New Game: What's the Word?

[DarkRavie]

What's the Word: CRINKUM-CRANKUM

pronunciation: [KRING-kəm-KRANG-kəm]

 

Part of speech: noun

Origin: English, mid-18th century

 

Meaning:

1. Elaborate decoration or detail.

 

Examples:

"I love Victorian architecture with the woodwork overflowing with crinkum-crankum."

"The reviews of the latest book in the mystery series promise a story filled with crinkum-crankum."

About Crinkum-Crankum

Crinkum-crankum is a fanciful word for something fanciful itself. This fun-to-say noun means something with over-the-top decoration, or something full of twists and turns.

 

Did you Know?

It might sound like a nonsense word, but "crinkum-crankum" has roots in very real terms. It’s an alteration of "crinkle," meaning "a wrinkle or crease on the surface of something," and "crankle," which comes from the Latin word "crincum," meaning "a bend or twist." "Crinkum-crankum" is a fun way to describe something delightfully elaborate.

 

[DarkRavie]

What's the Word: ABSTRMIOUS

pronunciation: [əb-STEE-mee-əs]

 

Part of speech: adjective

Origin: Latin, early 17th century

 

Meaning:

1. Indulging only very moderately in something, especially food and drink.

 

Examples:

"He threw his abstemious diet out the window and indulged in cake on his birthday."

"The family was very abstemious, keeping no sugar or junk food in the house."

About Abstemious

Abstemius in Latin is spelled slightly differently from its English counterpart, "abstemious," but they mean the same thing. In Latin, "ab" means "from" and "temetum" means "alcoholic drink." An abstemious man is one who does not indulge in excessive food or drink.

 

Did you Know?

There’s a fun trick hidden in the word "abstemious." Take a look at the vowels — notice anything? Each vowel appears only once and in alphabetical order. Feel free to use this bit of trivia at your next happy hour.

 

[DarkRavie]

What's the Word: MULTIVERSE

pronunciation: [MULL-tee-vərs]

 

Part of speech: noun

Origin: English, 1960s

 

Meaning:

1. An infinite realm of being or potential being of which the universe is regarded as a part or instance.

 

Examples:

"My favorite sci-fi series explores the different realities possible in a multiverse."

"The physics department seems to be split into those who believe in a multiverse theory, and those who do not."

About Multiverse

If you’re a physicist, a comic book writer, a psychologist, or a theologian, you'll probably be familiar with the concept of a multiverse. The philosophy that there are multiple, or even infinite, states of being in the universe has long been a topic of debate.

 

Did you Know?

Fans of "The Big Bang Theory" are probably familiar with one example of a multiverse: Schrödinger's cat. On the TV show, Sheldon explained the hypothetical situation where a cat is inside a box, and, until you open the box, the cat could be alive or dead. There are two potential universes in that scenario, which is also the many-worlds interpretation of a multiverse.

 

 

[DarkRavie]

What's the Word: CIRCUMLOCUTION

pronunciation: [sir-kəm-lo-KYOO-shən]

 

Part of speech: noun

Origin: Latin, 16th century

 

Meaning:

1. The use of many words where fewer would do, especially in a deliberate attempt to be vague or evasive.

 

Examples:

"The drawn-out speech was not only boring, but also pure circumlocution."

"His attempt at circumlocution didn’t fool his mother when she asked where he was last night."

About Circumlocution

"Circumlocution" is a fairly direct translation from Latin: "circum" = around, and "locution" = talk. When a speaker is in the midst of circumlocution they’re circling around their point and using too many words. This could be a sign of deception or just a symptom of not knowing when to be quiet.

 

Did you Know?

Maybe you’re nervous, or maybe you’re trying to avoid giving a direct answer. Whatever the reason, if you’re “beating around the bush,” you’re practicing circumlocution. Using that phrase would also be circumlocution, which refers to the use of many words where fewer would do, especially in an attempt to be evasive. Why use an idiom when there’s a perfectly good word?

