What’s a snollygoster? A short lesson in political speak – Mark Forsyth
Most politicians choose their words carefully, to shape the reality they hope to create. But does it work? Etymologist Mark Forsyth shares a few entertaining word-origin stories from British and American history (for instance, did you ever wonder how George Washington became “president”?) and draws a surprising conclusion. (From TEDxHousesofParliament in London)
Talk by Mark Forsyth.



![Private: [ID: SXcUgcFGZ_g] Youtube Automatic](https://myaiu.tv/wp-content/uploads/2026/09/private-id-sxcugcfgzg-youtube-au-236x133.jpg)
![Private: [ID: PhOOGC7lxlw] Youtube Automatic](https://myaiu.tv/wp-content/uploads/2026/09/private-id-phoogc7lxlw-youtube-a-236x133.jpg)
![Private: [ID: _QlN-BgqTuE] Youtube Automatic](https://myaiu.tv/wp-content/uploads/2026/09/private-id-qln-bgqtue-youtube-au-236x133.jpg)
![Private: [ID: LL9dnGMv6gw] Youtube Automatic](https://myaiu.tv/wp-content/uploads/2026/09/private-id-ll9dngmv6gw-youtube-a-236x133.jpg)
![Private: [ID: EVzpeHvyN3k] Youtube Automatic](https://myaiu.tv/wp-content/uploads/2026/09/private-id-evzpehvyn3k-youtube-a-236x133.jpg)
![Private: [ID: XLQB8Prlrno] Youtube Automatic](https://myaiu.tv/wp-content/uploads/2026/09/private-id-xlqb8prlrno-youtube-a-236x133.jpg)