WORD MENAGERIE™ by Shery Ma Belle Arrieta-Russ
www.writesparks.com
Word Menagerie™
Word power building in 3 minutes or less!
VOLUME ONE
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© 2004 Shery Ma Belle Arrieta-Russ
In the Philippines: 925 Nefortville Subd., San Pablo City, Laguna 4000
In the US: PO Box 459 Strathmore, CA 93267
No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted in
any form or by any means, electronic, mechanical, recording or otherwise, without the prior
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WORD MENAGERIE™ by Shery Ma Belle Arrieta-Russ
www.writesparks.com
Do words excite you?
Do you enjoy learning new words?
Do you want to increase your vocabulary and build your word power?
Yes?
Then it’s a good thing you downloaded volume one in the Word Menagerie™ e-book
series.
Word Menagerie™ features a word of the day, a word building focus, foolish word of the
day and a short writing prompt. This volume contains 87 days or nearly 3 months worth of
word building artillery.
Each daily Word Menagerie™ module is short that you'll be able to read and digest
everything in less than 3 minutes!
The goal of Word Menagerie™ is simple -- to help you build and increase your word
power... in 3 minutes or less, every day.
So thanks again for downloading this e-book. Feel free to print it out or share it with
others.
More word power to you!
Shery Ma Belle Arrieta-Russ
Creator, WriteSparks!™ Software for Writers
http://writesparks.com
[email protected]
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WORD MENAGERIE™ by Shery Ma Belle Arrieta-Russ
www.writesparks.com
Day 1
Today’s Word: PLEONASM (noun)
Origin:
from the Latin pleonasmus; from Greek pleonasmos; from pleonazein, meaning to be
excessive
Definition:
1. the use of needless words; redundancy; a redundant word or phrase
2. a superabundance of parts, as in an organism
Other functions
1. adjective: Pleonastic
2. adverb: Pleonastically
Word Building Focus: Prefixes
PRO: Latin prefix which means forward or forth; before; in place of or on behalf of
5 words prefixed with PRO:
1. proceed
2. profane
3. profess
4. pronoun
5. produce
Foolish Word of the Day: ADVICE
A commodity peddled by your lawyer and given away by your mother-in-law, but impossible
to dispose of yourself. Famous as the one thing which it is "More blessed to give than
receive."
- From “The Foolish Dictionary” by Gideon Wurdz
Quick Writing Prompt: Write about something that you are abundant of.
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Day 2
Today’s Word: EXTIRPATE (transitive verb)
Origin:
from the Latin exstirpatus, from ex- + stirp-, stirps meaning trunk, root
Definition:
to root out or up; to destroy or eradicate completely
Other functions
1. adjective: Extirpable, Extirpative, Extirpatory
2. noun: Extirpation, Extirpator
Word Building Focus: Prefixes
INTRA: from the Latin intra, which means inside or within
5 words prefixed with INTRA:
1. intravenous
2. intramural
3. intramolecular
4. intrastate
5. intranational
Foolish Word of the Day: CYNIC
A man who knows the price of everything and the value of nothing.
- From “The Foolish Dictionary” by Gideon Wurdz
Quick Writing Prompt: What would you like to see eradicated?
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Day 3
Today’s Word: QUIDNUNC (noun)
Origin:
from the Latin quid nunc, meaning "what now?"
Definition:
1. a person who seeks to know all that's going on
2. an inquisitive person
Word Building Focus: Prefixes
MAL or MALE: bad, ill, evil, wrong
5 words prefixed with MAL or MALE:
1. malcontent
2. maladroit
3. malediction
4. malefactor
5. malfeasance
Foolish Word of the Day: EPITAPH
A statement that usually lies above about the one who lies beneath.
- From “The Foolish Dictionary” by Gideon Wurdz
Quick Writing Prompt: Write about a quidnunc's typical day.
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Day 4
Today’s Word: FANFARONADE (noun)
Origin:
from the French fanfaronnade, from Spanish fanfarronada, from fanfarrón, meaning
braggart
Definition:
1. a blustering or ranting speech or style
2. a boastful or bullying manner
3. empty boasting
Word Building Focus: Prefixes
QUASI: from the Latin quasi- meaning "as if"; resembling; not genuine (if prefixing nouns);
nearly; almost (if prefixing adjectives); superficially resembling but intrinsically different
5 words prefixed with QUASI:
1. quasi-market
2. quasi-tangible
3. quasi-human
4. quasi-legislative
5. quasi-corporation
Foolish Word of the Day: FIRMNESS
That admirable quality in ourselves that is detestable stubbornness in others.
- From “The Foolish Dictionary” by Gideon Wurdz
Quick Writing Prompt: Write about one of your admirable qualities.
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Day 5
Today’s Word: BLANQUETTE (noun)
Origin:
French, from Provençal blanqueto; from blanc meaning white, of Germanic origin
Definition:
a stew of veal, lamb, chicken or any white meat served in a white sauce, garnished with
mushrooms and onions
Word Building Focus: Prefixes
BI: from the Latin bi- meaning, "twice; doubly; occurring twice or having two"
5 words prefixed with BI:
1. bicameral
2. bigamy
3. binoculars
4. bilateral
5. bifocal
Foolish Word of the Day: GUTTER
A school in which we may study the dregs of humanity or read the reflection of the stars.
- From “The Foolish Dictionary” by Gideon Wurdz
Quick Writing Prompt: Write about your least favorite food.
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Day 6
Today’s Word: TURGESCENT (adjective)
Origin:
Latin turgescent-, turgescens which means, "to swell"
Definition:
1. inflated, swollen up
2. pompous
Other functions
1. noun: Turgescence
2. adverb: Turgescently
Word Building Focus: Prefixes
HYPO: meaning "under or beneath; less than"
5 words prefixed with HYPO:
1. hypotenuse
2. hypochondria
3. hypothesis
4. hypodermic
5. hypothermia
Foolish Word of the Day: JUDGE
One who sits on a bench in a court, frames sentences and finishes crooks for a living, and
swears continually.
- From “The Foolish Dictionary” by Gideon Wurdz
Quick Writing Prompt: Write about someone who makes you swell up with pride.
