@imjohn.bsky.social
Today the word is "liar".
“Liar" comes from the Old English word "leogere" which means "liar", or more accurately "false witness".
This, in turn comes from the old Saxon word "leogan", which means "be untruthful".
I am sure you don't need my suggestions to apply this word to anyone specific.
“Liar" comes from the Old English word "leogere" which means "liar", or more accurately "false witness".
This, in turn comes from the old Saxon word "leogan", which means "be untruthful".
I am sure you don't need my suggestions to apply this word to anyone specific.
January 16, 2026 at 9:56 AM
Today the word is "liar".
“Liar" comes from the Old English word "leogere" which means "liar", or more accurately "false witness".
This, in turn comes from the old Saxon word "leogan", which means "be untruthful".
I am sure you don't need my suggestions to apply this word to anyone specific.
“Liar" comes from the Old English word "leogere" which means "liar", or more accurately "false witness".
This, in turn comes from the old Saxon word "leogan", which means "be untruthful".
I am sure you don't need my suggestions to apply this word to anyone specific.
This day's word is "zhoosh" (or “zhush”) a verb, meaning "to make more stylish or smart"; "to enliven"; "to make more exciting".
It was used in one of the "Round the Horne" radio shows circa 1968/69: "Let's have a vada at his zhush".
It was used in one of the "Round the Horne" radio shows circa 1968/69: "Let's have a vada at his zhush".
January 15, 2026 at 11:17 AM
This day's word is "zhoosh" (or “zhush”) a verb, meaning "to make more stylish or smart"; "to enliven"; "to make more exciting".
It was used in one of the "Round the Horne" radio shows circa 1968/69: "Let's have a vada at his zhush".
It was used in one of the "Round the Horne" radio shows circa 1968/69: "Let's have a vada at his zhush".
Today's word is "podsnap", a Dickensian character-based word, from Our Mutual Friend.
Mr Podsnap is full of self-importance, disdain for those he sees as inferior or less respectable than himself.
A "podsnap" is “a pompous, self-satisfied prig, who is sanctimonious when asked for help or advice”.
Mr Podsnap is full of self-importance, disdain for those he sees as inferior or less respectable than himself.
A "podsnap" is “a pompous, self-satisfied prig, who is sanctimonious when asked for help or advice”.
January 10, 2026 at 11:11 PM
Today's word is "podsnap", a Dickensian character-based word, from Our Mutual Friend.
Mr Podsnap is full of self-importance, disdain for those he sees as inferior or less respectable than himself.
A "podsnap" is “a pompous, self-satisfied prig, who is sanctimonious when asked for help or advice”.
Mr Podsnap is full of self-importance, disdain for those he sees as inferior or less respectable than himself.
A "podsnap" is “a pompous, self-satisfied prig, who is sanctimonious when asked for help or advice”.
Today’s word is "illaqueate": “entangle”, “entrap”, “ensnare”.
One might be "illaqueated" by a scheme to dispose of the monarch (long knives anyone?), or by a Venus Fly Trap (if one were a bug), by a long silk scarf whilst driving your convertible (after having insulted a Satan worshipper).
One might be "illaqueated" by a scheme to dispose of the monarch (long knives anyone?), or by a Venus Fly Trap (if one were a bug), by a long silk scarf whilst driving your convertible (after having insulted a Satan worshipper).
January 9, 2026 at 9:57 AM
Today’s word is "illaqueate": “entangle”, “entrap”, “ensnare”.
One might be "illaqueated" by a scheme to dispose of the monarch (long knives anyone?), or by a Venus Fly Trap (if one were a bug), by a long silk scarf whilst driving your convertible (after having insulted a Satan worshipper).
One might be "illaqueated" by a scheme to dispose of the monarch (long knives anyone?), or by a Venus Fly Trap (if one were a bug), by a long silk scarf whilst driving your convertible (after having insulted a Satan worshipper).
Today the word is "terpsichorean", that's “turp-si-kuh-REE-uhn".
Anything pertaining to dancing, choirs, or choral song is "terpsichorean".
Terpsichore: Muse of Dancing and Choral Song.
Qoute: “I am one who delights in all manifestations of the 'terpsichorean' Muse.” Can you name the sketch.
Anything pertaining to dancing, choirs, or choral song is "terpsichorean".
Terpsichore: Muse of Dancing and Choral Song.
