Language Bites

‘Language Bites’ is a series of 1 minute programmes exploring the origins of popular phrases in the English language. It is presented by Colette Kinsella and funded through the Broadcasting Authority of Ireland Sound and Vision scheme. It can be heard weekdays on RTE Choice at 09.57 and again at 14.57.

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01. To Bank on Someone.
These days banks are the LAST institutions you'd actually bank on. So why do we say "we bank on someone" if we put our trust in them? Join us in medieval Italy to find out.

02. To Go Berserk.
Today we take a look at an odd family of brothers responsible for the phrase "to go berserk".

03. Blackmail.
Blackmail is a nasty thing. But did you know there was also a "white mail"? Find out more here.

04. Bootlegger.
C'mon, we've all bought bootleg CDs or books in Asia, haven't we? So you might be surprised to learn that the original term involved horses and long-necked bottles.

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