Mondegreen (with Vanessa Bayer, Anthony Atamanuik and Gil Ozeri)
The WikiHole podcast explores the humorous side of language and misunderstandings. In this episode, host D'Arcy Carden and guests Vanessa Bayer, Anthony Atamanuik, and Gil Ozeri dive into "mondegreens" - the phenomenon of mishearing lyrics and phrases in an unintentionally amusing way.
From classic examples like "excuse me while I kiss this guy" to the amusing origins of the term "mondegreen" itself, the episode offers plenty of laughs. The conversation then bounces between various pop culture rabbit holes, covering everything from Macbeth and the "Scottish play" superstitions, to medical trivia like the nature of teeth versus bones, and baby teeth's scientific name, deciduous teeth.
This is a preview of the Shortform summary of the Jul 22, 2024 episode of the WikiHole with D'Arcy Carden
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1-Page Summary
Language and mishearing (mondegreens)
Language can play tricks on the ear, leading to humorous misunderstandings known as "mondegreens" - mishearing or misinterpreting lyrics and phrases. Sylvia Wright coined the term in 1954 after mishearing "laid him on the green" as "Lady Mondegreen." Common examples include hearing "Purple Haze" as "excuse me while I kiss this guy" and "Lucy in the Sky with Diamonds" as "the girl with colitis goes by," according to Vanessa Bayer, Anthony Atamanuik, and D'Arcy Carden. Mondegreens often stem from unfamiliar phrases and lead to unintended interpretations, a frequent source of humor.
Pop culture references (Rudolph, Bones, Macbeth)
The guests discuss pop culture "wiki holes," with Anthony Atamanuik sharing his research into royal lineages and Vanessa Bayer's immersion in Buffy the Vampire Slayer. Failing to recall all of Santa's reindeer names, they explore trivia from Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer. The show delves into Bones and its lead anthropologist character, noting star David Boreanaz's background in Buffy and Angel. An extensive Macbeth segment tackles the play's infamous curse, its historical roots, and line quizzes.
Medical/scientific topics (dentistry, bones)
The show explores dentists' high rates of depression due to factors like anxious patients and perfectionism. Debunking a misconception, teeth are not bones - they lack the self-repair ability and are made of dentin and enamel instead of bone. In a quiz, the scientific term for baby teeth is revealed as "deciduous teeth."
Historical events and figures (Macbeth, King James)
The show links Macbeth's inspiration to King James I's political life and ascension to power. It references the 1849 Astor Place Riot sparked by differing Macbeth performances. The Scottish ballad "The Bonnie Earl O'Moray," connected to King James I, is a source of confusion before being correctly identified.
1-Page Summary
Additional Materials
Actionables
- You can create a personalized "mondegreen" game by mishearing lyrics on purpose and challenging friends to guess the correct ones. Start by choosing a playlist of songs that none of you are familiar with. Mishear the lyrics intentionally and write down your version. Then, play the song for your friends and have them write what they hear. Compare notes and enjoy the humorous outcomes.
- Explore historical connections in your favorite shows by researching the real-life events that may have inspired them. For example, if you're a fan of a TV series with a historical backdrop, take some time to look up the era it portrays. This could lead to a deeper appreciation of the show and provide interesting conversation topics with fellow fans.
- Educate others about dental health misconceptions through casual conversations or social media posts. Since teeth are not bones, you can share fun facts like the difference between dentin and enamel or the term "deciduous teeth" for baby teeth. This can help spread awareness and correct common misunderstandings about dental anatomy.
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Language and mishearing (mondegreens)
Language can sometimes play tricks on the ear, leading to humorous and surprising misunderstandings known as "mondegreens."
Mondegreens refer to the linguistic phenomenon of mishearing or misinterpreting a phrase or lyric
The term "mondegreen" was coined by Sylvia Wright after she misheard the lyrics to a Scottish ballad
Sylvia Wright was responsible for coining the term "mondegreen" in 1954 when she mistook the lyrics to the Scottish ballad "The Bonnie Earl O'Moray." Rather than hearing "laid him on the green," she heard "Lady Mondegreen."