Qoute: “I am one who delights in all manifestations of the 'terpsichorean' Muse.” Can you name the sketch.
Muse.name
January 8, 2026 at 10:15 AM
Today the word is "terpsichorean", that's “turp-si-kuh-REE-uhn".
Anything pertaining to dancing, choirs, or choral song is "terpsichorean".
Terpsichore: Muse of Dancing and Choral Song.
Qoute: “I am one who delights in all manifestations of the 'terpsichorean' Muse.” Can you name the sketch.
Anything pertaining to dancing, choirs, or choral song is "terpsichorean".
Terpsichore: Muse of Dancing and Choral Song.
Qoute: “I am one who delights in all manifestations of the 'terpsichorean' Muse.” Can you name the sketch.
Today's word is "unkard", a word from the mid-1800s, which has two somewhat related meanings:
1) a person in a strange place with which he/she is unfamiliar is said to be "unkard".
2) when applied to a specific place/location/area, "unkard" means "lonely".
1) a person in a strange place with which he/she is unfamiliar is said to be "unkard".
2) when applied to a specific place/location/area, "unkard" means "lonely".
January 4, 2026 at 9:39 PM
Today's word is "unkard", a word from the mid-1800s, which has two somewhat related meanings:
1) a person in a strange place with which he/she is unfamiliar is said to be "unkard".
2) when applied to a specific place/location/area, "unkard" means "lonely".
1) a person in a strange place with which he/she is unfamiliar is said to be "unkard".
2) when applied to a specific place/location/area, "unkard" means "lonely".
Today the word is "pungle", which means "to make a payment; to shell out". It dates from the 1800s in it's present form.
In 2008, when I first ran across this word, Steve Rubenstein wrote, in the San Francisco Chronicle, "Congress 'pungled' up $700 billion for a bailout."
In 2008, when I first ran across this word, Steve Rubenstein wrote, in the San Francisco Chronicle, "Congress 'pungled' up $700 billion for a bailout."
January 2, 2026 at 3:25 PM
Today the word is "pungle", which means "to make a payment; to shell out". It dates from the 1800s in it's present form.
In 2008, when I first ran across this word, Steve Rubenstein wrote, in the San Francisco Chronicle, "Congress 'pungled' up $700 billion for a bailout."
In 2008, when I first ran across this word, Steve Rubenstein wrote, in the San Francisco Chronicle, "Congress 'pungled' up $700 billion for a bailout."
Today's word :"ignavus excolo" (Latin "the cowardly politic") used when a “leader”, rather than face questions of accountability, would choose to prorogue parliament, or run out of a press conference, or even start an “investigation” of adversaries to distract from real issues.
Shameful.
Shameful.
December 31, 2025 at 11:09 PM
Today's word :"ignavus excolo" (Latin "the cowardly politic") used when a “leader”, rather than face questions of accountability, would choose to prorogue parliament, or run out of a press conference, or even start an “investigation” of adversaries to distract from real issues.
Shameful.
Shameful.
Today's word is "aby" (uh-BY) as in: "With knives drawn on all sides the Minister could do nothing but 'aby' the present course."
The word dates from the early 1200s and means either (1) to pay the penalty for, or (2) to suffer, to endure.
Originating in Old English "abycgan" (to pay for).
The word dates from the early 1200s and means either (1) to pay the penalty for, or (2) to suffer, to endure.
Originating in Old English "abycgan" (to pay for).
December 29, 2025 at 10:42 AM
Today's word is "aby" (uh-BY) as in: "With knives drawn on all sides the Minister could do nothing but 'aby' the present course."
The word dates from the early 1200s and means either (1) to pay the penalty for, or (2) to suffer, to endure.
Originating in Old English "abycgan" (to pay for).
The word dates from the early 1200s and means either (1) to pay the penalty for, or (2) to suffer, to endure.
Originating in Old English "abycgan" (to pay for).
Today's word is "gilravage". To "gilravage" is “to hold a merry party, with noise and riotous behaviour, without injury to anyone”.
It would seem to include the idea of wasteful use of food and of temerate use of strong drink.
New Year's is a good opportunity for this word's employment.
It would seem to include the idea of wasteful use of food and of temerate use of strong drink.
New Year's is a good opportunity for this word's employment.
December 28, 2025 at 12:54 PM
Today's word is "gilravage". To "gilravage" is “to hold a merry party, with noise and riotous behaviour, without injury to anyone”.
