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.
old-fashioned or out-of-date
Fusty describes something that feels old-fashioned or unmistakably out-of-date. The word once referred to wine that had gone bad in its cask, and that unpleasant whiff now lingers figuratively over rules that haven't kept up with the times. When a policy seems frozen in a bygone era, call it fusty and make room for fresh thinking!
awareness of the position of one's body
Proprioception is your body's built-in GPS, letting you know exactly where your limbs are without a glance. It's why you can walk upstairs while chatting on your phone or sip your coffee without staring at the cup. Some call it a sixth sense, and if you can close your eyes and touch your nose, you'll know proprioception is doing its job!
airtight; protected
Hermetic means "airtight or protected," referring to everything from a sealed lid to an organization that's closed off from outside influence. The term comes from Hermes Trismegistus, a mythical alchemist. You can appreciate hermetic properties when a tight jar finally gives you that satisfying "pop!"
a blurred background effect in photos, highlighting the subject
Bokeh is the blurred background effect in a photo that highlights the subject and creates a dreamy look. Photographers borrowed the term from the Japanese word for "blur," tacking on an extra "h" at the end. When the cafe lights fade into a fuzzy fog behind your latte shot, credit bokeh for the magic!
excessively or annoyingly flattering
Smarmy describes flattery that's insincere or annoyingly over the top. It was once used to describe slicked-back hair, capturing how charm can sometimes be laid on too thick. If the praise feels excessive, it's probably smarmy — wipe it off and keep moving!