 

[DarkRavie]

What's the Word: APPURTENANCE

pronunciation: [ə-PERT-ən-ns]

 

Part of speech: noun

Origin: Latin, 14th century

 

Meaning:

1. An accessory or other item associated with a particular activity or style of living.

 

Examples:

"She decorated her new car with fun appurtenances, such as fuzzy seat covers and a phone holder."

"I keep a bag packed with all the appurtenances I need for the gym so I can go at any time."

About Appurtenance

You can trace this noun back to the French verb “apartenir,” which means to belong to. Go back even further and you'll arrive at the Latin “appertineō,” which means I belong. The English noun "appurtenance" holds this meaning as objects that belong to a certain category.

 

Did you Know?

You can use "appurtenance" to describe specific objects or in a general sense to talk about equipment associated with a particular category. In a specific sense, these items are supplemental accessories, such as the extra appurtenances for a stand mixer. In a general sense, these items can designate a type of person or activity, such as a garage with all the appurtenances of motorcycle riding.

 

[DarkRavie]

What's the Word: NIRVANA

pronunciation: [nir-VAH-nə]

 

Part of speech: noun

Origin: Sanskrit, 1830s

 

Meaning:

1. A state of perfect happiness; an ideal or idyllic place.

2. (In Buddhism) A transcendent state in which there is neither suffering, desire, nor sense of self, and the subject is released from the effects of karma and the cycle of death and rebirth. It represents the final goal of Buddhism.

 

Examples:

"After a stressful year at work, the week at the spa was nirvana for her."

"When he started studying Buddhism, he was fascinated by the idea of achieving Nirvana."

About Nirvana

Nirvana is a Sanskrit word that means "the act of extinguishing." It is the ultimate goal of the Buddhist path. Now the term "nirvana" can be applied to any state of extreme bliss, but it's still helpful to understand the Buddhist roots.

 

Did you Know?

Kurt Cobain, the singer and guitarist of the rock band Nirvana, said, “I wanted a name that was kind of beautiful or nice and pretty instead of a mean, raunchy punk name."

 

[DarkRavie]

What's the Word: DEMONYM

pronunciation: [DEM-ə-nim]

 

Part of speech: noun

Origin: Greek, mid-19th century

 

Meaning:

1. A noun used to denote the natives or inhabitants of a particular country, state, city, etc.

 

Examples:

"He knew the demonym for a resident of Indiana is 'Hoosier,' but he didn't know why."

"I currently live in Australia, but I still claim my demonym as British."

About Demonym

A demonym identifies a native of a certain geographical place or ethnic group. Forming these words might be as simple as adding a suffix (Japanese, Egyptian, Parisian), or they could be entirely different words (Okie, Mancunian, Neapolitan).

 

Did you Know?

Demonym comes from Greek — "dēmos" meaning "people" and "onuma" meaning "name" — but the usage has changed over time. It used to be applied to a noun used as a pen name, such as on a pamphlet written by "A Country Clergyman." The term was resurrected in the 1990s as a descriptor of residency.

 

[DarkRavie]

What's the Word: GNOMIC

pronunciation: [NOH-mik]

 

Part of speech: adjective

Origin: Greek, early 19th century

 

Meaning:

1. Expressed in or of the nature of short, pithy maxims or aphorisms.

2. Enigmatic; ambiguous.

 

Examples:

"He seemed incapable of original thought and spoke only in gnomic riddles."

"The campaign speech excited the voters but remained gnomic in substance."

About Gnomic

The roots of this speech-related adjective are the same as the roots for the fairy-tale creature. In Greek, "gnōmē" means "thought or judgment." Gnomes have served many purposes in fantastical stories, but they're often storytellers, or givers of advice. The adjective "gnomic" became applied to trite sayings in the 19th century, well after the genesis of stories of magical gnomes.

 

Did you Know?

You might assume this adjective is of the garden-gnome variety, but it serves multiple purposes. You can use it to describe anything gnome-like, but it's better used to describe advice given through short, commonplace adages. Just don't go asking your garden gnome for his opinions; he'll probably remain fairly silent.