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Day 7
Today’s Word: BEDAUB (transitive verb)
Definition:
1. to smear with something sticky or oily
2. to abuse or vilify
3. to load with vulgar ornament or flattery
Word Building Focus: Prefixes
PRE: Middle English, from Old French & Latin; Old French, the from Latin prae-, from prae
in front of, before; before in time or order; preceding; prior to; in front of
5 words prefixed with PRE:
1. precolonial
2. premarital
3. precursor
4. precipice
5. presage
Foolish Word of the Day: MATRIMONY
A game for women, in which the unmarried half are trying to find a husband and the
married half trying not to be found out by one. Both halves are eminently successful.
- From “The Foolish Dictionary” by Gideon Wurdz
Quick Writing Prompt: Write about something (or someone) that once got stuck to (with)
you.
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Day 8
Today’s Word: JACTITATION (noun)
Origin:
from the late Latin jactitation-, jactitatio, from jactitare, frequentative of Latin jactare, which
means "to throw"
Definition:
1. a public boasting or bragging
2. pathologically, a morbid restlessness; acute disease
3. in law, a false assertion, as of marriage; an action to enjoin such false
pretension
4. a tossing to and fro or jerking and twitching of the body
Word Building Focus: Prefixes
PER: from the Latin, which means "through, throughout, thoroughly, detrimental to, from
per; thoroughly; completely; wrongly
5 words prefixed with PER:
1. perambulate
2. percolate
3. perjure
4. perfect
5. percent
Foolish Word of the Day: PARAGON
The model man a woman regrets she gave up for the one she mistakenly married.
- From “The Foolish Dictionary” by Gideon Wurdz
Quick Writing Prompt: Write about a woman/man who has just discovered that her/his
marriage is a fake.
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Day 9
Today’s Word: MAXIM (noun)
Origin:
Middle English "maxime"; from Medieval Latin "maxima"; from Latin, feminine of
"maximus"; superlative of "magnus" which means large
Definition:
1. a general truth, fundamental principle, or rule of conduct
2. a proverbial saying
3. a brief statement of a practical principle or proposition
Word Building Focus: Prefixes
SUB: from the Latin prefix sub- meaning, under, beneath or below; secondary or
subordinate; less than, almost or imperfectly; secretly
5 words prefixed with SUB:
1. suborbital
2. subconscious
3. subterranean
4. subcutaneous
5. submarine
Foolish Word of the Day: ECONOMY
Denying ourselves a necessary today in order to buy a luxury to-morrow.
- From “The Foolish Dictionary” by Gideon Wurdz
Quick Writing Prompt: Choose a proverb and write a short story, essay or poem based on
it.
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Day 10
Today’s Word: SPECIOUS (adjective)
Origin:
from the Latin speciosus, which means beautiful, plausible
Definition:
1. apparently good or right, but without merit
2. plausible
3. attractive in appearance, but deceptive; fair-seeming
4. beguiling, but lacking in sincerity
Other functions
1. adverb: Speciously
2. noun: Speciousness
Word Building Focus: Prefixes
DIS, DI and DIF: away from, apart, in different directions; reversal of an action; not
5 words prefixed with DIS, DI and DIF:
1. discontinue
2. diffuse
3. divert
4. dishearten
5. disintegrate
Foolish Word of the Day: BROKE
A word expressing the ultimate condition of one who is too much bent on speculating.
- From “The Foolish Dictionary” by Gideon Wurdz
Quick Writing Prompt: Write about deception.
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Day 11
Today’s Word: MALAPROPISM (noun)
Origin:
after Mrs. Malaprop, the character noted for her misuse of words in R.B. Sheridan's
comedy, The Rivals (1775)
Definition:
1. a verbal blunder
2. the incorrect or inappropriate use of a word
3. the usually unintentionally humorous misuse or distortion of a word or phrase
4. the use of a word sounding somewhat like the one intended but ludicrously
wrong in the context
Other functions
1. noun: Malaprop; Malapropist
2. adjective: Malapropos
Word Building Focus: Prefixes
NON: not
5 words prefixed with NON:
1. nonchalant
2. nonentity
3. nonconformist
4. nonsense
5. noncommittal
Foolish Word of the Day: BARBER
A brilliant conversationalist, who occasionally shaves and cuts hair.
- From “The Foolish Dictionary” by Gideon Wurdz
Quick Writing Prompt: Write about your or someone else's verbal blunder.
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Day 12
Today’s Word: SNUGGERY (noun)
Definition:
a cozy and comfortable place or room
Other forms
1. snuggeries (plural)
Word Building Focus: Prefixes
DE: away or off; down; lessening; completely; undoing or reversal of an action
5 words prefixed with DE:
1. debar
2. decipher
3. demote
4. detract
5. declare
Foolish Word of the Day: CIVILIZATION
An upward growth or tendency that has enabled mankind to develop the college yell from
what was once only a feeble war-whoop.
- From “The Foolish Dictionary” by Gideon Wurdz
Quick Writing Prompt: What's the most comfortable room in your house?
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Day 13
Today’s Word: VELLEITY (noun)
Origin:
from the New Latin "velleitas," and from the Latin "velle" meaning to wish, will
Definition:
1. a very low degree of desire or volition, not leading to action
2. a mere wish
Other forms
1. velleities (plural)
Word Building Focus: Prefixes
CONTRA/COUNTER: against; opposite; contrary; opposing
5 words prefixed with CONTRA/COUNTER:
1. counterpart
2. contraband
3. counterpoise
4. contradict
5. counterfeit
Foolish Word of the Day: HOTEL
A place where a guest often gives up good dollars for poor quarters.
- From “The Foolish Dictionary” by Gideon Wurdz
Quick Writing Prompt: Write about one of your birthday wishes.
