desenrascanço
n.— «“Desenrascanço” (you read that ‘the-zen-rascan-so’) is simply a slang word for the slacker art of coming up with some last-minute solution for a problem—and as a rule the solution will end up doing more harm than simply avoiding the problem (unless avoiding the problem is exactly that last-minute solution—a very common scenario). What I don’t get is the article’s connection between “desenrascanço” and those fake academic “traditions” which consist in the ritual bullying of freshmen. Unfortunately “desenrascanço” has far greater scope, and it is a true defining quality of being Portuguese—even perhaps what separates us from the Spanish.» —“Glossy black plastic toys” by Eduardo J. Sousa If Then Else (Porto, Portugal) May 31, 2004. (source: Double-Tongued Dictionary)
Further reading
In the 15th century, the word respair meant “to have hope again.” Although this word fell out of use, it’s among dozens collected in a new book of soothing vocabulary for troubled times. Plus, baseball slang: If a batter...
If you find yourself addicted to seaweed, no need to worry! There’s a punny solution for that. This is part of a complete episode.
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