@imjohn.bsky.social
Today the word is "manxome", which is a nonsense word invented by Lewis Carroll to describe the Jabberwock in his poem ‘Jabberwocky’ (in Carroll's 1879 work Through the Looking-glass). "He took his vorpal sword in hand: Long time the manxome foe he sought.”
“Manxome" means "fearsome” or “monstrous".
“Manxome" means "fearsome” or “monstrous".
January 28, 2026 at 10:31 AM
Today the word is "manxome", which is a nonsense word invented by Lewis Carroll to describe the Jabberwock in his poem ‘Jabberwocky’ (in Carroll's 1879 work Through the Looking-glass). "He took his vorpal sword in hand: Long time the manxome foe he sought.”
“Manxome" means "fearsome” or “monstrous".
“Manxome" means "fearsome” or “monstrous".
Today's word is "tantivy". An archaic word for “riding at full gallop, especially when hunting”. From the huntsman’s horn when rallying the riders (ta-ta-taa). Sir Walter Scott, in Peveril of the Peak: “There are those amongst us who ride tantivy to Rome, and have already made out half the journey.”
January 27, 2026 at 11:19 AM
Today's word is "tantivy". An archaic word for “riding at full gallop, especially when hunting”. From the huntsman’s horn when rallying the riders (ta-ta-taa). Sir Walter Scott, in Peveril of the Peak: “There are those amongst us who ride tantivy to Rome, and have already made out half the journey.”
Today's word is Welsh - "anawdd cara" (literally: "hard I love"): “the duty of love is fulfilled while the spirit of love is frustrated by sickness, dementia, poverty” (the "hardships" of life) or “the stress involved in dealing with the death, immediate or fading, of any loved one”.
January 26, 2026 at 11:13 PM
Today's word is Welsh - "anawdd cara" (literally: "hard I love"): “the duty of love is fulfilled while the spirit of love is frustrated by sickness, dementia, poverty” (the "hardships" of life) or “the stress involved in dealing with the death, immediate or fading, of any loved one”.
Today's word is "pistillation", which comes from the Latin "pistillum" (pestle). This is an obsolete word (sadly so) meaning "pounding with a pestle".
There are several references in the OED showing the words “stamping”, “beating”, “braying”, “pounding” as similes.
There are several references in the OED showing the words “stamping”, “beating”, “braying”, “pounding” as similes.
January 24, 2026 at 10:56 AM
Today's word is "pistillation", which comes from the Latin "pistillum" (pestle). This is an obsolete word (sadly so) meaning "pounding with a pestle".
There are several references in the OED showing the words “stamping”, “beating”, “braying”, “pounding” as similes.
There are several references in the OED showing the words “stamping”, “beating”, “braying”, “pounding” as similes.
Today the word is “chrysocracy”.
This word is synonymous with “plutocracy”, which is “government by the rich”.
Chambers's Twentieth Century Dictionary defines “chrysocracy” as “the rule of wealth”.
I can find no uses of it to give a quoted example... if you have one, please share it.
This word is synonymous with “plutocracy”, which is “government by the rich”.
Chambers's Twentieth Century Dictionary defines “chrysocracy” as “the rule of wealth”.
I can find no uses of it to give a quoted example... if you have one, please share it.
January 23, 2026 at 10:50 AM
Today the word is “chrysocracy”.
This word is synonymous with “plutocracy”, which is “government by the rich”.
Chambers's Twentieth Century Dictionary defines “chrysocracy” as “the rule of wealth”.
I can find no uses of it to give a quoted example... if you have one, please share it.
This word is synonymous with “plutocracy”, which is “government by the rich”.
Chambers's Twentieth Century Dictionary defines “chrysocracy” as “the rule of wealth”.
I can find no uses of it to give a quoted example... if you have one, please share it.
Today the word is “magnoperate” meaning “to make greater”... from the Latin word “magnopere”.
In 1821, Byron (in a letter) writes: “That is right;—keep to your ‘magnum opus’—magnoperate away.”
“Magnoperation” is “a great work” and “magnoperatous” means “operating or behaving in a grand manner”.
In 1821, Byron (in a letter) writes: “That is right;—keep to your ‘magnum opus’—magnoperate away.”
“Magnoperation” is “a great work” and “magnoperatous” means “operating or behaving in a grand manner”.
January 22, 2026 at 7:18 PM
Today the word is “magnoperate” meaning “to make greater”... from the Latin word “magnopere”.
In 1821, Byron (in a letter) writes: “That is right;—keep to your ‘magnum opus’—magnoperate away.”
“Magnoperation” is “a great work” and “magnoperatous” means “operating or behaving in a grand manner”.
In 1821, Byron (in a letter) writes: “That is right;—keep to your ‘magnum opus’—magnoperate away.”
“Magnoperation” is “a great work” and “magnoperatous” means “operating or behaving in a grand manner”.
Today's word is "quass", meaning "to drink copiously or in excess." It comes to us from Middle Low German "quāsen" meaning "to eat or drink immoderately or greedily, to feast, to be a glutton"; probably resulting in the English word "quaff" meaning "to drink copiously or to excess."
January 21, 2026 at 9:49 AM
Today's word is "quass", meaning "to drink copiously or in excess." It comes to us from Middle Low German "quāsen" meaning "to eat or drink immoderately or greedily, to feast, to be a glutton"; probably resulting in the English word "quaff" meaning "to drink copiously or to excess."
Today's word is "utnapishtimism". It is accepted in Academic circles that the story of Noah derives from the much older Babylonian story of Utnapishtim's deluge. So, an "utnapishtimism" or “utnapishtimic statement" refers to the crediting of a statement, or deed, to one who is not the originator.
January 18, 2026 at 4:02 PM
Today's word is "utnapishtimism". It is accepted in Academic circles that the story of Noah derives from the much older Babylonian story of Utnapishtim's deluge. So, an "utnapishtimism" or “utnapishtimic statement" refers to the crediting of a statement, or deed, to one who is not the originator.
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'."