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Day 14
Today’s Word: NUGATORY (adjective)
Origin:
from the Latin nugatorius, which means "trifles, nonsense"
Definition:
1. inoperative; having no power
2. insignificant; having no worth or meaning
3. useless
Other functions
1. adverb: Nugatorily
2. noun: nugatoriness
Word Building Focus: Prefixes
POST: after or behind
5 words prefixed with POST:
1. postmeridian
2. postgraduate
3. postscript
4. posthumous
5. postprandial
Foolish Word of the Day: TEMPER
A quality, the loss of which is likely to make a knife blade dull and a woman's tongue sharp.
- From “The Foolish Dictionary” by Gideon Wurdz
Quick Writing Prompt: Describe how it is to be powerless.
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Day 15
Today’s Word: CONCATENATE (adjective)
Origin:
from the Middle English, from Late Latin concatenatus, past participle of concatenare to link
together, from Latin com- + catena chain
Definition:
1. joined or linked together
2. connected in a series
Other functions
1. transitive verb: Concatenate, meaning to join or link together; to connect in a
series
Word Building Focus: Prefixes
ANTE: from the Latin ante meaning "before"; before in time or in order; before in position
5 words prefixed with ANTE:
1. antecedent
2. antenatal
3. antedate
4. antecessor
5. antebellum
Foolish Word of the Day: MITTEN
Something a tenderhearted girl gives a young man when she knows she is going to make it
chilly for him.
- From “The Foolish Dictionary” by Gideon Wurdz
Quick Writing Prompt: Write about the bond you have with someone.
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Day 16
Today’s Word: GRISEOUS (adjective)
Definition:
bluish-gray; having a mottled or grizzled grayish color
Word Building Focus: Prefixes
PARA: beside; nearby; along with; beyond; aside from; amiss; in chemistry, an isometric of
polymeric modification of; a modification of or a compound similar to
5 words prefixed with PARA:
1. paradigm
2. paradox
3. paraldehyde
4. paramorphine
5. paratyphoid
Foolish Word of the Day: CAFE
A place where the public pays the proprietor for the privilege of tipping the waiters for
something to eat.
- From “The Foolish Dictionary” by Gideon Wurdz
Quick Writing Prompt: What color is your mood today?
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Day 17
Today’s Word: EMOLLIENT (adjective)
Origin:
from the Latin emollient-, emolliens, present participle of emollire, which means "to soften,"
from e- + mollis soft
Definition:
1. softening or relaxing
2. making less intense or harsh
Word Building Focus: Prefixes
CIRCUM: around; on all sides
5 words prefixed with CIRCUM:
1. circumlocution
2. circumflex
3. circumscribe
4. circumvent
5. circumambulate
Foolish Word of the Day: CONSCIENCE
The fear of being found out.
- From “The Foolish Dictionary” by Gideon Wurdz
Quick Writing Prompt: Write about something that relaxes you.
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Day 18
Today’s Word: ENCHORIAL (adjective)
Origin:
from the Greek enchorios meaning "native" (en- "in" + chora "country")
Definition:
1. peculiar to a country
2. native; popular; indigenous
Other forms:
1. adjective: Enchoristic; Enchorious; Enchoric
Word Building Focus: Prefixes
COM (variation: CO, COL, CON, COR): together; with; thoroughly
5 words prefixed with COM (or CO, COL, CON, COR):
1. compatriot
2. concede
3. coequal
4. collide
5. correlate
Foolish Word of the Day: ETIQUETTE
A convenient code of conduct which makes Lying a virtue and Snobbishness a righteous
deed.
- From “The Foolish Dictionary” by Gideon Wurdz
Quick Writing Prompt: Write about something unique in your state/region.
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Day 19
Today’s Word: KAFFEEKLATSCH (noun)
Origin:
German, from Kaffee "coffee" + Klatsch "gossip"
Definition:
an informal social gathering for conversation while coffee and refreshments are served
Word Building Focus: Prefixes
IN (variations: EM, EN, IL, IM, IR): not; without; non-; un-; in; into; within
5 words prefixed with IN (or EM, EN, IL, IM, IR):
1. incarnate
2. embrace
3. enclose
4. illiterate
5. imbalance
Foolish Word of the Day: INTUITION
A fictitious quality in females--really Suspicion.
- From “The Foolish Dictionary” by Gideon Wurdz
Quick Writing Prompt: Write about one of the things you talked about with
friends/acquaintances in the most recent social gathering you attended.
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Day 20
Today’s Word: OBJURGATE (transitive verb)
Origin:
from the Latin objurgatus, past participle of objurgare meaning "rebuke"
Definition:
1. to rebuke severely
2. to berate
3. to scold sharply
Other forms:
1. Objurgating; Objurgated
Other functions:
1. noun: Objurgation; Objurgator
2. adverb: Objurgatorily
3. adjective: Objurgatory
Word Building Focus: Prefixes
OB (variations: OC, OF, OP): against; toward; to; completely; over
5 words prefixed with OB (OC, OF, OP)
1. object
2. occupy
3. offend
4. oppress
5. obtrude
Foolish Word of the Day: JURY
Twelve men chosen to decide who has the better lawyer.
- From “The Foolish Dictionary” by Gideon Wurdz
Quick Writing Prompt: Write a scene where one person harshly scolds another.
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Day 21
Today’s Word: SCARPETTI (noun)
Origin:
from the Italian scarpetto, meaning "a light shoe"; diminutive of scarpo "a shoe"
Definition:
rope-soled shoes used by mountain climbers
Word Building Focus: Prefixes
SYN (variations: SYL, SYM, SYS): Greek prefix syn- which means "with; together"
5 words prefixed with SYN (SYL, SYM, SYS):
1. synchronize
2. syllable
3. symphony
4. system
5. syncopate
Foolish Word of the Day: ATHLETE
A dignified bunch of muscles, unable to split wood or sift the ashes.
- From “The Foolish Dictionary” by Gideon Wurdz
Quick Writing Prompt: Write about your favorite pair of shoes (or slippers).
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Day 22
Today’s Word: INGRESS (noun)
Origin:
from Latin ingressus, from ingredi meaning "enter"
Definition:
1. means of effecting or gaining entrance
2. a place of entrance
3. the act of entering
Other functions
1. noun: Ingression
2. adjective: Ingressive
Word Building Focus: Prefixes
RE: from the Latin prefix re- meaning "back; again, thoroughly"
5 words prefixed with RE:
1. refrigerate
2. rescind
3. reconnoiter
4. recalcitrant
5. relapse
Foolish Word of the Day: LOVER
An ardent admirer who says, "Yes, dearest, I will shovel the snow of the lake so that we
can go skating!" and, after marriage remarks, "What! Shovel the snow off the walk for you?
