blast

blast n. an advertising or marketing message sent in bulk, especially via email. Etymological Note: This is a specialized extension of two more common meanings of blast, defined by the New Oxford American Dictionary as “a forceful attack or assault” and “an explosion or explosive firing.” (source: Double-Tongued Dictionary)

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Further reading

Cria, the Llama Baby

The word cria refers to “a baby llama,” and derives from Spanish criar, meaning “to rear” or “to raise” a young animal. This is part of a complete episode. Transcript of “Cria, the Llama Baby” Grant, I just learned the meaning of the word Kriag. C-R...

Burgoo Porridge, Burgoo Stew

A listener who grew up in Newfoundland remembers her grandfather declaring the fog was thick as burgoo. Turns out burgoo was sailors’ slang for a gray, gelatinous oatmeal—exactly the right image for an impenetrable Newfoundland fog. The word appears...