 

[DarkRavie]

What's the Word: BILDUNGSROMAN

pronunciation: [BIL-dungz-ro-mahn]

 

Part of speech: noun

Origin: German, early 20th century

 

Meaning:

1. A novel dealing with one person's formative years or spiritual education.

 

Examples:

"She had an entire shelf in her home library devoted to Bildungsroman."

"The Bildungsroman told the story of his journey from a one-room schoolhouse to graduating from medical school."

About Bildungsroman

Bildungsroman is an intimidating word for a literary style popular with all types of readers. "Bildung" is German for "education," and "roman" is a novel. Simply put, it's a coming-of-age story. Since the noun is borrowed directly from German, it's usually capitalized (following the German rule), but it's still correct in English if it's not.

 

Did you Know?

Emma by Jane Austen, "David Copperfield" by Charles Dickens, "Their Eyes Were Watching God" by Zora Neale Huston, and "To Kill a Mockingbird" by Harper Lee — all Bildungsromans. Any story that concerns the moral, educational, and philosophical development of a young person falls into this family of novels. A more modern term for this genre is "coming-of-age story" and it applies to narratives across literature, TV, film, and theater.

 

[DarkRavie]

What's the Word: MOIL

pronunciation: [moyl]

 

Part of speech: verb

Origin: Latin, mid-16th century

 

Meaning:

1. Work hard.

2. Move around in confusion or agitation.

 

Examples:

"You'll need to moil to get the bulbs planted before a frost, but it will be worth it in the spring."

"She seemed lost as she moiled around the street corner."

About Moil

As a verb, "moil" primarily means "to work very hard." But if you work too hard, you might get overwhelmed or overheated. In comes the second definition of "moil," meaning "to move around in agitation."

 

Did you Know?

The modern definition of "moil" is the opposite of its roots. In Latin, "mollis" means "soft," and "moil" originally meant "to moisten or soften" a substance. But if you're laboring in mud, it's probably pretty hard work, and that's likely how "moil" came to mean "strenuous work."

 

[DarkRavie]

What's the Word: RHAPSODY

pronunciation: [RAP-sə-dee]

 

Part of speech: noun

Origin: Greek, mid-16th century

 

Meaning:

1. An effusively enthusiastic or ecstatic expression of feeling.

2. A free instrumental composition in one extended movement, typically one that is emotional or exuberant in character.

 

Examples:

"The story captured the rhapsody of first love and the emotions that go along with it. "

"He wrote a rhapsody inspired by the colors of the changing autumn forest."

About Rhapsody

As a song, a rhapsody is exuberant and bold, full of feeling. It’s written as one instrumental composition. But you can also apply rhapsody outside of the music world. You might recognize “rhapsodies of praise” or a “rhapsody of spring.” Any expression of intense emotions and enthusiasm can be a rhapsody.

 

Did you Know?

In ancient Greece, a rhapsody was an epic poem, usually recited in one sitting. Over the years, a rhapsody became a song instead of a poem, but still exuberant and often quite long. You can find rhapsodies all throughout the history of classical music and in more modern forms, such as Queen's epic "Bohemian Rhapsody."

 

[DarkRavie]

What's the Word: ZEPHYR

pronunciation: [ZEH-fər]

 

Part of speech: noun

Origin: Greek, late 17th century

 

Meaning:

1. A soft gentle breeze.

2. A very light article of clothing.

 

Examples:

"The warm zephyr was a welcome sign that spring was here. "

"You only need to wear a zephyr over your swimsuit for a trip to the beach."

About Zephyr

In Greek, "zephuros" means "god of the west wind." As "zefferus" moved into Old English, it became a personification of the west wind, or a metaphor for pleasant weather. By the late 17th century, the word "zephyr" was a poetic way to describe a gentle breeze — possibly from the west, but not necessarily.

 

Did you Know?