Well, I should say not! I'm no chore boy."
- From “The Foolish Dictionary” by Gideon Wurdz
Quick Writing Prompt: Write about the time you first step foot inside your new home.
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Day 23
Today’s Word: CIRCADIAN (adjective)
Origin:
from the Latin circa "around" and dies "day"
Definition:
pertaining to the vital processes in plants and animals that tend to recur in approximately
24-hour cycles
Word Building Focus: Prefixes
AB, ABS: Latin prefix ab- or abs- meaning "off; from; away
5 words prefixed with AB or ABS:
1. abstain
2. abuse
3. abjure
4. absolve
5. abort
Foolish Word of the Day: LIE
A very poor substitute for the truth but the only one discovered up to date.
- From “The Foolish Dictionary” by Gideon Wurdz
Quick Writing Prompt: Write about one of the events that happened in your life in the last
24 hours.
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Day 24
Today’s Word: JARDINIERE (noun)
Origin:
from French jardinière, literally, "female gardener"
Definition:
1. an ornamental stand for plant pots
2. several vegetables cubed and cooked, together or separately, as a garnish for
meat
Word Building Focus: Prefixes
UN: not; lacking; back; opposed to
5 words prefixed with UN:
1. uncouth
2. unkempt
3. untoward
4. unwieldy
5. unmitigated
Foolish Word of the Day: KEEPSAKE
Something given us by someone we've forgotten.
- From “The Foolish Dictionary” by Gideon Wurdz
Quick Writing Prompt: Write about one of the ingredients in your favorite dish.
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Day 25
Today’s Word: PANEGYRIC (noun)
Origin:
from the Latin panegyricus, from Greek panegyrikos, which means "fit for a public assembly"
Definition:
1. a speech or writing eulogizing someone or something
2. a formal or elaborate praise
Other functions
1. adjective: Panegyrical
2. adverb: Panegyrically
Word Building Focus: Prefixes
TRANS: across; beyond; over; through; on the other side of; completely; surpassing
5 words prefixed with TRANS:
1. transpose
2. transcribe
3. transcend
4. transpose
5. transatlantic
Foolish Word of the Day: GALLANTRY
This word is now almost obsolete. It was formerly employed to express a deferential
attention on the part of the man who in a crowded car gave up his seat to the ladies.
- From “The Foolish Dictionary” by Gideon Wurdz
Quick Writing Prompt: Write a wedding vow -- one that reflects your style and personality.
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Day 26
Today’s Word: ZIGGURAT (noun)
Origin:
from the Assyrian ziqquratu meaning "height" or "pinnacle"
Definition:
a lofty Mesopotamian temple tower, with outside stairways and a shrine at the top
Word Building Focus: Prefixes
SUPER: above; beyond; over; more than; greater than; superior; excessively
5 words prefixed with SUPER:
1. superannuated
2. supercilious
3. superimpose
4. superfluous
5. supersede
Foolish Word of the Day: SUCCESS
A goal usually reached by those who employ their time in cultivating a more definite aim in
life rather than in searching for a larger target.
- From “The Foolish Dictionary” by Gideon Wurdz
Quick Writing Prompt: Write about one of your recent achievements.
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Day 27
Today’s Word: EBULLIENT (adjective)
Origin:
from the Latin ebulliens, meaning "to boil up"
Definition:
bubbling over with high spirits or enthusiasm
Other functions
1. noun: Ebullience; Ebullism; Ebullition; Ebulliency
Word Building Focus: Prefixes
AD: to; toward; at; near
5 words prefixed with AD:
1. adjacent
2. adhere
3. adapt
4. admire
5. administer
Foolish Word of the Day: EGG
A wholesome, yet fowl, product, of no use until broken. Sometimes a cure for indigestion or
bad acting.
- From “The Foolish Dictionary” by Gideon Wurdz
Quick Writing Prompt: What makes you 'boil up' with enthusiasm?
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Day 28
Today’s Word: MENDACIOUS (adjective)
Definition:
1. untruthful; dishonest
2. characterized by deception or falsehood or divergence from absolute truth
Other functions
1. adverb: Mendaciously
2. noun: Mendacity; Mendaciousness
Word Building Focus: Prefixes
AMBI: both; around; on both sides
5 words prefixed with AMBI:
1. ambidextrous
2. ambitious
3. ambiguous
4. ambient
5. ambiplasma
Foolish Word of the Day: GUNPOWDER
A black substance much employed in marking the boundary lines of nations.
- From “The Foolish Dictionary” by Gideon Wurdz
Quick Writing Prompt: Write about a white lie you once told.
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WORD MENAGERIE™ by Shery Ma Belle Arrieta-Russ
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Day 29
Today’s Word: SCOFFLAW (noun)
Definition:
a person who violates the law
Word Building Focus: Prefixes
EX (variations: E, EF): out, out of, from; former; completely; thoroughly
5 words prefixed with EX (E, EF):
1. excruciate
2. effervesce
3. evade
4. excoriate
5. efface
Foolish Word of the Day: REFORM
In general, a periodic epidemic, starting with marked heat, followed by a high fever, and
accompanied by a flow of ink in the newspapers, a discharge of words from the face and a
rush of blood to the polls, leaving the victim a chronic invalid until the next campaign. In
New York, reform has been confined to a Low attempt at government.
- From “The Foolish Dictionary” by Gideon Wurdz
Quick Writing Prompt: Write a fictional account of someone violating a law.
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Day 30
Today’s Word: SERAGLIO (noun)
Origin:
from the Italian serroglio, meaning "enclosure"
Definition:
1. a sultan's harem
2. a Turkish palace enclosed by walls
Word Building Focus: Prefixes
EXTRA: outside of; beyond or outside the range, scope, or limits of something
5 words prefixed with EXTRA:
1. extrados
2. extrapolatability
3. extravasate
4. extraparochial
5. extradite
Foolish Word of the Day: WIDOW
The wife of a golfer during the open season, unless she golfs, too. In that event the children
are golf orphans.