It would seem to include the idea of wasteful use of food and of temerate use of strong drink.
New Year's is a good opportunity for this word's employment.
It would seem to include the idea of wasteful use of food and of temerate use of strong drink.
New Year's is a good opportunity for this word's employment.
Today's word is "orature": “a body of poetry, tales, etc., preserved through oral transmission as part of a particular culture, especially a pre-literate one”.
Hindus, Greeks, Celts and Native Americans, etc etc, all have vast and complex oral heritages that should be referred to as their ‘orature’.
Hindus, Greeks, Celts and Native Americans, etc etc, all have vast and complex oral heritages that should be referred to as their ‘orature’.
December 24, 2025 at 4:55 PM
Today's word is "orature": “a body of poetry, tales, etc., preserved through oral transmission as part of a particular culture, especially a pre-literate one”.
Hindus, Greeks, Celts and Native Americans, etc etc, all have vast and complex oral heritages that should be referred to as their ‘orature’.
Hindus, Greeks, Celts and Native Americans, etc etc, all have vast and complex oral heritages that should be referred to as their ‘orature’.
Today the word is "LEASING-MONGER".
“Leasing” is an old word for “an untruth” or “a falsehood” or “a lie”.
So, a "leasing-monger" or "leasing-maker" is a "habitual liar" or a "person unconcerned with speaking the truth" ... You may well know someone of this description, I couldn't possibly comment.
“Leasing” is an old word for “an untruth” or “a falsehood” or “a lie”.
So, a "leasing-monger" or "leasing-maker" is a "habitual liar" or a "person unconcerned with speaking the truth" ... You may well know someone of this description, I couldn't possibly comment.
December 23, 2025 at 2:30 PM
Today the word is "LEASING-MONGER".
“Leasing” is an old word for “an untruth” or “a falsehood” or “a lie”.
So, a "leasing-monger" or "leasing-maker" is a "habitual liar" or a "person unconcerned with speaking the truth" ... You may well know someone of this description, I couldn't possibly comment.
“Leasing” is an old word for “an untruth” or “a falsehood” or “a lie”.
So, a "leasing-monger" or "leasing-maker" is a "habitual liar" or a "person unconcerned with speaking the truth" ... You may well know someone of this description, I couldn't possibly comment.
Today's word is "comstockery", which is the vigorous suppression of books, plays and other literature deemed to be salacious or corrupting by the "powers that be". After Anthony Comstock - 1884-1915 (the motivator behind the NY Society for the Suppression of Vice). The word was coined by GB Shaw.
December 20, 2025 at 9:12 PM
Today's word is "comstockery", which is the vigorous suppression of books, plays and other literature deemed to be salacious or corrupting by the "powers that be". After Anthony Comstock - 1884-1915 (the motivator behind the NY Society for the Suppression of Vice). The word was coined by GB Shaw.
Today's word is "empyromancy": “divination by observance of certain objects when placed on a sacred fire”. Eggs, flour, as well as incense, shoulder blades, organs, personal possessions, etc etc, were all put into the flames and the resultant fire was interpreted by the "empyromancer".
December 15, 2025 at 11:04 AM
Today's word is "empyromancy": “divination by observance of certain objects when placed on a sacred fire”. Eggs, flour, as well as incense, shoulder blades, organs, personal possessions, etc etc, were all put into the flames and the resultant fire was interpreted by the "empyromancer".
Today's word is "fastuous": “being overbearing, pretentious and/or arrogant with regards to decisions and self-image”.
A "fastuous" person makes decisions based upon personal needs or desires.
A "fastuous" person thinks they know best and seeks to undermine or bully anyone who thinks differently.
A "fastuous" person makes decisions based upon personal needs or desires.
A "fastuous" person thinks they know best and seeks to undermine or bully anyone who thinks differently.
December 10, 2025 at 10:50 PM
Today's word is "fastuous": “being overbearing, pretentious and/or arrogant with regards to decisions and self-image”.
A "fastuous" person makes decisions based upon personal needs or desires.
A "fastuous" person thinks they know best and seeks to undermine or bully anyone who thinks differently.
A "fastuous" person makes decisions based upon personal needs or desires.
A "fastuous" person thinks they know best and seeks to undermine or bully anyone who thinks differently.
Today's word is "ruthful" which is the opposite of "ruthless" and means “having pity” or “compassion or remorse”.
