124. Charivari

Emily delights Kyle’s ears with a serenade of the very worst kind, as this episode parades through the history of the word charivari.

Our hosts begin with this word’s origins in Greek, and a bothersome inconsistency of spelling and pronunciation. But that’s not the only headache of the day--because this wedding tradition hinges noise making. It’s a party that’s enjoyed by everyone in town! …Except the bride and groom, that is.

This word takes Emily and Kyle through French, British, and Old West history. It journeys from friendly send-offs for newlyweds, to overzealous torment, to vigilante justice, and back around again. And makes side trips to a peasant rebellion, a French magazine, and a scene from Oklahoma!