- From “The Foolish Dictionary” by Gideon Wurdz
Quick Writing Prompt: Weave a story around an old building.
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Day 31
Today’s Word: STENTORIAN (adjective)
Origin:
after Stentor, the Greek herald in Homer's Iliad who had a powerful voice
Definition:
of the voice, spoken sounds, etc. that are very loud
Word Building Focus: Phobia
A phobia is an exaggerated and usually inexplicable and illogical fear of a particular object,
class of objects, or situation.
5 Phobias of the Day
1. Psellismophobia - fear of stuttering
2. Iatrophobia - fear of going to the doctor or of doctors
3. Hedonophobia - fear of feeling pleasure
4. Doraphobia - fear of fur or skins of animals
5. Bathmophobia - fear of stairs or steep slopes
Foolish Word of the Day: ARTIST
Commonly, the individual long haired and short-suited, having a positive pose and an
uncertain income. Often shy on meal tickets but strong on technique and the price of tripe
sandwiches. An artist may be a barber, a bootblack, a Sargent or a Paderewski.
- From “The Foolish Dictionary” by Gideon Wurdz
Quick Writing Prompt: Write about fear.
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Day 32
Today’s Word: COGNOMEN (noun)
Origin:
from the Latin, irregular from co- + nomen, meaning "name"
Definition:
1. the third and family name used by the ancient Romans (e.g., 'Caesar' in Gaius
Julius Caesar)
2. a nickname or an epithet
Other functions
1. adjective: Cognominal
Word Building Focus: Phobia
A phobia is an exaggerated and usually inexplicable and illogical fear of a particular object,
class of objects, or situation.
5 Phobias of the Day
1. Catoptrophobia - fear of mirrors
2. Siderophobia - fear of stars
3. Xerophobia - fear of dryness
4. Somniphobia - fear of sleep
5. Ombrophobia - fear of rain or of being rained on
Foolish Word of the Day: CREDITOR
Something with nothing.
- From “The Foolish Dictionary” by Gideon Wurdz
Quick Writing Prompt: Write about the nickname given to you when you were a child. (Or
write what your name makes you feel.)
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Day 33
Today’s Word: MOUNTEBANK (noun)
Origin:
from the Italian montambanco, montimbanco, meaning "mount on a bench"
Definition:
1. an unscrupulous man who uses showmanship to exploit public credulity
2. a person selling quack medicines who mounted a bench or platform and
collected an audience by showing off
Word Building Focus: Phobia
A phobia is an exaggerated and usually inexplicable and illogical fear of a particular object,
class of objects, or situation.
5 Phobias of the Day
1. Neopharmaphobia - fear of new drugs
2. Kopophobia - fear of fatigue
3. Peladophobia - fear of bald people
4. Harpaxophobia - fear of being robbed
5. Enetophobia - fear of pins
Foolish Word of the Day: FROST
An old flame after the engagement is broken off.
- From “The Foolish Dictionary” by Gideon Wurdz
Quick Writing Prompt: Write about your favorite form of relaxation.
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Day 34
Today’s Word: QUISLING (noun)
Origin:
from Vidkun Quisling, the Norwegian traitor who collaborated with the Nazis during World
War II
Definition:
1. a traitor
2. a person who collaborates with and enemy power occupying his country
Word Building Focus: Phobia
A phobia is an exaggerated and usually inexplicable and illogical fear of a particular object,
class of objects, or situation.
5 Phobias of the Day
1. Allodoxaphobia - fear of opinions
2. Liticaphobia - fear of lawsuits
3. Mysophobia - fear of germs or contamination or dirt
4. Zelophobia - fear of jealousy
5. Vestiphobia - fear of clothing
Foolish Word of the Day: SUMMER
An oppressive and expensive season invented by rural cottage and hotel owners, railroad
and steamboat companies and the Iceman.
- From “The Foolish Dictionary” by Gideon Wurdz
Quick Writing Prompt: Write about your worst vacation.
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Day 35
Today’s Word: EXCORIATE (transitive verb)
Origin:
from the Latin excoriare, meaning "to flay"
Definition:
1. to censure scathingly or criticize savagely
2. to remove the skin from by tearing, rubbing, grazing, scalding, etc.
Other functions
1. noun: Excoriation
Word Building Focus: Phobia
A phobia is an exaggerated and usually inexplicable and illogical fear of a particular object,
class of objects, or situation.
5 Phobias of the Day
1. Tapinophobia - fear of being contagious
2. Sophophobia - fear of learning
3. Achluophobia - fear of darkness
4. Coimetrophobia - fear of cemeteries
5. Euphobia - fear of hearing good news
Foolish Word of the Day: TALK
A continuous performance playing daily and nightly engagements, with Woman as the star
and Man confined in the Family Circle.
- From “The Foolish Dictionary” by Gideon Wurdz
Quick Writing Prompt: Invent a fear.
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Day 36
Today’s Word: DOUGHTY (adjective)
Origin:
from the Old English dohtig; akin to Old High German toug, which means “is useful”, Greek
teuchein, which means “to make”
Definition:
valiant, courageous
Other functions
1. adverb: Doughtily
2. noun: Doughtiness
Word Building Focus: Phobia
A phobia is an exaggerated and usually inexplicable and illogical fear of a particular object,
class of objects, or situation.
5 Phobias of the Day
1. Ailurophobia - fear of cats
2. Ergophobia - fear of work
3. Kymophobia - fear of waves
4. Chionophobia - fear of snow
5. Gerascophobia - fear of growing old
Foolish Word of the Day: ENTHUSIAST
One who preaches four times as much as he believes and believes four times as much as
a sane man ought to.
- From “The Foolish Dictionary” by Gideon Wurdz
Quick Writing Prompt: What are you looking forward to 10 years from today?
