Vocabulary Mnemonics Episode 66: Zarf, haboob, cromulent, and more!
May 17, 2025
Discover the fascinating meaning of 'abstemious' and how to remember it through mnemonics. Unpack the nuances of 'zarf' and learn the difference between 'abstain' and 'abstainious.' Explore the stylish world of 'frou-frou' and the clumsiness of 'gauche' with fun links to basketball. Dive into quirky terms like 'haboob' and 'cromulent,' enriched by personal anecdotes and laughter. The session wraps up with creative ways to integrate these new words into your conversations!
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Episode notes
Matt's Take on Abstemious
- Matt describes being abstemious, meaning moderate in eating, unlike others who indulge in sweets.
- He uses the mnemonic linking "abstain" and "abstemious" to remember the word.
Visualizing 'Zarf' With Scarf
- Mom explains "zarf" as the sleeve around a hot coffee cup and compares it to a scarf.
- This rhyme helps visualize a zarf wrapping a cup like a scarf warms your neck.
Gauche Linked to 'Left'
- "Gauche" means socially awkward and comes from French meaning "left".
- Left-handedness is linked to clumsiness in a right-handed world, which helps remember its meaning.