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brumous - Word of the Day - Tue Oct 20, 2026
sandrewn commented on Myr's blog entry in Writing World
Just the facts: BRUMOUS Definition & Meaning - Merriam-Webster BRUMOUS Synonyms: 45 Similar and Opposite Words | Merriam-Webster Thesaurus Adjectives for BRUMOUS - Merriam-Webster brumous /ˈbro͞oməs/ Brumous is an adjective that means foggy, misty, or wintry. It is a literary and poetic term often used to describe dark, damp, or grey cold-weather conditions. Definition and Tone Literal Meaning: Filled with or characterized by heavy fog, mist, or low clouds, typically during the winter months. Metaphorical Meaning: Used to describe something that is unclear, murky, or ill-defined (such as a brumous decision or brumous reasoning). Formality: Rated as a formal or literary word, meaning it fits creative writing and descriptions better than everyday casual speech. Origin Latin Roots: It comes from the Latin word bruma, meaning "winter" or "winter solstice" (derived from brevissima, referring to the shortest day of the year). French Influence: It passed into English via the French word brumeux (misty), from the noun brume (fog). First Recorded Use: The noun brume appeared in the late 17th century, while the adjective brumous came into use around 1849. Common Synonyms Hazy Misty Murky Overcast Soupy -
Just the facts: DESCRY Definition & Meaning - Merriam-Webster DESCRY Synonyms: 79 Similar and Opposite Words | Merriam-Webster Thesaurus DESCRIED Synonyms: 80 Similar and Opposite Words | Merriam-Webster Thesaurus DESCRYING Synonyms: 81 Similar and Opposite Words | Merriam-Webster Thesaurus descry /dəˈskrī/ Descry is an old or literary transitive verb meaning to catch sight of, see, or notice something—especially an object that is distant, faint, or partially obscured. Key Definitions To spot from a distance: To detect or discern something far away, like a lookout seeing land or a ship. To discover by observation: To perceive or make out details through careful looking or study. Pronunciation: /dɪˈskraɪ/ (sounds like the word describe without the final "b"). Examples of Usage The sailor managed to descry a faint coastline through the morning fog. After searching the page for minutes, she finally managed to descry the hidden figure. The scholar could descry subtle errors after closely examining the manuscript. Common Synonyms Discern Espy Detect Spot Do Not Confuse With: Decry People frequently mix up descry and decry because they sound similar, but they have completely different meanings: Descry: To see or catch sight of something. Decry: To express strong public disapproval, criticize, or disparage something
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Six letters and a clean sweep, nor I.
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sojourn - Word of the Day - Sun Oct 18, 2026
sandrewn commented on Myr's blog entry in Writing World
Just the facts: SOJOURN Definition & Meaning - Merriam-Webster SOJOURN Synonyms: 26 Similar and Opposite Words | Merriam-Webster Thesaurus sojourn /ˈsōˌjərn/ A sojourn is a short, temporary stay or visit in a place that is not your permanent home. Key Details Parts of speech: It can be used as a noun (a temporary stay) or an intransitive verb (to reside temporarily). Common synonyms: Stay, visit, stopover, or rest. Origin: Derived from the Latin phrase subdiurnare ("to spend the day" or stay for a brief time) via Old French (sojorner). Example sentences: Noun: "They enjoyed a peaceful two-week sojourn in the mountains." Verb: "He sojourned in Paris for a few days before heading home." -
sojourn - Word of the Day - Sun Oct 18, 2026
sandrewn commented on Myr's blog entry in Writing World
When I close my eyes, instead of a hotel I imagined a motel with a flashing 'VACANCY Sign'. -
Several notable historical and contemporary figures go by the gangster nickname or first name "Lou": Louis "Louie Tomatoes" Marino (1933–2017): A Chicago Outfit mobster and enforcer who oversaw rackets in Lake and McHenry counties. He was convicted of racketeering and tax violations in 1992 and released in 2014. Read more on Louis Marino. Louis "Big Lou" Vallario (born 1942): A high-ranking Gambino crime family member and top aide to John Gotti and Sammy Gravano who engaged in loansharking, gambling, and labor racketeering. Read more on Louis Vallario. Louis "Fat Lou" LaRasso (1926–1991): The official underboss of the DeCavalcante crime family in New Jersey who disappeared in 1991 after a fallout with the leadership. Read more on Louis LaRasso. Louis Griffin / "Homicide Lou" Simms (born 1965): A Harlem drug kingpin known for running "The Lynch Mob" during the 1980s crack epidemic, who survived a federal death penalty trial and 27 years in prison. Louis Ferrante: A former Gambino crime family mobster who spent nearly nine years in prison before turning into a true-crime and Mafia history author. Louis "Lou Kay" Kravitz: A 1930s New York labor racketeer and drug smuggler associated with Louis "Lepke" Buchalter and Meyer Lansky.
