

Vocabulary Mnemonics
Matt & Dr. Mom
From legerdemain to scrupulousness, from tatterdemalion to kempt, we have the memory tools to help you remember GRE vocabulary, Latin and Greek phrases, medical terms and more -- forever.
Episodes
Mentioned books

Oct 4, 2025 • 26min
Episode 86: Pons asinorum, Solipsism, Turpitude, and more

Sep 27, 2025 • 27min
Episode 85: Maw, triptych, obelus, and more…

Sep 20, 2025 • 22min
Episode 84: Bathetic, Veblen Good, Furcula, and more
Get ready to enhance your vocabulary with playful definitions and quirky mnemonics! Explore intriguing concepts like Veblen goods, where status drives demand, and the journey of a raconteur spinning tales. Discover lively nouns such as furcula, a unique forked wishbone, alongside bathetic sentiments and hullabaloo chaos. The hosts wrap it all up with clever examples and a hilarious narrative that weaves it all together, inspiring you to use these new words in your daily life!

Sep 13, 2025 • 26min
Episode 83: Vermilion, mirth, expostulate, and more

Sep 6, 2025 • 29min
Episode 82: insipient, zhuzh, simulacrum, and more
Dive into the quirky world of words with discussions on the term 'tetchy' and its Shakespearean ties, alongside the cultural baggage of 'crone.' Uncover the magic of onomatopoeia as words like 'incipient' and 'zhuzh' spring to life with memorable mnemonics. The intrigue doesn't stop there; explore hydroponics, a cutting-edge agricultural method, and how it relates to futuristic language concepts. Each segment is packed with entertaining narratives to enhance your vocabulary journey!

Aug 30, 2025 • 26min
Episode 81: Review game #2
Engage in a playful vocabulary game where hosts challenge each other on previously learned words. They explore the humor and complexities of language, from the emotional weight of terms like 'contempt' to the workplace implications of the Peter Principle. The discussion also dives into the nuances of deception with words like 'specious,' and historical insights into fratricide. Additionally, they tackle Parkinson's Law and share personal tales about how tasks expand with time, all while emphasizing strategies to conquer procrastination and enhance vocabulary.

Aug 23, 2025 • 23min
Episode 80: Lagniappe, inimical, unctuous, and more
Explore the fascinating concept of 'lanyap,' a delightful New Orleans tradition that inspires engaging podcast strategies. Discover the cultural roots of words like 'rubric' and 'tumid,' and learn memorable mnemonics to expand your vocabulary. The hosts playfully unpack intriguing terms such as 'solarium' and 'inimical,' bringing them to life with relatable examples. Enjoy a humorous take on 'unctuous' and its layered meanings, including connections to public figures, all while enhancing your word skills with creativity and fun!

Aug 16, 2025 • 26min
Episode 79: Holus Bolus, excursive, soothfast, and more
Dive into the playful meaning of 'holus bolus'—doing things all at once—coupled with an exploration of 'excursive', which highlights enjoyable digressions in conversation. Discover the intriguing concept of 'interlocutor' and the influence of AI in communication. Learn about proprioception, the body's innate sense of position compared to robot movement. Finally, enrich your vocabulary with words like 'motley' and 'soothfast', understanding their origins and meanings through captivating stories and mnemonic tools.

Aug 9, 2025 • 26min
Episode 78: Mot Juste, purloin, demotic, and more
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.

Aug 2, 2025 • 23min
Episode 77: Kompromat, deign, merism, and more!
Dive into the intriguing world of 'kompromat' and its historical significance, particularly during the Cold War. Explore the playful nuances of words like 'salutatorian' and 'merism' with humor and insight. Expand your vocabulary through relatable examples of 'ruction' and 'feckless.' Enjoy light-hearted banter while contrasting playful dialogue with the weight of a 'glower.' The discussion wraps up with whimsical mnemonics that add a touch of cynicism to everyday office dynamics.