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Why Dictionary.com chose dernier cri
More about dernier cri
- Dernier cri entered English around 1895–1900.
- Dernier cri comes from French and means literally, “last cry.”
- You may recognize cri from cri de coeur, another borrowing from French that means “outcry” or literally, “cry of the heart.”
EXAMPLES OF DERNIER CRI
- Her outfit at the party was the dernier cri, catching everyone’s attention with its cutting-edge design.
- The restaurant’s menu boasted a selection of dishes that were not only delicious but also were the dernier cri in culinary innovation.
ad hockery
noun
reliance on temporary solutions rather than on consistent, long-term plans.
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Why Dictionary.com chose ad hockery
More about ad hockery
- Ad hockery was first recorded between 1890–1900.
- Ad hockery comes from the adjective and adverb ad hoc, “for the special purpose or end presently under consideration.”
- Ad hoc entered English from the Latin phrase meaning “for this” around 1550–60 when the expression was quickly being adopted into legal and judicial writings.
EXAMPLES OF AD HOCKERY
- The computer programmer’s inclination toward ad hockery often resulted in quick fixes that failed to address the underlying issues at hand.
- The company’s ad hockery in managing its budget ultimately led to financial instability and a lack of sustainable growth.
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Why Dictionary.com chose nigh
More about nigh
- Nigh was first recorded before 900.
- Nigh comes from the Old English word nēah, also spelled nēh.
- Nigh shares an origin with its synonym near, also first recorded before 900.
- Nigh, however, has significantly dropped in frequency since the 1890s and is considered archaic or poetic.
EXAMPLES OF NIGH
- With each passing day, the end of the week draws nigh and the weekend approaches.
- As the storm grew nigh, the sound of thunder grew louder.
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