Ever wonder why "banana" sounds almost the same in nearly every language? This yellow fruit might be in your lunchbox today, but its name has traveled an incredible journey spanning 5,000 years and three continents. From ancient Sanskrit words in India to bustling West African villages, from the decks of Portuguese trading ships to markets across the Americas, this episode traces how one simple word became nearly universal. Discover the hidden meanings behind its earliest names and the surprising connections between distant cultures. Get ready for a linguistic adventure that proves even the simplest words can hold extraordinary stories.