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.
the use or overuse of period-specific or archaic expressions
Gadzookery refers to the overuse of old-fashioned expressions. The word comes from "gadzooks," an archaic interjection used to show surprise. If you've ever gotten lost in Shakespeare-speak or pirate lingo, that's pure gadzookery at work.
to fail to meet or to keep an appointment with someone
To mistryst means "to miss or skip an appointment," leaving the other person hanging. Built from the prefix "mis-" plus "tryst" ("planned meeting"), it first cropped up in 17th-century Scotland. Does it still count as ghosting if you innocently mistryst someone?
a small cup for serving strong black coffee after dinner
A demitasse is a small cup for serving strong black coffee after dinner. The word comes from French, literally meaning "half-cup." Whether you prefer your coffee bold or just adorably petite, a demitasse adds an extra shot of charm to any café visit.
full of bends or curves; sinuous
If something is flexuous, it's full of bends or curves, like a winding path or a slithering snake. It's related to the word "flexible," which also suggests something bendable. So next time you see a twisty road or a curly ribbon, you've spotted something delightfully flexuous.
a quick, sharp return in speech or action
A riposte is a quick, sharp reply, whether in speech or action. In fact, it can also refer to a counterattack in fencing. The word comes from an Italian term meaning "response," reflecting its back-and-forth nature. Whether you're striking back in a duel or a debate, a sharp riposte keeps things lively!