Common examples of mondegreens include mishearing "Purple Haze" as "excuse me while I kiss this guy" and "Lucy in the Sky with Diamonds" as "the girl with colitis goes by"
Vanessa Bayer, Anthony Atamanuik, and D'Arcy Carden explore these linguistic quirks by sharing their personal experiences and the classic misinterpretations that have persisted in popular culture. Gil Ozeri humorously suggests that John Lennon might have willfully written a lyric about colitis, referencing the common mishearing of "Lucy in the Sky with Diamonds."
Mondegreens often occur when a phrase is unfamiliar or unclear to the listener
They can lead to new, unintended meanings or interpretations
D'Arcy Carden recounts how she interpreted the "Brown Eyed Girl" lyrics as "Hey well Enrico," instead of "Hey, where did we go?" Gil Ozeri shares a similar anecdote, having sung a line from Bonnie Raitt's "Something to Talk About" as "spin that wheel like Wheel of Fortune," without knowing the actual words.
Mondegreens are a frequent source of humor and entertainment as people discover the original intended lyrics
Case in point, Vanessa Bayer brings up the amusing mishearing from Elton John’s song “Tiny Dancer” as “Tony Danza” and Manfred Mann’s Earth Ban ...
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Language and mishearing (mondegreens)
Additional Materials
Clarifications
- A mondegreen is a misheard or misinterpreted phrase or lyric. The term was coined by Sylvia Wright in 1954 after she misheard a line from a Scottish ballad as "Lady Mondegreen" instead of the actual lyrics. This term is commonly used to describe humorous misunderstandings in language and music.
- Mondegreens are misheard phrases or lyrics that create new, often humorous meanings. Examples like "Purple Haze" misheard as "excuse me while I kiss this guy" and "Lucy in the Sky with Diamonds" as "the girl with colitis goes by" showcase common misinterpretations in popular music. These mishearings can lead to amusing reinterpretations and highlight how language nuances can lead to unexpected humor.
- Humorous misinterpretations of song lyrics, like "Tiny Dancer" being heard as "Tony Danza" and "Blinded by the Light" as "wrapped up like a douche," are examples of mondegreens. Mondegreens are i ...
Counterarguments
- While mondegreens can be humorous, they can also lead to confusion and miscommunication, especially in situations where accurate understanding is crucial.
- The focus on mondegreens in popular music may overshadow their occurrence in other forms of communication, such as political speeches or news broadcasts, where the consequences of mishearing can be more significant.
- The entertainment value of mondegreens assumes a shared cultural context; what is amusing in one culture may not be understood in another.
- The idea that mondegreens stem from unfamiliarity or lack of clarity might be overly simplistic, as they can also result from cognitive biases, hearing impairments, or noise interference.
- The assertion that listeners can easily craft new meanings from misheard lyrics might not account for the frustration or confusion that can accompany the realization of a mondegreen.
- The text implies that mondegreens are always unintentional, but artists may sometimes intentionally use ambiguous phrasi ...
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Pop culture references (Rudolph, Bones, Macbeth)
As personalities explore the realms of pop culture, they share their experiences with deep dives into various topics, from historical lineages to fantasy franchises.
The guests discuss their personal experiences falling down "wiki holes" about various pop culture topics
Anthony Atamanuik reveals his fascination with the royal family by sharing his experience of researching the succession of kings from King Stephen onward. Vanessa Bayer discusses her recent engagement with the Buffy the Vampire Slayer franchise, having watched all seven seasons and now delving into the spin-off, Angel.