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Day 37
Today’s Word: MANSARD (noun)
Origin:
from the French architect, Francois Mansard
Definition:
a roof that is flat on the top and has sharp, vertical slopes at the edges
Word Building Focus: Phobia
A phobia is an exaggerated and usually inexplicable and illogical fear of a particular object,
class of objects, or situation.
5 Phobias of the Day
1. Glossophobia - fear of speaking in public or of trying to speak
2. Epistemophobia - Fear of knowledge
3. Nosocomephobia - fear of hospitals
4. Xenoglossophobia - fear of foreign languages
5. Leukophobia - fear of the color white
Foolish Word of the Day: EXERCISE
Bodily exertion requiring a $10,000 gymnasium, a ten-acre lot and impossible raiment.
Originally confined to the washtub and the woodpile.
- From “The Foolish Dictionary” by Gideon Wurdz
Quick Writing Prompt: What new thing have you learned today?
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Day 38
Today’s Word: EUPEPTIC (adjective)
Origin:
from the Greek eupeptos, eu- meaning "well" and peptein meaning "to digest"
Definition:
having good digestion
Other functions
1. noun: Eupepsia
Word Building Focus: Phobia
A phobia is an exaggerated and usually inexplicable and illogical fear of a particular object,
class of objects, or situation.
5 Phobias of the Day
1. Lockiophobia - fear of childbirth
2. Dendrophobia - fear of trees
3. Brontophobia - fear of thunder and lightning
4. Phengophobia - fear of daylight or sunshine
5. Ballistophobia - fear of missiles or bullets
Foolish Word of the Day: LION
A cruel beast that never patronizes the barber and is always bearded in his den yet will
furnish a close shave if you get near enough.
- From “The Foolish Dictionary” by Gideon Wurdz
Quick Writing Prompt: Write about a child you know.
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Day 39
Today’s Word: VIRID (adjective)
Origin:
from the Latin viridis, meaning "green"
Definition:
1. vividly green
2. verdant
Word Building Focus: Phobia
A phobia is an exaggerated and usually inexplicable and illogical fear of a particular object,
class of objects, or situation.
5 Phobias of the Day
1. Bufonophobia - fear of toads
2. Rhytiphobia - fear of getting wrinkles
3. Soceraphobia - fear of parents-in-law
4. Cathisophobia - fear of sitting
5. Pediophobia - fear of dolls
Foolish Word of the Day: MEDIUM
A party with one ear in the grave but both hands on your wallet. "Hello, Central! Give me
Heaven!"
- From “The Foolish Dictionary” by Gideon Wurdz
Quick Writing Prompt: Write about your favorite toy as a young child.
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Day 40
Today’s Word: ATRABILIOUS (adjective)
Origin:
from the Latin atra bilis, meaning "black bile"
Definition:
1. gloomy and sour-tempered
2. ill-natured or peevish
3. overanxious and fussy about one's health
Other functions
1. noun: Atrabiliousness
Word Building Focus: Phobia
A phobia is an exaggerated and usually inexplicable and illogical fear of a particular object,
class of objects, or situation.
5 Phobias of the Day
1. Oenophobia - fear of wines
2. Ligyrophobia - fear of loud noises
3. Hodophobia - fear of road travel
4. Emetophobia - fear of vomiting
5. Myrmecophobia - fear of ants
Foolish Word of the Day: OBESITY
A surplus gone to waist.
- From “The Foolish Dictionary” by Gideon Wurdz
Quick Writing Prompt: Write about a memorable trip.
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Day 41
Today’s Word: CONTUMELY (noun)
Origin:
from the Middle English contumelie, from Middle French, from Latin contumelia
Definition:
insolent or insulting language or treatment
Word Building Focus: Phobia
A phobia is an exaggerated and usually inexplicable and illogical fear of a particular object,
class of objects, or situation.
5 Phobias of the Day
1. Metallophobia - fear of metal
2. Anablephobia - fear of looking up
3. Peniaphobia - fear of poverty
4. Chronophobia - fear of time
5. Scriptophobia - fear of writing in public
Foolish Word of the Day: ADAMANT
From "Adam's Aunt," reputed to be a hard character. Hence, anything tough, or hard.
- From “The Foolish Dictionary” by Gideon Wurdz
Quick Writing Prompt: Write about your least favorite time of the day.
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Day 42
Today’s Word: CALUMNY (noun)
Origin:
from Latin calumnia, meaning "to deceive"
Definition:
a slanderous accusation, made with the intention of harming another
Other functions
1. adjective: Calumnious
2. adverb: Calumniously
Word Building Focus: Phobia
A phobia is an exaggerated and usually inexplicable and illogical fear of a particular object,
class of objects, or situation.
5 Phobias of the Day
1. Thalassophobia - fear of the sea
2. Placophobia - fear of tombstones
3. Xyrophobia - fear of razors
4. Limnophobia - fear of lakes
5. Ideophobia - fear of ideas
Foolish Word of the Day: CRITIC
A wet blanket that soaks everything it touches.
- From “The Foolish Dictionary” by Gideon Wurdz
Quick Writing Prompt: Write a critique of a recent film you've seen (or a book you’ve read).
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Day 43
Today’s Word: IMMOLATE (transitive verb)
Origin:
from the Latin immolare, meaning "to sprinkle with sacrificial meal"
Definition:
1. to offer up, especially to kill, in sacrifice
2. to kill or destroy often by fire
Other functions
1. noun: Immolator; Immolation
Word Building Focus: Phobia
A phobia is an exaggerated and usually inexplicable and illogical fear of a particular object,
class of objects, or situation.
5 Phobias of the Day
1. Gamophobia - fear of marriage
2. Rupophobia - fear of dirt
3. Hominophobia - fear of men
4. Dystychiphobia - fear of accidents
5. Bathophobia - fear of depth
Foolish Word of the Day: FAULT
About the only thing that is often found where it does not exist.
- From “The Foolish Dictionary” by Gideon Wurdz
Quick Writing Prompt: Write about a simple sacrifice you can do for someone you love.