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Just the facts: LUCENT Definition & Meaning - Merriam-Webster LUCENT Synonyms: 124 Similar and Opposite Words | Merriam-Webster Thesaurus Lucent /ˈlo͞os(ə)nt/ Lucent is an adjective that means giving off a soft, bright, or radiant light, or being clear, transparent, and translucent. Definition & Meaning Luminous/Shining: Glowing with a soft or brilliant light (such as a full moon, stars, or a lamp). Clear/Translucent: See-through, crystal-clear, or pellucid (like clean water or glass). Pronunciation: /ˈluːsənt/ (LOO-suhnt) Key Details & Origins Etymology: Borrowed in the late 15th century from the Latin word lūcēns, the present participle of lūcēre ("to shine"). Related Forms: Lucency (noun): The quality of being lucent. Lucently (adverb): In a lucent manner. Medical Context: Used to describe bone lesions or body structures that appear dark or transparent on an X-ray because they let more radiation pass through. Common Synonyms & Antonyms Synonyms: Luminous, radiant, glowing, lambent, transparent, crystal, pellucid, limpid. Antonyms: Opaque, dark, cloudy, murky, somber. Lucent vs. Lucid Lucent describes something that physically shines or glows with light. Lucid describes something mentally clear, easy to understand, or sane (though both share a Latin root meaning "clear or bright").
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Wow, I'm impressed! Earth, Roots & Water - Lou Sent Me - YouTube
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redamancy - Word of the Day - Fri Oct 16, 2026
sandrewn commented on Myr's blog entry in Writing World
Somewhere on the internet, I am positive there is a would be P.T. Barnum("There's a Sucker Born....") offering just that, at a reduced special price while stock lasts, hurry, Wait, Wait, you're in luck!! I think I just saw a super special offer, that covers exactly what you have described, above. Not to worry, the combo is fully guaranteed or your money back. A win/win situation surely??? -
redamancy - Word of the Day - Fri Oct 16, 2026
sandrewn commented on Myr's blog entry in Writing World
Or a simple sign, it is time to check the battery of your hearing aid(s). -
redamancy - Word of the Day - Fri Oct 16, 2026
sandrewn commented on Myr's blog entry in Writing World
Yet another reason I avoid them. -
redamancy - Word of the Day - Fri Oct 16, 2026
sandrewn commented on Myr's blog entry in Writing World
Just the facts: REDAMANCY – Word Nook Yes, redamancy is a real word, though it is rare, archaic, and mostly poetic in modern English. Definition Meaning: The act of loving in return; a love that is fully reciprocated or requited. Pronunciation: /ˈrɛdəmənsi/ Origin & Etymology Root: Derived from the New Latin redamantia, which stems from the Classical Latin verb redamō ("to love back" or "to requite love"), combining re- ("back" or "again") and amāre ("to love"). History: It dates back at least to the mid-1600s, appearing in the lexicographical work of English antiquary Thomas Blount in 1656. Usage & Context Commonality: You will rarely find it in standard conversational English or modern dictionaries, though it frequently circulates on social media as a "word of the day". Example: "True happiness in relationships lies in redamancy, not in one-sided affection." -
elegiac - Word of the Day - Thu Oct 15, 2026
sandrewn commented on Myr's blog entry in Writing World
"’Tis better to have loved and lost than never to have loved at all" is a famous line from Canto 27 of the 1850 elegy In Memoriam A.H.H. by the English poet Alfred, Lord Tennyson. Context and Meaning The Subject: Tennyson wrote the long poem as a deep elegy to mourn his close friend Arthur Henry Hallam, who died suddenly at age 22. The Full Stanza: The Core Idea: Tennyson argues that experiencing grief is a vital part of the human condition. He contrasts human capacity for love and sorrow with creatures that remain untouched by deep emotion, concluding that the pain of losing someone is worth the profound value of having loved them. -
elegiac - Word of the Day - Thu Oct 15, 2026
sandrewn commented on Myr's blog entry in Writing World
