Podcast: Play in new window | Download
Watch the full episode:
Things With the Wrong Names: Buffalo, Koala Bears and Peanuts
That buffalo in the Badlands? It’s a bison. Brandi Mastrud and Marlo Anderson dig into animals and everyday things that got stuck with the wrong name: the pronghorn “antelope” (it’s more closely related to the giraffe), the jackrabbit (it’s a hare), prairie dogs, the horned toad, mountain goats, koala bears and killer whales.
Then it’s on to the kitchen: peanuts aren’t nuts, strawberries aren’t berries (but bananas are), guinea pigs, buffalo wings, Red Bull’s wings, chow mein, salt water taffy and the truth about artificial banana flavor. Plus the screwdriver with the X, the Corps of Discovery and why pencil lead was never lead.
Watch for the fact-check cards when the numbers need a second look.
The Absurdists, where logic takes a back seat. Season 3, Episode 5 with Brandi Mastrud and Marlo Anderson.
Free PDF: 50 Absurdities You Can’t Unknow. Plus new episodes in your inbox every week.
Suggest a topicGet the PDF