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Day 44
Today’s Word: LENITIVE (adjective)
Origin:
from the Latin lenitivus
Definition:
1. soothing, alleviating pain or harshness
2. a palliative
Other functions
1. noun: Lenitive
2. adverb: Lenitively
Word Building Focus: Phobia
A phobia is an exaggerated and usually inexplicable and illogical fear of a particular object,
class of objects, or situation.
5 Phobias of the Day
1. Logizomechanophobia - fear of computers
2. Carnophobia - fear of meat
3. Anuptaphobia - fear of staying single
4. Syngenesophobia - fear of relatives
5. Pagophobia - fear of ice or frost
Foolish Word of the Day: EVOLUTION
A clever trick performed by one Darwin, who made a monkey of Adam.
- From “The Foolish Dictionary” by Gideon Wurdz
Quick Writing Prompt: Write about a loved one who soothed you when you were in pain.
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Day 45
Today’s Word: STERTOR (noun)
Origin:
from the Latin stertere, "to snore"
Definition:
the act of making a heavy sound like snoring while breathing
Other functions
1. adjective: Stertorous
Word Building Focus: Phobia
A phobia is an exaggerated and usually inexplicable and illogical fear of a particular object,
class of objects, or situation.
5 Phobias of the Day
1. Trypanophobia - fear of injections
2. Melophobia - fear or hatred of music
3. Gnosiophobia - fear of knowledge
4. Coulrophobia - fear of clowns
5. Isolophobia - fear of solitude, being alone
Foolish Word of the Day: MAGAZINE
A receptacle for explosives, literary or mechanical.
- From “The Foolish Dictionary” by Gideon Wurdz
Quick Writing Prompt: What does knowledge sound like?
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Day 46
Today’s Word: ANALEPTIC (adjective)
Origin:
from the Latin analepticus
Definition:
tonic, restorative, strengthening
Other functions
1. noun: Analeptic
Word Building Focus: Phobia
A phobia is an exaggerated and usually inexplicable and illogical fear of a particular object,
class of objects, or situation.
5 Phobias of the Day
1. Ephebiphobia - fear of teenagers
2. Cherophobia - fear of gaiety
3. Apeirophobia - fear of infinity
4. Logophobia - fear of words
5. Myctophobia - fear of darkness
Foolish Word of the Day: PLENTY
A desirable condition that is likely to step out whenever Extravagance steps in.
- From “The Foolish Dictionary” by Gideon Wurdz
Quick Writing Prompt: What is your "medicine" for restoring your strength after a tiring day?
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Day 47
Today’s Word: ABLUTION (noun)
Origin:
from Latin abluere, "to wash away"
Definition:
1. washing for ritual purification, usually with water
2. washing of hands and face
Other functions
1. adjective: Ablutionary
Word Building Focus: Phobia
A phobia is an exaggerated and usually inexplicable and illogical fear of a particular object,
class of objects, or situation.
5 Phobias of the Day
1. Neophobia - fear of anything new
2. Plutophobia - fear of wealth
3. Ochophobia - fear of vehicles
4. Frigophobia - fear of cold, cold things
5. Chaetophobia - fear of hair
Foolish Word of the Day: FOOTBALL
A clever subterfuge for carrying on prize-fights under the guise of a reputable game.
- From “The Foolish Dictionary” by Gideon Wurdz
Quick Writing Prompt: Write a piece with this beginning: "The water felt cool on his (or her)
face..."
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Day 48
Today’s Word: CALLOW (adjective)
Origin:
from the Old Church Slavonic golu, meaning "bare"
Definition:
1. lacking experience in life
2. immature
3. featherless (of young birds)
Word Building Focus: Phobia
A phobia is an exaggerated and usually inexplicable and illogical fear of a particular object,
class of objects, or situation.
5 Phobias of the Day
1. Ligyrophobia - fear of loud noises
2. Equinophobia - fear of horses
3. Koinoniphobia - fear of rooms
4. Hoplophobia - fear of firearms
5. Nostophobia - fear of returning home
Foolish Word of the Day: HUMOR
An outbreak, either of skin or brains frequently branded as Rash.
- From “The Foolish Dictionary” by Gideon Wurdz
Quick Writing Prompt: Write about a homecoming (fictional or factual) in 250 words.
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Day 49
Today’s Word: MALINGER (intransitive verb)
Origin:
from the French malingre, meaning "sickly"
Definition:
to pretend to be ill, or exaggerate a real illness, in order to avoid work or responsibility
Word Building Focus: Phobia
A phobia is an exaggerated and usually inexplicable and illogical fear of a particular object,
class of objects, or situation.
5 Phobias of the Day
1. Geumaphobia or Geumophobia - fear of taste
2. Nudophobia - fear of nudity
3. Eremophobia - fear of being oneself or of loneliness
4. Chorophobia - fear of dancing
5. Kynophobia - fear of rabies
Foolish Word of the Day: DEBT
A big word beginning with Owe, which grows bigger the more it is contracted.
- From “The Foolish Dictionary” by Gideon Wurdz
Quick Writing Prompt: What’s your excuse to write today?
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Day 50
Today’s Word: VERVE (noun)
Definition:
vivacity, liveliness, energy, especially in conversation, works of imagination, etc.
Word Building Focus: Phobia
A phobia is an exaggerated and usually inexplicable and illogical fear of a particular object,
class of objects, or situation.
5 Phobias of the Day
1. Mottephobia - fear of moths
2. Photophobia - fear of light
3. Kakorrhaphiophobia - fear of failure or defeat
4. Oneirophobia - fear of dreams
5. Hobophobia - fear of bums or beggars
Foolish Word of the Day: BALANCE
Something wanted by bookkeepers and often lost by topers. May be found in a cashbook
or the kangaroo gait.
- From “The Foolish Dictionary” by Gideon Wurdz
Quick Writing Prompt: What makes you excited?
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Day 51
Today’s Word: EPITASIS (noun)
Origin:
from Greek epiteinein "to stretch over or tighter"
Definition:
that part of a play where the conflict is intensified and the action hastens towards the
catastrophe
Word Building Focus: Phobia
A phobia is an exaggerated and usually inexplicable and illogical fear of a particular object,
class of objects, or situation.