You can use "zephyr" to describe a welcome breeze on a warm day, or it might be the article of clothing you're wearing. "Zephyr" once referred to a specific kind of fine cotton gingham, but the term evolved to describe any lightweight garment.

 

[DarkRavie]

What's the Word: SAGACIOUS

pronunciation: [sə-GEY-shus]

 

Part of speech: adjective

Origin: Latin, early 17th century

 

Meaning:

1. Having or showing keen mental discernment and good judgment.

 

Examples:

"She could always rely on her mentor to provide sagacious feedback."

"The op-ed provided a sagacious viewpoint on the recent city council controversy."

About Sagacious

To be sagacious means to be wise, but specifically showing keen judgment. It's not just about intelligence; it's showing discernment, too. Being sagacious could be described as using "street smarts" in addition to "book smarts."

 

Did you Know?

Sage is commonly known as the herb that provides a heavy dose of flavor at Thanksgiving, but the Latin word "sagax" also means "wise." Use "sage" as an adjective meaning "wise," or as a noun for "a wise person." "Sagacious" becomes the adjective if you feel it's wise to use a longer word.

Edited September 19 by DarkRavie

[DarkRavie]

What's the Word: KINETIC

pronunciation: [kə-NED-ik]

 

Part of speech: adjective

Origin: Greek, mid-19th century

 

Meaning:

1. Relating to or resulting from motion.

2. (Of a work of art) Depending on movement for its effect.

 

Examples:

"The garden has a large kinetic water fountain as the centerpiece."

"The museum featured a breathtaking display of kinetic art for the spring showcase."

About Kinetic

Kinetic comes from the Greek word "kinētikos," from the verb "kinein," meaning "to move." You can describe any sort of motion — from your first stretch in the morning to the giant drop on a roller coaster — as kinetic. The word is also used in the art world to describe moving sculptures.

 

Did you Know?

You might recognize "kine" in other moving words, including "kinesiology" ("the study of the mechanics of body movements"), "kinescope" ("a television picture tube"), and "kinesics" ("gestures and body movements serving as nonverbal communication"). They all come from the Greek root "kinēsis," meaning "movement."

 

[DarkRavie]

What's the Word: BLITHESOME

pronunciation: [BLITH-səm]

 

Part of speech: adjective

Origin: Old English, 17th century

 

Meaning:

1. (Of a person) Having a cheerful disposition.

2. Filled with, marked by, or causing pleasure.

 

Examples:

"Waking up to sunny weather put me in a blithesome mood."

"The blithesome shouts from the playground were welcome background noise."

About Blithesome

Blithe is a Germanic word with origins related to bliss, but it's not always carefree. "Blithe" can mean "happy," or it can mean "indifferent to the point of callousness." As for "blithesome," it borrows just the cheerful sense of the word. We hope you're feeling blithesome today.

 

Did you Know?

When "some" is added as a suffix to nouns, adjectives, and verbs, it creates a new adjective that means "tending to or causing." Troublesome: causing trouble. Adventuresome: tending toward adventure. For "blithesome," you'll need know the meaning of "blithe." Hint: It will put a smile on your face.

 

[DarkRavie]

What's the Word: DECLIVITY

pronunciation: [də-KLIV-ə-dee]

 

Part of speech: noun

Origin: Latin, early 17th century

 

Meaning:

1. A downward slope.

 

Examples:

"The landscape architect designed the garden to complement the natural declivity."

"There was no longer a creek, but the bridge still spanned over a large declivity."

About Declivity

Does your friend Clive know his name means "slope"? Thanks to this Latin root, "declivity" refers to a downward slope. But if you're walking the opposite direction, "acclivity" describes an upward slope. Coming or going, it's a matter of perspective.

 

Did you Know?

Have you ever described someone as having a proclivity for hard work? "Proclivity" and "declivity" share the same Latin root, "clivus," meaning "slope." And technically the prefixes "pro-" and "de-" both mean "down," but the usages of each word are different. "Proclivity" means "to have a tendency toward," and "declivity" means "a physical downward slope."