Just the facts: ELEGIAC Definition & Meaning - Merriam-Webster ELEGIAC Synonyms: 125 Similar and Opposite Words | Merriam-Webster Thesaurus Adjectives for ELEGIAC - Merriam-Webster elegiac Elegiac (/ˌɛlɪˈdʒaɪ.ək/ or /ˌɛləˈdʒeɪ.ək/) is an adjective used to describe something that is sorrowful, mournful, or nostalgic—especially in a way that recalls an elegy (a sad poem or song written to remember someone who has died or to lament a lost past). Key Definitions & Characteristics General Tone: It describes art, music, literature, film, or speech that evokes deep reflection, melancholy, and a sense of irrecoverable loss or fading times. Poetic Form: In a classical sense, it refers to poetry composed in elegiac couplets (pairing a line of dactylic hexameter with a line of dactylic pentameter). Common Synonyms Somber Melancholy Mournful Nostalgic Lamenting Examples in Context Literature & Art: "The novel has an elegiac quality, filled with wistful memories of youth and a world that no longer exists." Music: "The film's final scene is backed by a slow, elegiac piano melody." Antonyms for elegiac (which means mournful, sad, or lamenting) describe a bright, joyful, or celebratory tone: Common Antonyms Cheerful Joyful / Joyous Happy Festive Bright Friendly Merry Lighthearted Blithe / Blithesome Jocund Triumphant or Celebratory Opposites Paeanic (relating to a paean, which is a song of praise, triumph, or thanksgiving) Exulting -
gallivant - Word of the Day - Wed Oct 14, 2026
sandrewn commented on Myr's blog entry in Writing World
"Shameless gallivanting careers" beautifully fuses a distinct character attitude with a specific lifestyle: working without traditional corporate constraints, traversing from place to place purely for amusement and exploration, and doing so with zero apologies to societal expectations. If you want a profession that allows you to unabashedly wander, jump from venture to venture, or prioritize personal freedom over a rigid corporate ladder, several career paths fit the bill perfectly: The "Pleasure-Seeking Wanderer" (Pure Gallivanting) These careers focus on the traditional definition of gallivanting—roaming from place to place looking for amusement and handling fewer rigid rules. Travel Influencer / Content Creator: Arguably the ultimate form of shameless gallivanting. You get paid by brands and tourism boards to travel to luxury or exotic locations, document your experiences, and enjoy yourself. Cruise Ship Staff / Activity Coordinator: You literally travel the world on someone else’s dime. While there is work involved, your off-hours are spent exploring global port cities, socializing, and seeking new entertainment. Destination Wedding Photographer / Videographer: You bounce from one high-energy celebration to another across the globe, capturing the best moments of people's lives while building travel time into your booking fees. The "Unapologetic Hustler" (The Shameless Style) Inspired by the energy of pulling off creative angles and working intensely on your own terms, these roles bypass standard 9-to-5 expectations. Serial Startup Consultant / Freelancer: Like the concept highlighted on the Shameless Careers podcast, many professionals ditch corporate tracking to "follow the breadcrumbs". They jump into early-stage startups for 2–3 years, absorb the chaos, build a network, and gallivant off to the next adventure. Event Promoter / Nightlife Coordinator: Much like Fiona Gallagher's temporary stint as a club promoter, this requires zero bashfulness. You get paid to talk to people, throw massive parties, and find creative ways to generate a massive cash flow quickly. Travel Nursing / High-Yield Contract Trade Worker: Taking specialized skills (like being an EMT/Nurse or a specialized mechanic) and doing short-term contracts. You work hard for a few months, make a premium wage, and then take months off to live entirely on your own terms. -
gallivant - Word of the Day - Wed Oct 14, 2026
sandrewn commented on Myr's blog entry in Writing World
Just the facts: GALLIVANT Definition & Meaning - Merriam-Webster GALLIVANT Synonyms: 27 Similar Words | Merriam-Webster Thesaurus gallivant - Good Word Word of the Day alphaDictionary * Free English On-line Dictionary Gallivant is a verb that means to go around from one place to another in the pursuit of pleasure, entertainment, or adventure, often without a definite plan or purpose. Synonyms Wander / Roam / Rove Gad about Meander / Drift Ramble / Range Traipse Jaunt Mooch Antonyms Stay / Remain / Dwell Settle Stay put / Stay at home Be direct / Go direct Behave (in the context of sticking to a fixed place or task) -
crepuscule - Word of the Day - Tue Oct 13, 2026
sandrewn commented on Myr's blog entry in Writing World
I haven't heard that song in over forty years, thank you ever so much, thanks for the memories. -