The show explores trivia related to the Christmas classic Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer
During the show, there's a light-hearted struggle with the names of Santa's reindeer, pointing out how easily one can be tripped up by the lyrics of the song "Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer." The group's recall falters with incorrect guesses such as Fitsen, Warsaw, Jumper, and Kitchen, while missing others like Vixen, Cupid, Comet, and the titular character, Rudolph. The 1964 stop-motion animated TV movie "Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer" is brought up, particularly the character of Hermey, the toy-making elf with dreams of dentistry.
The show delves into the procedural drama Bones, exploring the background of the show's main character
The conversation shifts to the series "Bones" and its lead, Temperance "Bones" Brennan, a forensic anthropologist. David Boreanaz's career is also in focus, acknowledging his previous roles in the supernatural series "Buffy the Vampire Slayer" and "Angel."
The show focuses extensively on the Shakespeare pl ...
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Pop culture references (Rudolph, Bones, Macbeth)
Additional Materials
Clarifications
- Anthony Atamanuik's fascination with the royal family and researching the succession of kings stems from his interest in the historical lineage and power dynamics within monarchies. By delving into the succession of kings, he explores the intricate connections and narratives that shape royal families and their roles in history. This interest may lead him to study the lineage of specific monarchs, their reigns, and the impact of their rule on society. Atamanuik's research into royal successions could provide insights into the complexities of monarchy, inheritance laws, and the historical significance of different rulers.
- Vanessa Bayer's engagement with the Buffy the Vampire Slayer franchise involves her watching all seven seasons of the TV series "Buffy the Vampire Slayer" and exploring its spin-off, "Angel." This indicates her deep dive into the fictional world created by Joss Whedon, focusing on the adventures of Buffy Summers, a young woman chosen to battle against vampires, demons, and other supernatural forces. By immersing herself in these shows, Vanessa Bayer has become familiar with the characters, storylines, and themes that define the Buffyverse.
- The light-hearted struggle with the names of Santa's reindeer is a reference to the popular Christmas song "Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer," which lists the names of Santa's reindeer. The confusion arises when people try to recall all the reindeer's names accurately, often mixing them up or forgetting some. This playful mix-up adds humor to discussions about the classic Christmas tale and its characters. The names of Santa's reindeer include iconic ones like Dasher, Dancer, Prancer, Vixen, Comet, Cupid, Donner, Blitzen, and the most famous one, Rudolph.
- Hermey is a character from the classic Christmas special "Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer." He is an elf who dreams of becoming a dentist instead of making toys like the other elves. Hermey's storyline revolves around his desire to pursue his passion for dentistry despite societal expectations. His journey in the movie highlights themes of individuality, following one's dreams, and acceptance.
- "Bones" is a TV series centered around Dr. Temperance Brennan, a forensic anthropologist who works with the FBI to solve crimes by examining human remains. The character, nicknamed "Bones," is known for her exceptional intelligence, forensic skills, and rational approach to solving mysteries. The show follows her and her team as they investigate complex cases using forensic anthropology technique ...
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Medical/scientific topics (dentistry, bones)
The show delves into lesser-known aspects of dentistry, distinguishing medical misconceptions about teeth, and explaining terms related to dental anatomy.
The show explores the high rates of depression among dentists
Given their high-stress profession, dentists face significant mental health challenges, experiencing higher rates of depression compared to other doctors.
Factors contributing to dentists' mental health challenges include working with anxious patients and perfectionism
The factors contributing to these mental health difficulties include long work hours, the stress of working with anxious patients, and the inherent pressure of maintaining perfectionism in their precise work.
The show clarifies that teeth are not actually made of the same material as bones
Dispelling a common misconception, the show clarifies that teeth are not bones. Although both contain calcium, teeth are actually composed of d ...
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Medical/scientific topics (dentistry, bones)
Additional Materials
Counterarguments
- While the show may explore lesser-known aspects of dentistry, it could potentially overlook or simplify complex topics that require more in-depth discussion or expert knowledge.
- Distinguishing medical misconceptions about teeth is valuable, but the show must ensure that it presents updated and peer-reviewed information to avoid spreading further misconceptions.
