Word of the Day
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Why Dictionary.com chose kismet
More about kismet
- First recorded in 1840–50.
- Comes from Turkish ultimately from Arabic qisma, qismat-, meaning “division, portion, lot, fate.”
- Although a term from Islam, kismet is popularly used to refer to something that one believes was meant to be or the reason why such a thing happened.
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EXAMPLES OF KISMET
- The unexpected encounter with an old friend at the airport felt like kismet.
- As he stood on the stage, delivering his award-winning speech, he couldn’t help but feel that kismet had guided him to this moment.
galligaskins
noun
loose knee-length pants in general.
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Why Dictionary.com chose galligaskins
More about galligaskins
- First recorded in 1570–80.
- Earlier forms include gallogascaine(s) and galigascon(s).
- Perhaps an alteration of obsolete French garguesque that was influenced by galley, “a kitchen or an area with kitchen facilities in a ship, plane, or camper,” and Gascon, “a native of Gascony, France.”
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EXAMPLES OF GALLIGASKINS
- As I rummaged through the old trunk, I stumbled upon a pair of vintage galligaskins, bringing back memories of fashion trends from the past.
- She chose to wear comfortable galligaskins for her outdoor adventure, ensuring she could freely move and explore without any restrictions.
whoosis
noun
an object or person whose name is not known or cannot be recalled.
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Why Dictionary.com chose whoosis
More about whoosis
- First recorded in 1920–25.
- An alteration of the phrase who’s this.
- Similar to whatsis, a reduced form of what’s this.
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EXAMPLES OF WHOOSIS
- “Can you pass me the whoosis on the shelf?” she asked. “I need it for this project.”
- “When I went to the store, I realized I forgot my wallet, so I had to leave the whoosis at the checkout counter,” he lamented.
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