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Why Dictionary.com chose betimes
More about betimes
- First recorded between 1275–1325.
- Combines be-⁵, meaning “by” or “at,” + times, meaning “occasions” or “points in time.”
EXAMPLES OF BETIMES
- They rose betimes, hoping to glimpse the comet before first light.
- I mend broken ties betimes, so old grudges don’t weigh me down.
gadzookery
noun
the use or overuse of period-specific or archaic expressions
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Why Dictionary.com chose gadzookery
More about gadzookery
- First recorded in 1950–1955.
- Combines Gadzook(s), an archaic exclamation of surprise or anger, + -ery.
EXAMPLES OF GADZOOKERY
- The novel’s constant gadzookery made it feel more like a parody than a period piece.
- He can’t write a love letter without drenching it in gadzookery.
mistryst
verb
to fail to meet or to keep an appointment with someone
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Why Dictionary.com chose mistryst
More about mistryst
- Historically used in Scotland and northern English dialects.
- Combines mis-¹ + tryst, which is used regionally as a verb to mean “to make an appointment.”
EXAMPLES OF MISTRYST
- They made a pact to never mistryst each other, even if it meant walking through a storm.
- If you want people to trust you, never mistryst them — even if you have a good excuse.
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