Arts & Culture The Naughty Etymologist The Naughty Etymologist: "Rodents Rule" Ideastream Public Media | By Jacqueline Gerber Published September 22, 2023 at 1:19 PM EDT Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Email Listen • 1:17 Michele M Vogel / Shutterstock The naughty-sounding word for Friday, Sept. 22, can be used - with caution and ready explanation - when describing certain rodents in your yard.