Word of the Day

Skookum is an adjective that means strong, brave or impressive.  Our word of the day has its origin in the language of the indigenous people of the Pacific Northwest. It’s been used since the late 19th century. Here’s an example of skookum in use: I found our boss particularly skookum last Thursday when he stood up to his supervisor in defense of his parking spot. He might have impressed me as even braver if he’d defended all of our parking spaces, but I guess you can’t have everything. 

Barratry is a noun that refers to the act of frequently instigating lawsuits.  The Old Norse word for ‘contest’ provides the origin of several words related to the law, such as barrister and bar, as in ‘passing the bar.’ Our word of the day has been around since the Late Middle English period to describe the bahavior of those who like to sue people a little too much. Here’s an example: Kevin’s barratry got a little excessive at times. He had so many lawsuits going on that he was on a first-name basis with members of the jury. 

Virago is a noun that refers to a screaming woman or a hellcat.  The Latin word uirago (we RAHG oh) means ‘female warrior.’ Its descendent, virago, dates back to the Old English period. Here’s an example: When my daughter dressed up as a virago for Halloween, she frightened everybody in the neighborhood. On top of everything else, my little hellcat got more candy than anybody else. 

Raft is a noun that refers to a large number.  Our word of the day has been around since the mid-19th century. It’s thought to be derived from the Scandinavian word for ‘abundance.’ Here’s an example of it in use: Coming home after a rough day at work, I was delighted to see a raft of candy bars on the dining room table. But I was disappointed to learn that this cornucopia of sweetness wasn’t for me. 

Audiology is a noun that refers to the medicine concerned with the sense of hearing.  Our word of the day combines the Latin word ‘audire,’ (OW dee ray) which means ‘hear’ with the Greek suffix O-L-O-G-Y, meaning ‘study of.’ A fairly recent addition to the language, audiology is a study that can assist someone hoping to learn more about the science of hearing.  Even after all those classes in audiology, I never could understand what makes some songs sound better than others. But maybe my preference for late nineties hip-hop polka is destined to remain a mystery. 

Acrophobia is a noun that refers to a fear of heights.  The Greek word akron (AK ron) means ‘summit,’ while the Greek suffix P-H-O-B-I-A means fear. Since the late 19th century people terrified of high places have used our word of the day to describe their condition. Here’s an example: Tammy has such gripping acrophobia that she won’t date a man over six feet tall. She’s afraid that just reaching up to give him a kiss will make her dizzy. 

Mendicant is a noun that refers to a beggar.  The Latin verb mendicare (med duh CAR ay) refers to a ‘beggar.’ Our word of the day entered English in the Late Middle English period. Here’s an example of it in use: Jeff spent many years on the street as a mendicant. Being a beggar has a way of putting your success into perspective. 

Jeremiad is a noun that refers to a list of complaints.  Our word of the day has its origin in the Biblical figure Jeremiah, whose lamentations were featured in the Old Testament. Since the late 18th century, a jeremiad has been known as a series of criticisms. Here’s an example of it in use: After several years of living with Cheryl, I’ve gathered a jeremiad I’ve been wanting to share with her. I only hope her list of complaints about me isn’t longer than mine. 

Jardiniere is a noun that refers to an ornamental pot or stand for plants for flowers.  Our word of the day is a loan word that comes directly from the French word for ‘gardener.’ It’s been used since the mid-19th century to describe places to display plants or flowers. Here’s an example: When I first saw that jardiniere, I assumed it was from someplace exotic like the Far East. It turned out to be just a pot from Cleveland. I wish I had known that before I paid two hundred dollars for it.

Schlep is a verb that means to haul or carry in an awkward way.  Our word of the day comes from the Yiddish word ‘shepn’ (SHLEP - in.) which means ‘to drag.’ Its English offspring has been around since the early 20th century. Here’s an example: Next year when we go on vacation, I think I’ll leave my computer at home. It’s too much trouble to schlep that thing all the way to Florida.