

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

May 17, 2025 • 25min
Episode 66: Zarf, haboob, cromulent, and more!
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!

May 10, 2025 • 18min
Episode 65: Mercurial, yearling, zeitgeist, and more!
Discover the intriguing world of vocabulary with a focus on unusual words like 'junket' and 'interregnum.' Unpack the meaning of 'mercurial' and how it relates to changing personalities. Explore the concept of 'zeitgeist' and its cultural significance. Delve into the connections of 'libidinous' with desire and age with 'yearling,' bringing new insights into each term. The hosts make these vocabulary gems not just memorable but also applicable to everyday life!

May 3, 2025 • 14min
Episode 64: Guessing Game #1
Join the hosts as they engage in a lively guessing game, making vocabulary learning a blast. They explore quirky words like 'cloying' and 'diurnal,' using humor and personal anecdotes to make meanings stick. Creative mnemonics bring words like 'invidious' to life, showcasing inventive ways to enhance memory retention. Listeners are encouraged to join in, utilizing visual cues to boost their vocabulary skills. This playful interaction turns vocabulary terms into memorable experiences!

Apr 26, 2025 • 30min
Episode 63: Alee, flotsam, felicitate, and more!
Dive into the fascinating world of nautical terminology! Discover the meanings of 'port' and 'starboard' and why standard language is crucial at sea. Explore the intriguing concepts of 'flotsam' and 'jetsam' along with cultural references, including a nod to a beloved children's film. Learn about the significance of 'beta' in technology and its cultural implications, while enjoying clever mnemonics that make vocabulary enriching and memorable. Join the conversation and expand your maritime and linguistic knowledge!

Apr 19, 2025 • 28min
Episode 62: Gourmand, insipid, pareidolia, and more!
Discover the fascinating meanings behind words like 'insipid,' illustrated with vivid examples like dull coffee and vintage sports. Delve into culinary joy with 'gourmand' and explore the concept of 'shibboleth' as a cultural marker. Unearth the creativity of 'pareidolia,' where we recognize familiar patterns in randomness. Unpack the generosity behind 'largesse' and the stealthy origins of 'gumshoe.' Each segment is filled with vivid mnemonics to enhance your vocabulary journey!

Apr 12, 2025 • 27min
Episode 61: Torpor, de rigueur, trenchant, and more!
Delve into the world of words with fascinating explorations of 'precocious' and its connection to youthful brilliance. Discover the somber nuance of 'malaise' and the enlightening meanings of 'torpor' and 'trenchant.' Uncover the significance of the 'glabella' in beauty discussions, and learn how 'de rigueur' shapes fashion etiquette. Navigate through delightful vocabulary gems like 'gadfly' and 'anathema,' enriched with historical context. The journey wraps up with creative mnemonics that make mastering vocabulary a fun and engaging experience!

Apr 5, 2025 • 24min
Episode 60: Potpourri, grex, cloying, and more!
Dive into the quirks of language with a discussion on tautology and its everyday presence. Explore the layered meanings of 'potpourri' and 'grex', capturing both the delightful and the grumbly. Delve into the nuances of 'cloying' and 'panoply', illustrating contrasts between sweetness and grand displays. Discover the intriguing world of 'doppelgangers' and the dual nature of 'enjoin'. Fun wordplay and mnemonic devices make vocabulary learning both memorable and entertaining!

Mar 29, 2025 • 26min
Episode 59: Desultory, ostentatious, mentation, and more!
Delve into the quirky meanings of words like 'ostentatious' and 'desultory,' revealing their definitions through engaging examples. A memorable character helps unpack 'desultory' with chaotic antics at a gas station. Explore the dual life of 'peruse' as both a careful read and a quick glance. The hosts discuss 'yen' as a powerful desire, linking it to its rich history. Discover the sardonic wit of language and contrast it with the straightforwardness of prosaic writing, while expanding your vocabulary with terms like 'hubris' and 'verbose'.

Mar 22, 2025 • 25min
Episode 58: Ensorcell, polemic, diurnal, and more!
Dive into a world of fascinating words! Discover 'polemic,' a fierce critique, and 'apricity,' the delightful warmth of winter sunlight. Explore the art of assonance, the poetic device that brings rhythm and emotion to verse. Unpack the evolution of 'pablum' from baby food to a metaphor for blandness, and understand the careful nature of being 'circumspect.' With clever mnemonics and engaging anecdotes, this exploration enhances your vocabulary while celebrating the beauty of language.

Mar 15, 2025 • 25min
Episode 57: Ameliorate, effete, dyspeptic, and more!
This discussion dives into fascinating vocabulary like 'ameliorate,' focusing on the idea of improvement, and 'celerity,' which represents speed. The hosts also tackle unique words like 'dyspeptic,' shedding light on their meanings with memorable mnemonics. Explore intriguing terms such as 'effete' and 'noir,' complete with relatable examples. With creative associations and humorous narratives, listeners are treated to a fun way to enhance their vocabulary while enjoying engaging anecdotes and cultural references.


