New Game: What's the Word?

[DarkRavie]

What's the Word: HOBBLEDEHOY

pronunciation: [HA-bəl-dee-hoy]

 

Part of speech: noun

Origin: Unknown, mid-16th century

 

Meaning:

1. A clumsy or awkward youth.

 

Examples:

"I felt like a real hobbledehoy at my first job."

"Now that Jennifer's braces were off, she was ready to leave behind her days of being a hobbledehoy."

About Hobbledehoy

Lexicographers are unsure about the specific origins of the word "hobbledehoy," although we do know that it was first used in the 16th century. The word, used as both a noun and an adjective, describes an awkward youth.

 

Did you Know?

Nearly everyone was a hobbledehoy at some point — it's a normal part of adolescence to feel a little awkward. Encouragement, praise, and support go a long way in helping your loved ones feel more confident in themselves as they grow up.

[DarkRavie]

What's the Word: DEPUTE

pronunciation: [də-PYOOT]

 

Part of speech: verb

Origin: Late Middle English, unknown

 

Meaning:

1. Appoint or instruct (someone) to perform a task for which one is responsible.

2. Delegate (authority or a task).

 

Examples:

"The dean deputed the department head to finish the review process."

"He deputed the responsibility of answering his emails to his teaching assistant."

About Depute

This word developed in Middle English via influence from French and Latin. The original Latin word "deputare" ("consider to be; assign") came from the words "de" ("away") and "putare" ("consider").

 

Did you Know?

Depending on which usage of "depute" is in play, the word order is very particular. With usage synonymous with "delegate," it operates as a regular verb. When "depute" means "to appoint someone in a task," the verb must be followed with the object of the sentence and an infinitve of another verb. For example, "She deputed us to clean the kitchen."