Word of the Day
galligaskins
noun
loose knee-length pants in general.
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Why Dictionary.com chose galligaskins
More about galligaskins
- First recorded in 1570–80.
- Earlier forms include gallogascaine(s) and galigascon(s).
- Perhaps an alteration of obsolete French garguesque that was influenced by galley, “a kitchen or an area with kitchen facilities in a ship, plane, or camper,” and Gascon, “a native of Gascony, France.”
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EXAMPLES OF GALLIGASKINS
- As I rummaged through the old trunk, I stumbled upon a pair of vintage galligaskins, bringing back memories of fashion trends from the past.
- She chose to wear comfortable galligaskins for her outdoor adventure, ensuring she could freely move and explore without any restrictions.
whoosis
noun
an object or person whose name is not known or cannot be recalled.
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Why Dictionary.com chose whoosis
More about whoosis
- First recorded in 1920–25.
- An alteration of the phrase who’s this.
- Similar to whatsis, a reduced form of what’s this.
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EXAMPLES OF WHOOSIS
- “Can you pass me the whoosis on the shelf?” she asked. “I need it for this project.”
- “When I went to the store, I realized I forgot my wallet, so I had to leave the whoosis at the checkout counter,” he lamented.
sycophant
noun
a self-seeking, servile flatterer.
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Why Dictionary.com chose sycophant
More about sycophant
- First recorded in 1530–40.
- Comes ultimately from Greek sȳkophántēs, “informer.”
- Sȳkophántēs comes from sŷko, meaning “fig,” and the stem of phaínein, meaning “to show.”
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EXAMPLES OF SYCOPHANT
- She saw through the sycophant‘s deceptive flattery and remained wary of his ulterior motives.
- The playwright created a character who was an exaggerated representation of a sycophant, using satire to mock those who seek favor through insincere flattery.
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