher Butterfingers because we’ve got your number and promise book recommendations so perfect for a Christmas cloff, that it’s sure to give you the creeps…  A Somethin’ Else production If you want to get in touch with Susie and Gyles to ask any questions, you can get in touch at purple@somethinelse.com. Susie's Trio: Scurryfunge- the mad dash around the house to tidy up just before visitors arrive. confelicity- joy in other peopls happiness. sockdolager- the final blow in an argument that settles the matter.   See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.
  December 22, 2020

  47 min

• Stuff

  Get wrapped up in your cosiest cashmeres and grab a glass of velvety vino and if you haven’t cottoned on already, today we’re going to be discussing textiles and fabrics.  Susie and Gyles will weave their way through our wardrobes discussing our silks to our satins. Through the world of fabric we’ll discover many things and lots of stuff as well as finding out what links taffetas and tabby cats, and why the best togas are always the most succinct. A Somethin’ Else production If you want to get in touch with Susie and Gyles to ask any questions, you can get in touch at purple@somethinelse.com. Susie’s Trio:  Firefang - scorched Bilbo - sword of exceptional quality  ‘-sby’ - suffix added to describe a person by their character trait. e.g. A rudesby is rude, an idlesby is idle, a sneaksby is sneaky.   See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.
  December 15, 2020

  39 min

• Libido

  This episode may not be suitable for younger listeners. Parental discretion is advised. This week we’ll be boinking, bonking, and banging our way through baby-making and its associated lexicon. Whether you prefer to make the beast with two backs or shake off the sheets, we Purple People aren’t here to judge. Gyles tells a fun buddy story from the ‘60s and Susie serves a decisive judgement on why you’d rather be Aphrodite than Venus. We’ll also be dropping F-bombs, developing an aversion to crumpets and discussing why Missionary life wasn’t for everyone… A Somethin’ Else production. If you want to get in touch with Susie and Gyles it’s purple@somethinelse.com Susie’s Trio Thankworthy- worthy of thanks or gratitude, meritorious. Concupiscence- strong sexual desire; lust. Microlipet-  - someone who gets all worked up about trivial things   See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.
  December 8, 2020

  40 min