 

[DarkRavie]

What's the Word: CAPRICIOUS

pronunciation: [kə-PREE-shəs]

 

Part of speech: adjective

Origin: French, early 17th century

 

Meaning:

1. Given to sudden and unaccountable changes of mood or behavior.

 

Examples:

"During the autumn months, the weather can be quite capricious."

"I had to stay on my toes when working with the capricious chef."

About Capricious

Capricious is the adjective form of the noun "caprice," which means "a sudden and unaccountable change of mood or behavior." A capricious person might be described as flighty, changeable, or just plain indecisive. But you could also embrace your capriciousness by being willing to learn and change your mind.

 

Did you Know?

Capricious and the astrological sign Capricorn have little in common. The adjective comes from the French word "capricieux," but "Capricorn" comes from the Latin words for "goat horn." This astrological sign has a reputation of seriousness and responsibility — characteristics at odds with capriciousness.

 

[DarkRavie]

What's the Word: RUMBUSTIOUS

pronunciation: [rəm-bəs-chəs]

 

Part of speech: adjective

Origin: British English, late 18th century

 

Meaning:

1. Boisterous or unruly.

 

Examples:

"The kids were being too rumbustious, so I shooed them outside to play."

"Expect the litter of puppies to be rumbustious when they hit 6 weeks old."

About Rumbustious

A picture might be worth a thousand words, but in the case of "rumbustious," the word produces a vivid mental image. Think of a pile of squirming kittens, or recess on the playground. That carefree playfulness is downright rumbustious.

 

Did you Know?

In the course of printing newspapers and books, spelling mistakes have occurred, and sometimes new words have been created. "Rumbustious" is one such neologism (new word). At some point in the late 18th century, someone was trying to use the archaic word "robustious," meaning "boisterous and robust," and they actually used "rumbustious." The error stuck, and now the unruly word is recorded in the dictionary.

 

[DarkRavie]

What's the Word: KAFFEEKLATSCH

pronunciation: [KAH-feh-klach]

 

Part of speech: noun

Origin: German, late 19th century

 

Meaning:

1. An informal social gathering at which coffee is served.

2. Talking or gossip at an informal gathering where coffee is served.

 

Examples:

"The highlight of the neighborhood meetings is the kaffeeklatsch that always follows."

"My grandmother loved nothing more than a good kaffeeklatsch with her friends."

About Kaffeeklatsch

Here's a loanword from German — it translates literally to "coffee gossip." "Kaffeeklatsch" can refer to any social gathering with coffee, or it can describe the actual gossip that tends to occur at such an event. Either way, pull up a chair and stay a while.

 

Did you Know?

The "Coffee Talk" sketch on "Saturday Night Live" in the early 1990s is a perfect example of a kaffeeklatsch. Mike Myers, playing a stereotypical New York woman, was joined by Madonna and Roseanne Barr for coffee and gossip. As Linda Richman, Myers would sometimes get "all verklempt" and encourage guests to "talk amongst yourselves."

 

[DarkRavie]

What's the Word: EMERITUS

pronunciation: [ə-MER-ə-dəs]

 

Part of speech: adjective

Origin: Latin, mid-18th century

 

Meaning:

1. (Of the former holder of an office, especially a college professor) Having retired but allowed to retain their title as an honor.

 

Examples:

"The banquet was held every year to honor the emeritus professors."

"As an emeritus member, she was welcome to sit in on lectures."

About Emeritus

Academia is a career path unlike any other. Most people earn their degree and move on, but some folks remain on campus for the rest of their lives, from undergraduate to graduate school, after which there are positions in teaching and research. Tenure provides job security, but when a professor is ready for retirement, they can maintain privileges with an emeritus role.

 

Did you Know?

In Latin, the verb "emereri" means "to earn one's discharge by service." "Emeritus" comes from that, meaning you earned your retirement, so you're still entitled to the honor and title. The female form is "emerita," but you're unlikely to see that out-of-date usage anymore.