spizzerinctum
n.— «Scientists have concocted a new drug out of rocket fuel, which they claim will give a man renewed energy, like turpentine does a cat.…I’m looking forward to national distribution of this new spizzerinctum builder.» —“Anonymously Yours…” Independent (Hawarden, Iowa) Sept. 25, 1958. (source: Double-Tongued Dictionary)
Further reading
Debbie from Keokuk, Iowa, shares a funny story about her family’s tradition of speed-cleaning the house if guests were coming over. Her mother would declare, “Quick, guys! Whited sepulchre approach!” Her use of the term whited...
National Book Award winner Barry Lopez had wise advice for young writers. First, read widely and follow your curiosity. Second, travel or learn a foreign language. And third, find out what you truly believe, because if you’re not writing from...