Why “The Singing Wolf”?

In the first post I made here, I explain that there is speculation that the word cantaloupe, on an etymological level, means “singing wolf.” We don’t know if that’s really where the word came from, but I think it’s a beautiful, evocative phrase nonetheless.

Who are you and why are you writing about these things?

I am Drew Mackie, a Los Angeles-based writer and podcaster who is also just one of those people who is looking up words to find out where they come from. I think etymology is interesting because it can show you how much history is packed into the words you say or write every day without stopping to think about where they came from. I’m not a professional etymologist or a linguist.

Where do you get your information?

For the most part, I go to the Online Etymology Dictionary, which I’ve found to be a comprehensive resource. Other sources are linked in the posts.

What do you do when you’re not writing about etymology?

I have a dog and a mustache. I co-own TableCakes Productions, a multimedia company specializing in podcasts. I host the podcasts Gayest Episode Ever (about LGBT-focused episodes of classic sitcoms), Singing Mountain (about video game music) and Deep Cuts & Superficial Wounds (about lesser-known 80s pop). My most successful project, as of the writing of this paragraph right here, is probably a supercut I made of every LGBT reference ever on the history of The Simpsons. I also make weird video art, most of it fairly forgettable but I’d wager that this one turned out pretty well.

For years and years, I wrote at my personal blog, Back of the Cereal Box, often about etymology. I no longer really feel connected to the person I was when I wrote there regularly, but the blog is still up. You can follow me on Twitter and on Instagram.