- Explaining dental terms is helpful, but the show should also consider the varying levels of its audience's understanding and provide context to ensure clarity.
- The assertion that dentists face significant mental health challenges and higher rates of depression compared to other doctors could be nuanced by acknowledging that mental health issues are complex and multifactorial, and can vary widely among individuals within any profession.
- The factors contributing to dentists' mental health challenges, such as long work hours and working with anxious patients, are not unique to dentistry and could be compared to similar stressors in other healthcare professions.
- The pressure of maintaining perfectionism as a contributing factor to mental health challenges could be balanced by discussing the support systems and coping mechanisms that many dentists successfully employ.
- While teeth are not made of the same material as bones, the show could discuss the similarities and differences in more detail, such as the role of collagen in bones versus its absence in teeth.
- The statement that teeth are incapable of self-repair might be nuanced by discussing the limited regenerative ...
Actionables
- You can support your dentist's mental well-being by expressing gratitude after your appointments. A simple thank-you note or a positive online review can acknowledge their hard work and potentially alleviate some of the emotional burdens they carry, contributing to a more positive work environment.
- Start a family tradition of a "tooth timeline" to educate your children about deciduous teeth. Create a chart or scrapbook that tracks when each baby tooth appears and falls out, using the correct terminology. This can make learning about dental anatomy fun and memorable for kids.
- Incorporate foods into your die ...
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Historical events and figures (Macbeth, King James)
The show takes a deep dive into historical events and key figures related to Shakespeare's "Macbeth" and the life of King James I of England and Scotland.
The show delves into the historical context of Macbeth, linking it to the reign of King James I of England and Scotland
The show posits a question about the inspiration behind Shakespeare's "Macbeth," asking if it was influenced by the political life of King James I, Henry VIII, or Henry V. The correct answer is King James I, who ruled Scotland as James VI before ascending to the English throne in 1603. "Macbeth" is thought to be inspired by James I's political life and his ascension to power.
The show references the Astor Place Riot of 1849, which was sparked by a performance of Macbeth
During a segment on infamous events, the Astor Place Riot is highlighted as a deadly historical occurrence sparked by a performance of "Macbeth." This riot saw American actor Edwin Forrest and British actor William McCready in opposition, leading to a confrontation that became one of the multiple-choice options durin ...
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Historical events and figures (Macbeth, King James)
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Counterarguments
- While the show suggests that "Macbeth" was influenced by King James I's political life, some scholars argue that the play was more broadly influenced by the themes of ambition, power, and the supernatural, which were common in Jacobean drama, rather than specific events in James's life.
- The connection between "Macbeth" and King James I could also be seen as Shakespeare's attempt to curry favor with the new monarch, rather than a direct reflection of James's political life.
- The Astor Place Riot may have been sparked by a performance of "Macbeth," but it was also deeply rooted in class tensions, nativism, and the cultural rivalry between Britain and the United States, which the show might not fully explore.
- The show's discussion of "The Bonnie Earl O'Moray" and its connection to King Ja ...
Actionables
- Dive into the world of historical fiction by writing a short story that weaves together the political intrigue of King James I's era with a modern-day setting, using "Macbeth" as a thematic guide.
- This activity will help you understand the timeless nature of political ambition and power struggles. Imagine a scenario in a contemporary government or corporate environment where characters exhibit similar traits to those in "Macbeth," such as ambition, guilt, and manipulation. By doing this, you'll gain a deeper appreciation for Shakespeare's work and its relevance to today's world.
- Create a visual art piece, like a painting or digital collage, that captures the essence of the Astor Place Riot, focusing on the themes of rivalry and public unrest.
- This will allow you to explore the impact of cultural and artistic clashes in a tangible form. You don't need to be a professional artist; simply use whatever materials you have at hand to express the tension and drama of the event. This process can provide a reflective space to consider how art and politics intersect and provoke societal reactions.
- Compose a modern ballad inspired by "The Bonnie Ea ...
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