Word of the Day
shower orange
noun
an orange that is peeled and eaten under a steamy shower, the purported benefit being that the steam enhances the orange’s citrusy fragrance and creates a soothing experience for the person who is showering.
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Why Dictionary.com chose shower orange
More about shower orange
- Shower orange was first recorded in 2015–20.
- Shower orange, the phenomenon and the name for it, were popularized by a viral social media trend.
- Similar practices, including shower beer and shower wine, and their terms are gaining popularity.
- Shower is an Old English word first recorded before 950, while orange is slightly newer to English, coming from Old French around the 14th century.
EXAMPLES OF SHOWER ORANGE
- I indulged in a refreshing shower orange this morning, savoring the citrusy aroma and the relaxing sensation of the warm water.
- Enjoying a steamy shower orange is not only a delicious way to satisfy your cravings but also a self-care ritual that offers an invigorating and calming experience for both mind and body.
screaming-meemies
noun
extreme nervousness; anxiety; hysteria.
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Why Dictionary.com chose screaming-meemies
More about screaming-meemies
- Screaming-meemies was first recorded in 1925–30 as a World War I army slang term for a type of German rocket that made a loud noise in flight.
- Screaming-meemies expanded in meaning to refer to battle fatigue as well as to the state of drunkenness or even hysteria.
- Screaming-meemies was formed by way of reduplication with an alteration of the word screaming, and possibly influenced by the French name Mimi.
EXAMPLES OF SCREAMING-MEEMIES
- The horror movie gave me the screaming-meemies, causing me to jump at every little sound and cling to my friend in fear.
- The dark and eerie forest triggered his worst fears, sending him into a state of screaming-meemies as he imagined all sorts of terrifying scenarios lurking in the shadows.
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Why Dictionary.com chose bloviate
More about bloviate
- Bloviate was first recorded in 1850–55.
- Bloviate is an Americanism, formed from an alteration of the verb blow with an older informal meaning of “to boast.”
- Bloviate was popularized again in the 1920s in connection with the 29th U.S. President Warren G. Harding, who was known for his ornate and often incomprehensible writing.
EXAMPLES OF BLOVIATE
- During the political debate, the candidate continued to bloviate about his accomplishments without offering any substantial evidence.
- The professor’s lectures were often filled with bloviating, making it difficult for the students to stay engaged.
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