The noun would be "ruth", as in "Today there was much 'ruth' shown for the obviously ridiculous, yet perfectly legal, decision of the Court of Appeals."
Try to be more "ruthful" today.
The noun would be "ruth", as in "Today there was much 'ruth' shown for the obviously ridiculous, yet perfectly legal, decision of the Court of Appeals."
Try to be more "ruthful" today.
December 9, 2025 at 11:08 AM
Today's word is "ruthful" which is the opposite of "ruthless" and means “having pity” or “compassion or remorse”.
The noun would be "ruth", as in "Today there was much 'ruth' shown for the obviously ridiculous, yet perfectly legal, decision of the Court of Appeals."
Try to be more "ruthful" today.
The noun would be "ruth", as in "Today there was much 'ruth' shown for the obviously ridiculous, yet perfectly legal, decision of the Court of Appeals."
Try to be more "ruthful" today.
Today’s word is: "mattoid": “a person displaying erratic, eccentric, or somewhat paranoid behaviour".
C. Lombroso, in "Man of Genius", writes: "This variety forms the link between madmen of genius, the sane, and the insane properly so called. These are what I call semi-insane persons or 'mattoids'."
C. Lombroso, in "Man of Genius", writes: "This variety forms the link between madmen of genius, the sane, and the insane properly so called. These are what I call semi-insane persons or 'mattoids'."
December 6, 2025 at 11:26 PM
Today’s word is: "mattoid": “a person displaying erratic, eccentric, or somewhat paranoid behaviour".
C. Lombroso, in "Man of Genius", writes: "This variety forms the link between madmen of genius, the sane, and the insane properly so called. These are what I call semi-insane persons or 'mattoids'."
C. Lombroso, in "Man of Genius", writes: "This variety forms the link between madmen of genius, the sane, and the insane properly so called. These are what I call semi-insane persons or 'mattoids'."
Today's word is "jentacular", which means "of, or relating to breakfast, especially when eaten very early in the day".
So, to any and all of you who wake around 430am and break your fast by 6am or so, I hope your "jentacular" repast is as pleasing as mine.
So, to any and all of you who wake around 430am and break your fast by 6am or so, I hope your "jentacular" repast is as pleasing as mine.
December 4, 2025 at 5:34 PM
Today's word is "jentacular", which means "of, or relating to breakfast, especially when eaten very early in the day".
So, to any and all of you who wake around 430am and break your fast by 6am or so, I hope your "jentacular" repast is as pleasing as mine.
So, to any and all of you who wake around 430am and break your fast by 6am or so, I hope your "jentacular" repast is as pleasing as mine.
Today's word is "monkey's wedding". The etymology is up for conjecture, but the phrase may have entered South African English via Zulu "umshado we zinkawu" (wedding for monkeys). In English it means either "alternating or simultaneous sunshine and rain" or "state of disorder or disarray".
December 2, 2025 at 10:49 AM
Today's word is "monkey's wedding". The etymology is up for conjecture, but the phrase may have entered South African English via Zulu "umshado we zinkawu" (wedding for monkeys). In English it means either "alternating or simultaneous sunshine and rain" or "state of disorder or disarray".
Today the word is “aeolist”:
“a person who claims to speak with divine inspiration” or “a pompous person, pretending to have inspiration or spiritual insight.”
Swift, in “The Tale of the Tub” writes: “The Learned Æolists, maintain the Original Cause of all Things to be Wind.”
“a person who claims to speak with divine inspiration” or “a pompous person, pretending to have inspiration or spiritual insight.”
Swift, in “The Tale of the Tub” writes: “The Learned Æolists, maintain the Original Cause of all Things to be Wind.”
December 1, 2025 at 10:35 AM
Today the word is “aeolist”:
“a person who claims to speak with divine inspiration” or “a pompous person, pretending to have inspiration or spiritual insight.”
Swift, in “The Tale of the Tub” writes: “The Learned Æolists, maintain the Original Cause of all Things to be Wind.”
“a person who claims to speak with divine inspiration” or “a pompous person, pretending to have inspiration or spiritual insight.”
Swift, in “The Tale of the Tub” writes: “The Learned Æolists, maintain the Original Cause of all Things to be Wind.”
Today the word is “remuant”: “restless” or “changeable” or “fickle”.
