Mysteries of vernacular: Assassin - Jessica Oreck
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Trace the legend of the word assassin, as Jessica Oreck walks us through the word's journey from Arabic into the English language.
Additional Resources for you to Explore
The Hashashin, also spelled Hashashiyyin or Hashshashin, were a radical sect within the Nizari Ismaili branch of Shi’i Islam. They formed during the 11th century and lasted until the 13th century.
حشاشین is the Arabic spelling of Hashashin.
Etymologies are interesting. Say the word "doubt" aloud. What is that "b" doing there? Does it have any purpose? Gina Cooke explains the long and winding history of "doubt" and why the spelling, though it seems random, is a wink to its storied past.
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Meet The Creators
- Director Jessica Oreck
- Producer Rachael Teel