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.



![[ID: lZpMXJ4TvaM] Youtube Automatic](https://myaiu.tv/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/id-lzpmxj4tvam-youtube-automatic-236x133.jpg)
![[ID: K80bqj6quJo] Youtube Automatic](https://myaiu.tv/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/id-k80bqj6qujo-youtube-automatic-236x133.jpg)
![[ID: pWDClKzlbAU] Youtube Automatic](https://myaiu.tv/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/id-pwdclkzlbau-youtube-automatic-236x133.jpg)
![[ID: lKUdNAGn9_E] Youtube Automatic](https://myaiu.tv/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/id-lkudnagn9e-youtube-automatic-236x133.jpg)
![Private: [ID: k7zdqnhY8b0] Youtube Automatic](https://myaiu.tv/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/private-id-k7zdqnhy8b0-youtube-a-236x133.jpg)
![Private: [ID: CY1CeFAYAok] Youtube Automatic](https://myaiu.tv/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/private-id-cy1cefayaok-youtube-a-236x133.jpg)