Sofie's Words of the Week #1

Greetings one and all! I hope you’ve had a flippercanorious week. Here are a few words (courtesy of the grandificent Susie Dent) that you may want to sprinkle into conversation in the coming days.

Boondoggle (noun, verb – 1930s): Americans like us may be expected to know this one, but it was new to me. As a noun, a ‘boondoggle’ is an utterly pointless activity that may not look like it. As a verb, to ‘boondoggle’ or ‘boondoggling’ is to waste time or money on such useless pursuits. So it’s technically inherent that what one is boondoggling on is a boondoggle.

Boondoggle

Scrumdifferous (adj. – 1910s): Like ‘flippercanorious’ and ‘grandificent’, ‘scrumdifferous’ is an adjective meaning wonderful! Tell somebody to ‘have a scrumdifferous day’ and delight in the confusion on their face (though be ready to have a reason for why you didn’t just say wonderful in the first place).

Scrumdifferous

Bang-a-bonk (verb): You may not have a chance to use this one (unless you’re on the upcoming 12th-grade canoeing trip), because it is an old-timey word meaning to lie lazily on a riverbank. Be careful to explain its definition, because ‘shall we go bang-a-bonking’ out of context could lead to some embarrassment.

Bang-a-bonk

Tmesis (noun. – 16th-century): ‘Abso-blooming-lutely!’ Is an example of tmesis, which is defined as a ‘word sandwich’. You may be often using tmeses without even knowing it; take for example the common phrase ‘a-whole-nother story’ or the exclamation ‘fan-freaking-tastic’! 

Tmesis

Lalochezia (noun): This one is fun! Lalochezia is the emotional release one gets from swearing! Have you ever stubbed your toe and shouted profanities? You’ve just experienced lalochezia! Scientists have even done studies on the subject! And you can, too. Try sticking your hand in ice water and shouting ‘bollocks’ over and over again! You may get some strange looks but it will probably work!

Lalochezia

Fare thee well, my lovely logophiles! And see you next time with another Words of the Week!