Word of the Day
Learn a new word every day! The Dictionary.com team of language experts carefully selects each Word of the Day to add some panache to your vocabulary.
adjective
cunning; sly.
Explanation
- Pawky entered English around 1670-80 and is primarily used in British and Scottish English dialects.
- Pawky comes from the Scots word pawk, which means "trick."
- You can do something pawkily or show pawkiness, both derived from pawky.
- You can also be a pawk, or a saucy person.
- With a pawky smile, she managed to outwit her opponents in the game of chess.
- Despite his innocent appearance, the cat had a pawky charm that allowed him to sneak treats from the kitchen counter without getting caught.
noun
ridicule.
Explanation
- Borak was first recorded in 1835-45.
- Borak is a slang term in Australian English and New Zealand English.
- Borak comes from a word meaning "no" or "not" in Wathawurrung, an Australian Aboriginal language spoken around what is now known as Geelong, Victoria.
- The comedian's stand-up routine was filled with witty banter and clever borak that poked fun at societal norms.
- The online forum was notorious for its toxic environment where users would endlessly poke borak at one another, tearing each other down instead of promoting healthy discussions.
noun
someone who is opposed or resistant to new technologies or technological change.
Explanation
- Luddite was first recorded between 1805 and 1815.
- Workers in Leicestershire, England who didn’t want mechanical knitting machines taking over their jobs revolted in the early 19th century. They referred to themselves as Luddites, supposedly after their leader Ned Ludd, who was said to have broken two knitting machines in a fit of rage.
- Being a luddite can be an insult, or it can just be a matter of fact.
- Despite living in the digital age, my grandfather proudly wears the title of a luddite, as he prefers reading books in their physical form rather than using e-readers or tablets.
- The company's CEO, who shunned advancements in automation and insisted on keeping outdated systems, was often criticized as being a luddite by the tech-savvy employees.
adjective
noisy, clamorous, or boisterous.
Explanation
- Obstreperous was first recorded between 1590-1600.
- It comes from the Latin word obstreperus, “clamorous,” which is similar to the verb obstrepere, “to make a noise at.”
- Obstropolous is a rare and obsolete variant of obstreperous.
- A more recent British English variant is stroppy, "bad-tempered or hostile."
- The obstreperous crowd at the concert drowned out the performer's voice.
- The children's obstreperous laughter echoed through the house, leaving no doubt they were having a great time.
noun
a feeling of fear, apprehension, or nervousness.
Explanation
- Collywobbles was first recorded around 1815-25.
- Collywobbles is most likely a coinage based on the words colic and wobble.
- Wobble comes from Low German wabbeln, which is akin to Middle High German wabelen, "to waver."
- Colic comes from Middle French colique, from Latin colica (passiō), “(suffering) of the colon.”
- As the roller coaster climbed higher and higher, a wave of collywobbles washed over her, making her heart race with fear.
- Before going on stage for his first solo performance, the young dancer experienced a case of collywobbles, his stomach fluttering with nervous anticipation.
