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Why Dictionary.com chose catawampus
More about catawampus
- First recorded in 1830–40 for an earlier sense of “utterly,” (apparently the adverb catawampusly was used before the adjective).
- Thought to be formed from cata-, “diagonally,” (see cater-cornered) + –wampus, perhaps akin to wampish.
EXAMPLES OF CATAWAMPUS
- The construction workers left the beam in a catawampus position, causing concern about the building’s stability.
- The painting hung in a catawampus way, making it look out of place on the otherwise neat wall.
iconoclast
noun
a person who attacks cherished beliefs, traditional institutions, etc.
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Why Dictionary.com chose iconoclast
More about iconoclast
- First used between 1590–1600.
- From the Greek eikonoklástēs, equivalent to Greek –icono- + -klastēs, “breaker,” equivalent to klas- (variant stem of klân,”to break”) + –tēs, agent noun suffix.
EXAMPLES OF ICONOCLAST
- As an iconoclast, she challenged long-standing traditions in the art world, pushing for new forms of expression.
- The young scientist became an iconoclast by openly disputing theories that had been accepted for decades.
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Why Dictionary.com chose blinky
More about blinky
- First adjectival use is unclear. The verb blink in the sense “to turn sour” is attested since the 1600s.
- Compare with the British dialect of blink, “to bewitch, turn (milk, beer) sour by witchcraft” + -y1.
EXAMPLES OF BLINKY
- The milk had gone blinky overnight, giving off a sour smell and curdling in the container.
- He grimaced when he tasted the blinky yogurt, realizing it had spoiled even though it was still sealed.
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