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Word of the Day

Word of the day

borak

[ bor-uhk ] [ ˈbɒr ək ] Show IPA Phonetic Respelling

noun

ridicule.

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Why Dictionary.com chose borak

More about borak

  • Borak was first recorded in 1835-45.
  • Borak is a slang term in Australian English and New Zealand English.
  • Borak comes from a word meaning “no” or “not” in Wathawurrung, an Australian Aboriginal language spoken around what is now known as Geelong, Victoria.

EXAMPLES OF BORAK

  • The comedian’s stand-up routine was filled with witty banter and clever borak that poked fun at societal norms.
  • The online forum was notorious for its toxic environment where users would endlessly poke borak at one another, tearing each other down instead of promoting healthy discussions.
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Word of the day

luddite

[ luhd-ahyt ] [ ˈlʌd aɪt ] Show IPA Phonetic Respelling

noun

someone who is opposed or resistant to new technologies or technological change.

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Why Dictionary.com chose luddite

More about luddite

  • Luddite was first recorded between 1805 and 1815.
  • Workers in Leicestershire, England who didn’t want mechanical knitting machines taking over their jobs revolted in the early 19th century. They referred to themselves as Luddites, supposedly after their leader Ned Ludd, who was said to have broken two knitting machines in a fit of rage.
  • Being a luddite can be an insult, or it can just be a matter of fact.

EXAMPLES OF LUDDITE

  • Despite living in the digital age, my grandfather proudly wears the title of a luddite, as he prefers reading books in their physical form rather than using e-readers or tablets.
  • The company’s CEO, who shunned advancements in automation and insisted on keeping outdated systems, was often criticized as being a luddite by the tech-savvy employees.
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Word of the day

obstreperous

[ uhb-strep-er-uhs ] [ əbˈstrɛp ər əs ] Show IPA Phonetic Respelling

adjective

noisy, clamorous, or boisterous.

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Why Dictionary.com chose obstreperous

More about obstreperous

  • Obstreperous was first recorded between 1590-1600.
  • It comes from the Latin word obstreperus, “clamorous,” which is similar to the verb obstrepere, “to make a noise at.”
  • Obstropolous is a rare and obsolete variant of obstreperous.
  • A more recent British English variant is stroppy, “bad-tempered or hostile.”

EXAMPLES OF OBSTREPEROUS

  • The obstreperous crowd at the concert drowned out the performer’s voice.
  • The children’s obstreperous laughter echoed through the house, leaving no doubt they were having a great time.
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