Vocabulary Mnemonics Episode 78: Mot Juste, purloin, demotic, and more
Aug 9, 2025
Explore the significance of choosing the right word with the French term 'mot juste'. Discover the evolution of terms like 'hightail' and 'reprobate', tracing their roots and meanings. Dive into the serious implications of 'defalcation' and its ties to absentee ownership. Examine adjectives like 'biddable' and 'demotic', contrasting obedience in children with teenage rebellion. Plus, enjoy clever mnemonic aids for vocabulary that enrich your understanding and retention of new words.
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Exact Right Word (Mot Juste)
- Mot juste names the exactly right word or phrasing for something.
- Matt suggests picturing a baby finally saying "mo juice" to recall the term.
Hesitant From Low Confidence
- Diffident means hesitant in acting or speaking due to a lack of self-confidence.
- Mom notes it functions simply as the opposite of confident and is easy to remember.
Old Verb Meaning Hurry (Hie)
- Hie (hi) is an old verb that means to hasten or go quickly.
- Matt links it to Shakespeare's usage and to the modern hightail/hurry sense.