Word of the Day
Word of the day
pidgin
noun
a simplified language system used between speakers of different languages
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Why Dictionary.com chose pidgin
More about pidgin
- First recorded in 1875–80.
- From the term pidgin English, a simple language system used between Chinese and English traders; pidgin, in that original context, is possibly a corruption of the word business.
EXAMPLES OF PIDGIN
- In the port of Canton, English and Chinese blended into a pidgin used for trade.
- With no shared language, they relied on a makeshift pidgin to get through the meeting.
talisman
noun
an object engraved with figures or characters and worn as an amulet or charm
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Why Dictionary.com chose talisman
More about talisman
- First recorded in 1630–40.
- From Arabic ṭilasm, meaning “a seal or talisman;” ultimately from Greek télesma, meaning “payment.”
EXAMPLES OF TALISMAN
- The most valuable find at the excavation site was the talisman in three different languages.
- He kept the talisman in his wallet, a gift from his grandfather before graduation.
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Why Dictionary.com chose verboten
More about verboten
- First recorded in 1910–15 in English.
- Borrowed from German verboten, which, like the word forbidden, comes from a Proto-Germanic root meaning “to forbid or prohibit.”
EXAMPLES OF VERBOTEN
- They kept their gloves on while in the archive, as direct contact with the fossils was considered verboten.
- I like to keep a clean house, so glitter is strictly verboten in here.
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