Word of the Day
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Why Dictionary.com chose flapjack
More about flapjack
- Flapjack was first recorded in 1590–1600.
- Flapjack is a combination of the verb flap, in the sense similar to flip or toss, and jack, which comes from the proper name (a variation of John) and is sometimes used in the names of objects, as in applejack or skipjack.
- Flapjack is used as an informal synonym of pancake, with usage of either term typically depending on regional preferences.
- In the UK, the word pancake refers to the same thing, but the word flapjack refers to something entirely different: a baked good made from oats, resembling what elsewhere may be called a granola bar or oat bar.
EXAMPLES OF FLAPJACK
- My grandmother’s secret recipe for flapjacks always guarantees a stack of delicious golden-brown pancakes.
- We enjoyed a hearty breakfast of bacon, eggs, and mouthwatering flapjacks at the local diner.
bonanza
noun
a source of great and sudden wealth or luck; a spectacular windfall.
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Why Dictionary.com chose bonanza
More about bonanza
- Bonanza is an Americanism that was first recorded in 1835–45.
- Bonanza comes from Spanish and literally means, “smooth sea.”
- Bonanza is a nasalized variant of the Medieval Latin word bonacia, made up of the Latin words bon(us), meaning “good,” and (mal)acia, meaning “calm sea,” which came from the Greek word malakía, “softness.”
EXAMPLES OF BONANZA
- Finding a hidden treasure chest in the attic was an unexpected bonanza for the family, transforming their financial situation in an instant.
- The tech startup struck a bonanza when it received a generous investment from a major venture capitalist, propelling its business to new heights.
felicific
adjective
causing or tending to cause happiness.
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Why Dictionary.com chose felicific
More about felicific
- Felicific was first recorded in 1860–65.
- Felicific comes from the Latin stem of fēlīx, which means “happy.”
- Other related words include felicitous, “apt or appropriate,” felicitate, “to congratulate,” and felicity, “the state of being happy.”
EXAMPLES OF FELICIFIC
- The felicific news of their well-deserved promotion brought a smile to their face.
- Taking a walk in nature can have a felicific impact on one’s mood.
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