Rickrack / noun / rick·rack Rickrack is a braided trim in a zigzag pattern used as decoration on clothing. Before the prevalence of sewing machines, rickrack provided a finished edge to clothing. It was extremely popular because it was sturdy and withstood frequent washings. In a Sentence I saw a really cool rickrack at the
Quixotic/adjective/kwuhk-saa-tuhk Quixotic is an adjective that describes something that’s exceedingly idealistic, unrealistic and impractical. In A Sentence In The Adventures of Merlin, Merlin always has quixotic solutions to Prince Arthur´s problems, which inspire Arthur with plausible solutions; this is what builds their bond so completely and makes them such wholesome characters. If you don’t have
Kaput / adjective / ka·put English speakers use the word kaput to describe ultimate and often unpleasant endings. Something that has “gone kaput” has reached its end, is no longer functional, and there is no hope for repair. We can also use the word kaput as a verb meaning to break, smash, or destroy completely.
Ephemeral / Adjective / ephem·er·al The word ephemeral is an adjective that usually refers to something that is temporary or fleeting. For example, a plant that grows, flowers, and dies within only a few days is considered ephemeral. The term applies to anything that is short-lived or only lasts for a small period of time.
Xenophobic/Adjective/Xe-no-pho-bic Xenophobic is an adjective used to describe having or showing dislike for people or things from another country. It can also refer to a perceived fear or prejudice for things that are different or unusual. Etymology The English version of Xenophobia is derived from the ancient Greek word xenos, meaning “foreigner.” Xenophobic first appeared in
Behoove/verb/buh-hoov Behoove is a duty or responsibility requiring somebody to do something. To behoove someone to do something is to suggest that they do it for either the good of others or themself. In A Sentence I find it hard nowadays to find a job or career that behooves having such a lavish lifestyle —
Virtuoso / noun / vir·tu·o·so A virtuoso is a musician, artist, or actor with exceptional skill and technique in their craft. A virtuoso would be considered a master or an expert in their field, and usually their talent is considered largely innate rather than learned. In a Sentence The virtuoso’s piano performance was so breathtaking
Spitchcock/verb/Spitch-cock The word spitchcock is a verb that refers to the process of splitting and frying an eel for consumption. Spitchcock can also be a noun when referring to the prepared dish of split and fried eel. Etymology The word spitchcock has Middle English origins, combining the phrases spitche, meaning “split,” and coke meaning “cook.” Though the exact
Fulsome / adjective / ful·some The word ‘fulsome’ is an adjective used to describe something abundant or generous. Typically, the word relates to being “overly generous” in compliments or description so as to appear insincere or oily. Someone described as fulsome would seem smarmy or disingenuous. In a Sentence The host gave a fulsome description
Rarefied / adjective / rar·e·fied Rarefied is an adjective that has two very different meanings. Most typically, rarefied air refers to air that is thin in quality or less dense than usual. Rarefied can also be used as an adjective to describe things or ideas that don’t relate to the average person or are esoteric