What do medieval fire safety laws, teenage rebellion, and government lockdowns have in common? The word curfew! In this episode of Lexiconned, we trace the fiery origins of curfew back to its Old French roots (couvre-feu), explore how William the Conqueror used it to control England, and uncover how it evolved into a tool for social order (and teenage frustration). From historical edicts to modern-day riots, curfew has always been about control—whether it’s over fire, unrest, or late-night mischief. Tune in for a deep dive into this fascinating word, complete with history, humor, and a few unexpected twists.

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Sources:

• Harper, Douglas. Online Etymology Dictionary. “Curfew.”
• Oxford English Dictionary. Curfew: Origin and Historical Uses.
• BBC History. “William the Conqueror’s Curfew Laws.”
• Various historical records on medieval fire safety measures.
• Reports on modern curfews and related riots, including the 1966 Sunset Strip Riots and the 2021 Dutch Curfew Riots.

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