Uploaded January 2026 | Updated September 2026, 3 weeks ago

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Let's explore the origins of spy terms. And take back your personal data with Incogni! Use code UNRAVELLED at this link and get 60% off annual plans: incogni.com/unravelled

Rob and Jess are going deep undercover to unearth the origins of words from the word of espionage.
🕵️‍♀️ What's the difference between a SPY, and ASSET, and an AGENT?
🔍 What does ESPIONAGE literally mean?
🇬🇧 Was there ever an MI4 as well MI5 and MI6?
These questions answered – and many more – in a supremely secretive episode of Words Unravelled.

🎥 Dr Geoff Lindsey's COVERT vid: youtube.com/watch?v=NeHRN6GlNOs

👕 OUR MERCH 👚
US SHOP: wordsunravelledshop.myspreadshop.com
EU/UK SHOP: wordsunravelledshop.myspreadshop.net

👂LISTEN: podfollow.com/words-unravelled-with-robwords-and-jess-zafarris
or search for "Words Unravelled" wherever you get your podcasts.

==LINKS==
Rob's YouTube channel: youtube.com/robwords
Jess' Useless Etymology blog: uselessetymology.com
Rob on X: x.com/robwordsyt
Jess on TikTok: tiktok.com/@jesszafarris

#etymology #wordfacts #English