In “Littell's Living Age” (1864), it is written: “He is incalculable, too, as well as rémuant. He is forever breaking out in a fresh place.”
In “Littell's Living Age” (1864), it is written: “He is incalculable, too, as well as rémuant. He is forever breaking out in a fresh place.”
November 29, 2025 at 12:02 AM
Today the word is “remuant”: “restless” or “changeable” or “fickle”.
In “Littell's Living Age” (1864), it is written: “He is incalculable, too, as well as rémuant. He is forever breaking out in a fresh place.”
In “Littell's Living Age” (1864), it is written: “He is incalculable, too, as well as rémuant. He is forever breaking out in a fresh place.”
Today the word is "ferhoodle" which means "to confuse" or "to mix-up" or "to befuddle".
It comes from the Pennsylvania Dutch word "verhuddle", which means "to tangle".
Originally it goes back to the German word "verhudein", which means "to bungle" or "to botch".
It comes from the Pennsylvania Dutch word "verhuddle", which means "to tangle".
Originally it goes back to the German word "verhudein", which means "to bungle" or "to botch".
November 27, 2025 at 3:34 PM
Today the word is "ferhoodle" which means "to confuse" or "to mix-up" or "to befuddle".
It comes from the Pennsylvania Dutch word "verhuddle", which means "to tangle".
Originally it goes back to the German word "verhudein", which means "to bungle" or "to botch".
It comes from the Pennsylvania Dutch word "verhuddle", which means "to tangle".
Originally it goes back to the German word "verhudein", which means "to bungle" or "to botch".
Today the word is “parvitude”...or “parvity”.
“Parvitude” is defined as:
“an extremely small or minute thing” or
“the quality or state of being little” or
“littleness” or
“minuteness” or
“smallness”.
It comes from the Latin word “parvus” (meaning “little”).
“Parvitude” is defined as:
“an extremely small or minute thing” or
“the quality or state of being little” or
“littleness” or
“minuteness” or
“smallness”.
It comes from the Latin word “parvus” (meaning “little”).
November 23, 2025 at 3:11 PM
Today the word is “parvitude”...or “parvity”.
“Parvitude” is defined as:
“an extremely small or minute thing” or
“the quality or state of being little” or
“littleness” or
“minuteness” or
“smallness”.
It comes from the Latin word “parvus” (meaning “little”).
“Parvitude” is defined as:
“an extremely small or minute thing” or
“the quality or state of being little” or
“littleness” or
“minuteness” or
“smallness”.
It comes from the Latin word “parvus” (meaning “little”).
Today's word: "rigmarole" is “a rambling and disconnected account” or “an unending story or yarn”.
It is said to be a corruption of "rag man role". It goes back to the early 18th century.
If you've ever spent any time in my company you have more than a passing acquaintance with "rigmarole".
It is said to be a corruption of "rag man role". It goes back to the early 18th century.
If you've ever spent any time in my company you have more than a passing acquaintance with "rigmarole".
November 21, 2025 at 11:37 PM
Today's word: "rigmarole" is “a rambling and disconnected account” or “an unending story or yarn”.
It is said to be a corruption of "rag man role". It goes back to the early 18th century.
If you've ever spent any time in my company you have more than a passing acquaintance with "rigmarole".
It is said to be a corruption of "rag man role". It goes back to the early 18th century.
If you've ever spent any time in my company you have more than a passing acquaintance with "rigmarole".
Today's word is "esurient", which means “hungry” or “greedy”.
From Latin "esurire" (to be hungry).
Ultimately from the Indo-European root "ed" (to eat, to bite).
One might say "the esurient personalities which are drawn to celebrity at all costs diminishes both the audience and the artist".
From Latin "esurire" (to be hungry).
Ultimately from the Indo-European root "ed" (to eat, to bite).
One might say "the esurient personalities which are drawn to celebrity at all costs diminishes both the audience and the artist".
November 18, 2025 at 10:22 AM
Today's word is "esurient", which means “hungry” or “greedy”.
From Latin "esurire" (to be hungry).
Ultimately from the Indo-European root "ed" (to eat, to bite).
One might say "the esurient personalities which are drawn to celebrity at all costs diminishes both the audience and the artist".
From Latin "esurire" (to be hungry).
Ultimately from the Indo-European root "ed" (to eat, to bite).
One might say "the esurient personalities which are drawn to celebrity at all costs diminishes both the audience and the artist".