English 101

There are so many obscure and underused (but *wonderful*) words in the English language. I thought the other day, “I should build a list of these words, so that I can learn them and start to use them incessantly.” Of course, I chose my favorite definition for each word, as some had multiple meanings. If you disagree, take it up with dictionary.com!

So here they are, part 1:

Abscond—(verb, used without object) to depart in a sudden and secret manner, esp. to avoid capture and legal prosecution: The cashier absconded with the money.

Amalgam—(noun) a mixture or combination: His character is a strange amalgam of contradictory traits.

Anachronism—(noun) something or someone that is not in its correct historical or chronological time, esp. a thing or person that belongs to an earlier time: The sword is an anachronism in modern warfare.

Anathema—(noun, plural) a person or thing detested or loathed: That subject is an anathema to him.

Appertain—(verb, used without object) to belong as a part, right, possession, attribute, etc.; pertain or relate (usually fol. by to): privileges that appertain to members of the royal family.

Atwitter—(adjective) excited; nervous; aflutter; twittering: They were atwitter at the prospect of meeting a Hollywood star.

Behoove—(verb) to be worthwhile to, as for personal profit or advantage: It would behoove you to be nicer to those who could help you.

Bombastic—(adjective) (of speech, writing, etc.) high-sounding; high-flown; inflated; pretentious.

Boondoggle—(verb, used without object) to do work of little or no practical value merely to keep or look busy.

Capitulate—(verb, used without object) to surrender unconditionally or on stipulated terms; to give up resistance: He finally capitulated and agreed to do the job my way.

Chockablock—(adjective) extremely full; crowded; jammed: a room chockablock with furniture and plants.

Clodhopper—(noun) 1. a clumsy boor; rustic; bumpkin. 2. clodhoppers, strong heavy shoes.

Debacle—(noun) a general breakup or dispersion; sudden downfall or rout: The revolution ended in a debacle.

Diatribe—(noun) a bitter, sharply abusive denunciation, attack, or criticism: repeated diatribes against the senator.

Frobnosticate/variant of frobnicate—(verb) (Usually abbreviated to “frob”, but “frobnicate” is recognized as the official full form) To manipulate or adjust, to tweak: Please frob the light switch (that is, flip it), also Stop frobbing that clasp; you’ll break it.

Learn one or two of these gems this week and use them in a random conversation. You may surprise someone with your ‘sturdy command of the English vernacular’. You can quote me on that…

-Me