Category Archives: Word of the Day

tmesis [tuh-mee-sis] –noun  the interpolation of one or more words between the parts of a compound word, e.g. be thou ware  for beware, or abso-bloody-lutely. Origin: 1580–90;  < LL tmēsis  < Gk tmḗsis  a cutting, equiv. to tmē- (var. s. of témnein  to cut) + -sis -sis Best example of tmesis being used in modern cinema: Mr. Big on Sex and the City the first time he and Carrie meet. Carrie: Have you ever been in love? Mr. … Continue reading →

The easiest way to spice up your writing is to use better words.  Next time you want to use the word sad, try one of these instead: bereaved, bitter, blue, cheerless, dejected,despairing, despondent, disconsolate, dismal, distressed, downcast, forlorn, gloomy, glum, heartbroken, heartsick, heavyhearted, hurting, in doldrums, in grief, languishing, low, low-spirited, lugubrious, melancholy, morbid, morose, mournful, sorrowful, sorry, troubled, wistful, woebegone How does … Continue reading →

animadversion [an-uh-mad-vur-zhuhn, -shuhn] –noun 1. an unfavorable or censorious comment: to make animadversions on someone’s conduct. 2. the act of criticizing. Don’t let your devilish left brain make animadversions on your writing!

gran·dil·o·quent [gran-dil-uh-kwuhnt] –adjective   speaking or expressed in a lofty style, often to the point of being pompous or bombastic.

Clinquant (pronounced, kling-kuhnt) (adjective) Glittering, especially with tinsel.