by Kevin Burton
Getting these word-list e-mails from Dictionary Scoop is a little like it was to open a new pack of baseball cards in the old days.
You might get Gary Sutherland, you might get Johnny Bench. In fact you always got a mixture of stars and scrubs.
Today’s list of words is mostly of the Johnny Bench variety. You get some terms you can use, without sounding pompous or having to force them in. (Not so sure about the first two though.)
I have yet to get any bubble gum from the website, but I do get amore vocabulary choices to chew on.
“It never hurts to add a few new words to your vocabulary, right? And the rarer they are, the more fun!” Dictionary Scoop wrote. “A rich vocabulary can help you stand out at work, impress your family, or simply express yourself more clearly in any situation.”
“Enjoy these ten unusual words, along with their origins and meanings:”
1–Limerence
We’ve all experienced that intense teenage crush; the kind of love that feels like nothing else will ever compare. If you’ve felt it, you were likely in a state of “limerence.” Coined by a psychologist in the 1970s, this noun describes a powerful emotional state of overwhelming romantic attraction and idealization toward someone.
2–Accismus
Remember that time when your aunt gave you a very special gift and you said, “Oh, I couldn’t possibly accept that,” even though you wanted it more than anything? Well, that’s a perfect example of “accismus.”
This noun means exactly that: pretending to be disinterested in something you actually desire, much like when your dog acts like it’s not staring at your plate while secretly drooling.
3–Mendacious
If someone deliberately says something false, you can call that person (or their words) “mendacious.” This adjective comes from the Latin mendax, meaning “lying,” and that’s why it describes a dishonest person, statement, or behavior.
4–Puerile
Do you know someone who acts impulsively, throws tantrums when things don’t go their way, or blames others instead of taking responsibility? Instead of simply calling their behavior “childish,” you can use the word “puerile.” This adjective comes from the Latin puer, meaning “boy” or “child.” But use it with caution, as it often carries a negative connotation.
5–Draconian
Draco was an Athenian man from the 7th century BC, famous for creating a legal code so severe that even minor crimes could be cruelly punished. From his name, we got the adjective “draconian,” used to describe laws, rules, or measures that are excessively harsh or severe.
6–Aplomb
Did you ace an exam with flying colors? Did you answer tough questions confidently and efficiently? That feeling of being able to take on the world is likely “aplomb.” This intriguing noun refers to exceptional self-confidence and assurance, especially in challenging situations.
7–Ineffable
Some say that language shapes reality. Perhaps that’s why there are things we either don’t want to say or simply cannot. These things can be described as “ineffable.” This adjective refers to something so great, extreme, or beautiful that it cannot be expressed in words.
8–Facetious
Have you ever made an inconvenient joke in a serious situation? If so, we could say that you were being “facetious.” This adjective is used to describe words or behaviors that are meant to be humorous but delivered when seriousness is expected.
9–Paragon
A “paragon” is a person or thing regarded as a perfect example of a particular quality or virtue. Take Babe Ruth, for instance; he can safely be described as a paragon of athletic talent and charisma. The word comes from the Italian paragone, meaning “touchstone” or “model for comparison.”
10–Kismet
If you’re someone who believes in destiny, this word is perfect for you. The noun “kismet” refers to destiny, fate, or that which is meant to be. If you run into your teenage sweetheart in a strange city, if you and a friend end up working at the same company by chance, or if you miss a train that later crashes, you might say it was kismet.
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