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.
a desire or craving
Yen is a handy noun for a desire or craving you just can't shake. It's likely from a Chinese word that means "addiction or craving." Maybe you woke up needing cookie dough at midnight? You've got a yen for it!
to avoid one's obligations or share of work
To scrimshank means "to avoid your obligations or share of work." The word marched into British military slang in the late 1800s when soldiers grumbled about scrimshankers skipping drills. Face that to-do list head-on, because if you scrimshank today, you'll be scrambling tomorrow!
egg noodles cut in long, flat pieces
Tagliatelle is a a type of pasta cut in long, flat pieces. It's been served since the Renaissance, and Bolognese chefs still insist on strands about eight millimeters across. Just make sure you spend some time mastering its pronunciation before trying to impress an Italian nonna. Buon appetito!
to clear one's throat in a self-important manner
If you harrumph, it means you're "clearing your throat in a self-important way." Likely coined in the early twentieth century to mimic the throaty "hrmph" sound, it quickly became a favorite cue for blustery characters in films and plays. If plans go sideways today, feel free to harrumph, then exit stage left!
an unexpected repercussion
An afterclap is the surprise consequence that pops up just when you think the matter is finished. Early chronicles apply it to storms, quarrels, and disputes that seemed finished but resumed unexpectedly. It never hurts to stay vigilant, because an afterclap thrives on surprise.
