Don’t get yourself into a snit. Into a what? A snit. Isn’t it fun to say? It’s short. It makes anyone who utters it sound like they have a nasal problem. And when you say it, you almost can’t help but make a face, curling your lip, raising an eyebrow. Merriam Webster says it’s a … Continue reading »
Discombobulated
When I think of this word, I think of the discombobulated robot in Lost in Space, saying over and over again, “That does not compute.” I’ve used discombobulated myself, but never really thought about it. I think most people know that it means to confuse or upset. According to Wiktionary, it’s likely that it’s a … Continue reading »
Supercilious
This is one of those words that if I had to guess at its meaning, I’d be dead wrong. It just sounds so silly. I picture a really goofy superhero. Supercilious, according to wordsmith.org is an adjective meaning “showing haughty disdain”. As in, Chad thinks he’s so much better than us; his smug supercilious grin … Continue reading »
Eponymous
I come across this word now and again, and it always gives me pause. Somehow when I read it, I hear in my head, “posthumous”. They have nothing in common in terms of meaning. I know that. But the similar sound of the two words makes me stop and think about what eponymous means. According … Continue reading »
Sashay
Come on…tell me you can hear the word sashay and not picture some sassy guy or gal, hips rhythmically swinging from side to side. Sashay is almost a fun to say as it is to do. It means to walk or glide or “to strut or move about in an ostentatious or conspicuous manner”, according … Continue reading »
Up to High Doh
If you’ve read a single Maeve Binchy book, you’ve come across the phrase “up to high doh”. You can generally tell from the context that it means being in an agitated state. But isn’t it so much more colorful to say “Margaret was up to high doh after her neighbor borrowed her new car to … Continue reading »
Skedaddle
“Come on kiddo, let’s skedaddle.” This is another of those words that’s fun to say. It’s brought to you here, courtesy of a recommendation from my mom. After reading the post on meander, she nominated skedaddle as somewhat of an opposite word. I can see that. When you meander you’re taking your time, and have … Continue reading »
Right as Rain
“After spending a fortune to get the car fixed, I’m pleased to report it’s running right as rain.” World Wide Words tells us, right as rain refers to, “a sense of something being satisfactory, safe, secure or comfortable.” Simple enough. It’s a lovely phase to say, rolls off the tongue. But when you explore it, … Continue reading »
Kibitz
My dad likes to play pool. And while the two hip replacements and multiple back surgeries don’t stand in his way, a new issue with neck pain does. So when my husband asked if he’d like to play pool on Monday night with a couple of guys, Dad said, “I can’t play, but I can … Continue reading »
Dog’s Bollocks
I’m sorry. This isn’t my usual bon mot. We were sitting in the car in a parking lot downtown, waiting for the bus from Chicago to arrive, bringing our daughter back from spring break. She was on an Alternative Break trip, learning about and volunteering at Chicago 826 with 5 other KU students. That’s a … Continue reading »
