The autocomplete function on your phone comes in handy, of course. But is it changing the way we write and how linguists study language? Also, suppose you could invite any two authors, living or dead, to dinner. Who’s on your guest list and...
Symmachy is a rare word that means “an alliance to fight together against something,” the sym- coming from a Greek word that means “together” and the -machy from a Greek word that means “fight.” Similarly, a...
Chronophagous is a rare word that means “time-consuming.” WOMBAT is an acronym that stands for Waste of Money, Brains, and Time. This is part of a complete episode.
Some of us can’t go anywhere without a book or something to read. And one fast food joint hears you: Chipotle is now printing the work of famous writers on their paper cups. Speaking of fast food, saying that someone is two plums short of a...
nonplusment n.—Gloss: State of confusion or befuddlement; the noun form of the verb “nonplus.” Note: Not a new word, but rare. «Perhaps unsurprisingly—apologies to the good people of 1956 Miami—the reception amid the swizzle...
peachalorum n. an attractive or excellent person or thing. Editorial Note: This word is rare. The second citation is known to have been written by Henry M. Hyde. Etymological Note: Perhaps influenced by cockalorum ‘a self-important little man.’ The...