Word of the Day

Small beer is a fun way to describe those little things that are hardly worth making a fuss over. The phrase originally described weak beer with a low alcohol content, so it gradually became a figurative expression for anything considered minor or unimpressive. An apparent crisis may turn out to be small beer once the big picture comes into view.

Slumgullion is a hearty stew made by simmering meat with potatoes and other vegetables. Despite its less-than-appetizing name, the dish is practical comfort food, especially when the cook needs to stretch a few simple ingredients into a filling meal. A bubbling pot of slumgullion may not look fancy, but it can satisfy a hungry crowd.

Something abstruse is difficult to understand, often because it's highly technical or unusually complex. You might be inclined to use the word for dense academic writing or advanced mathematics. An abstruse explanation leaves everyone but the experts scratching their heads.

Diamanté is glittering ornamentation, such as rhinestones or sequins, added to clothing or accessories. Despite the sparkle, diamanté isn't made from real diamonds; the effect comes from imitation stones that catch the light. A touch of diamanté can make an outfit shine from across the room.

A gregarious person genuinely enjoys the company of others. The word is related to the Latin term for a flock, reflecting its connection to social groups. Just one gregarious friend can turn a quiet gathering into a lively one.