Word of the Day

Word of the day

Thursday, March 09, 2023

futtock

[ fuht-uhk ] [ ˈfʌt ək ] Show IPA Phonetic Respelling

noun

any of a number of timbers forming the lower, more curved portion of the frame in a wooden hull.

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What is the origin of futtock?

Futtock may be an alteration of foothook, the ribs in a boat frame that one could hook one’s foot under for stability while on board. Similarly formed words include baloney from bologna, and cockamamie from the Word of the Day decalcomania. Futtock was first recorded in English around 1610.

EXAMPLE OF FUTTOCK USED IN A SENTENCE

The futtocks creaked and groaned as the boat was tossed about in the stormy sea.

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Word of the day

Wednesday, March 08, 2023

Junoesque

[ joo-noh-esk ] [ ˌdʒu noʊˈɛsk ] Show IPA Phonetic Respelling

adjective

stately; regal.

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What is the origin of Junoesque?

Junoesque is formed from Juno, the name for the Roman goddess known as the queen of the gods. The name Juno (Latin Jūnō) may be related to Latin juvenis, “young,” the source of English junior, juvenile, and the Word of the Day rejuvenate. This connection may come from Juno’s ancient association with the new moon. Junoesque was first recorded in English in the late 1880s.

EXAMPLE OF JUNOESQUE USED IN A SENTENCE

The Junoesque attorney addressed the court with composure and elegance.

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Word of the day

Tuesday, March 07, 2023

wanderwort

[ won-der-wawrt ] [ ˈwɒn dərˌwɔrt ] Show IPA Phonetic Respelling

noun

a loanword borrowed from one language and established in many unrelated languages, usually in a chain determined by established trade routes, and sometimes undergoing changes through contact with the dominant language where the word is adopted.

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What is the origin of wanderwort?

Wanderwort is a borrowing from German and literally translates as “wander word.” German wander shares an origin with the English verbs wander, wend, and wind. Meanwhile, German Wort is related to English word. Wanderwort was first recorded in English in the early 1910s. For examples of Wanderwörter in English, check out the Words of the Day caterwaul and matcha.

EXAMPLE OF WANDERWORT USED IN A SENTENCE

His joy in researching the wanderwort led him to pursue a degree in historical linguistics.

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