crepuscule - Word of the Day - Tue Oct 13, 2026
sandrewn commented on Myr's blog entry in Writing World
Or just a fancy way of saying, crappy. -
crepuscule - Word of the Day - Tue Oct 13, 2026
sandrewn commented on Myr's blog entry in Writing World
Just the facts: CREPUSCULE Definition & Meaning - Merriam-Webster CREPUSCULE Synonyms: 28 Similar and Opposite Words | Merriam-Webster Thesaurus CREPUSCULAR Definition & Meaning - Merriam-Webster CREPUSCULAR Synonyms: 90 Similar and Opposite Words | Merriam-Webster Thesaurus crepuscule Common synonyms for crepuscule (meaning twilight or the period of partial darkness right after sunset) include: Twilight Dusk Gloaming Nightfall Evenfall Sundown Eventide Gloom or dimness (in a literal sense of fading light) -
carapace - Word of the Day - Mon Oct 12, 2026
sandrewn commented on Myr's blog entry in Writing World
Just the facts: CARAPACE Definition & Meaning - Merriam-Webster CARAPACE Synonyms: 37 Similar Words | Merriam-Webster Thesaurus carapace A carapace is a hard, protective dorsal (back) shield, shell, or exoskeleton that covers all or part of an animal's body. Literal Definition in Animals Turtles and Tortoises: It is the top, convex part of the shell made of bone, dermal armor, and scutes (fused with the rib cage). The bottom part of the shell is called the plastron. Crustaceans & Arthropods: It is a thick, calcified or chitinous plate covering the head and thoracic (chest) regions of animals like crabs, lobsters, and shrimp. Arachnids: It is a single dorsal plate formed by fused segments that carries the eyes and other sensory structures. According to a consensus discussion on Reddit, while everyday speech often uses "shell" for a turtle or crab, "carapace" is the precise scientific term for the upper back shield. Metaphorical Definition In literature and everyday speech, a carapace describes a tough, emotional or psychological barrier that a person builds around themselves to stay safe from criticism, stress, or hurt (e.g., an attitude of arrogance, coldness, or humor) -
carapace - Word of the Day - Mon Oct 12, 2026
sandrewn commented on Myr's blog entry in Writing World
Talk is cheap, this video shows you how to get the job done. How to Shell and Eat A Whole Lobster | Serious Eats - YouTube Bon appetit (been there, done that, yummy yum yum!) -
amaranthine - Word of the Day - Sun Oct 11, 2026
sandrewn commented on Myr's blog entry in Writing World
Just the facts: AMARANTHINE Definition & Meaning - Merriam-Webster Amaranthine | Word of the Day | Merriam-Webster Adjectives for AMARANTHINE - Merriam-Webster What is another word for amaranthine? | Amaranthine Synonyms - WordHippo Thesaurus Amaranthine Amarantine (also spelled amaranthine) means undying, everlasting, or unfading, and can also refer to a dark reddish-purple color. Origins and Etymology Greek Roots: The word comes from the Ancient Greek amarantos, meaning "unfading" (formed from a-, meaning "not," and marainein, meaning "to waste away" or "to exhaust"). The Amaranth Flower: Ancient poets imagined an immortal, magical flower that never lost its bloom. This name later applied to real-world botanical plants in the genus Amaranthus and family Amaranthaceae, which feature long-lasting, brightly colored flower spikes. Color Definition: Beginning in the late 19th century, the word evolved to describe a rich, dark reddish-purple shade matching certain amaranth flowers. Pop Culture: The word gained modern recognition as the title track of Enya's Album Amarantine, where it symbolizes eternal love and beauty. Synonyms and Antonyms Synonyms: Everlasting, immortal, undying, timeless, unfading. Antonyms: Fleeting, ephemeral, temporary, transient. -
The fact that I found our word listed there, should of been a clue, oops. I think we more often or not agree to ...........
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OMG, we agree, finally!
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Newly coined word? 2012? As if our dictionaries, don't have enough to offer. One of my personal favorites, don't laugh. *ipty boppity boo "Bibbidi-Bobbidi-Boo" is the iconic magical incantation used by the Fairy Godmother in Disney's 1950 animated film, Cinderella. It is the spell that transforms a pumpkin into a carriage, mice into horses, and Cinderella's rags into a beautiful ballgown. At least with this one*, at the appropriate time, the clock struck 12, everything went back to normal. Darn, our newly coined word, is still here.