5 Phobias of the Day
1. Hylophobia - fear of forests
2. Botanophobia - fear of plants
3. Methyphobia - fear of alcohol
4. Amathophobia - fear of dust
5. Prosophobia - fear of progress
Foolish Word of the Day: PARENTS
One of the hardships of a minor's life.
- From “The Foolish Dictionary” by Gideon Wurdz
Quick Writing Prompt: Describe one of your parents.
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Day 52
Today’s Word: NATATION (noun)
Definition:
the act or art of swimming
Other functions
1. adjective: Natatorial, Natatory
Word Building Focus: Phobia
A phobia is an exaggerated and usually inexplicable and illogical fear of a particular object,
class of objects, or situation.
5 Phobias of the Day
1. Mastigophobia - fear of punishment
2. Nomatophobia - fear of names
3. Katagelophobia - fear of ridicule
4. Chiraptophobia - fear of being touched
5. Selachophobia - fear of sharks
Foolish Word of the Day: SNAP
A brisk, energetic quality that enables a man with ginger to take the cake.
- From “The Foolish Dictionary” by Gideon Wurdz
Quick Writing Prompt: Write about what your name means.
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Day 53
Today’s Word: WILDING (noun)
Definition:
a plant sown by natural agencies, especially a fruit tree
Word Building Focus: Phobia
A phobia is an exaggerated and usually inexplicable and illogical fear of a particular object,
class of objects, or situation.
5 Phobias of the Day
1. Hagiophobia - fear of saints or holy things
2. Barophobia - fear of gravity
3. Eleutherophobia - fear of freedom
4. Ochlophobia - fear of crowds or mobs
5. Lachanophobia - fear of vegetables
Foolish Word of the Day: BRAIN
The top-floor apartment in the Human Block, known as the Cranium, and kept by the Sarah
Sisters--Sarah Brum and Sarah Belum, assisted by Medulla Oblongata. All three are
nervous, but are always confined to their cells. The Brain is done in gray and white, and
furnished with light and heat, hot or cold water, (if desired), with regular connections to the
outside world by way of the Spinal Circuit. Usually occupied by the Intellect Bros.,-Thoughts and Ideas--as an Intelligence Office, but sometimes sub- let to Jag, Hang-Over &
Co.
- From “The Foolish Dictionary” by Gideon Wurdz
Quick Writing Prompt: Write about a place that has no gravity.
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Day 54
Today’s Word: INGLENOOK (noun)
Definition:
a chimney corner
Word Building Focus: Phobia
A phobia is an exaggerated and usually inexplicable and illogical fear of a particular object,
class of objects, or situation.
5 Phobias of the Day
1. Didaskaleinophobia - fear of going to school
2. Graphophobia - fear of writing or handwriting
3. Antlophobia - fear of floods
4. Mageirocophobia - fear of cooking
5. Phengophobia - fear of daylight or sunshine
Foolish Word of the Day: REGRETS
An excuse for non-attendance at a social function. Occasionally, an expression of sorrow;
usually, a paean of praise at deliverance from evil.
- From “The Foolish Dictionary” by Gideon Wurdz
Quick Writing Prompt: Write about a high school (or college) party you once attended.
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Day 55
Today’s Word: WELKIN (noun)
Origin:
from the Old English wolcen, meaning "cloud"
Definition:
1. vault of the sky (firmament) or heaven
2. the upper atmosphere
Word Building Focus: Phobia
A phobia is an exaggerated and usually inexplicable and illogical fear of a particular object,
class of objects, or situation.
5 Phobias of the Day
1. Macrophobia - fear of long waits
2. Caligynephobia - fear of beautiful women
3. Necrophobia - fear of death or dead things
4. Pedophobia - fear of children
5. Ophthalmophobia - fear of being stared at
Foolish Word of the Day: AFTERTHOUGHT
A tardy sense of prudence that prompts one to try to shut his mouth about the time he has
put his foot in it.
- From “The Foolish Dictionary” by Gideon Wurdz
Quick Writing Prompt: Write about a woman waiting in a diner.
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Day 56
Today’s Word: TITIVATE (transitive verb)
Definition:
to smarten or spruce up
Other functions
1. noun: Titivation
Word Building Focus: Phobia
A phobia is an exaggerated and usually inexplicable and illogical fear of a particular object,
class of objects, or situation.
5 Phobias of the Day
1. Hygrophobia - fear of liquids, dampness, or moisture
2. Ecclesiophobia - fear of church
3. Ornithophobia - fear of birds
4. Sciophobia or Sciaphobia - fear of shadows
5. Laliophobia or Lalophobia - fear of speaking
Foolish Word of the Day: ALIMONY
An expensive soothing syrup, prescribed by the judge for a divorcee's bleeding heart. (Old
spelling, allay money).
- From “The Foolish Dictionary” by Gideon Wurdz
Quick Writing Prompt: Write a letter addressed to your fear.
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Day 57
Today’s Word: CORYBANTIC (adjective)
Definition:
wild, frenzied
Word Building Focus: Phobia
A phobia is an exaggerated and usually inexplicable and illogical fear of a particular object,
class of objects, or situation.
5 Phobias of the Day
1. Dishabiliophobia - fear of undressing in front of someone
2. Hypengyophobia or Hypegiaphobia - fear of responsibility
3. Maieusiophobia - fear of childbirth
4. Bibliophobia - fear of books
5. Ablutophobia - fear of washing or bathing
Foolish Word of the Day: VIRTUE
A quality oftentimes associated with intelligence, but rarely with beauty.
- From “The Foolish Dictionary” by Gideon Wurdz
Quick Writing Prompt: Write about your shower or bathing 'ritual'.
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Day 58
Today’s Word: OBNUBILATE (transitive verb)
Origin:
from the Latin obnubilatus meaning "to be cloudy"
Definition:
to cloud or to obscure
Word Building Focus: Phobia
A phobia is an exaggerated and usually inexplicable and illogical fear of a particular object,
class of objects, or situation.
5 Phobias of the Day
1. Metathesiophobia - fear of changes
2. Lilapsophobia - fear of tornadoes and hurricanes
3. Sociophobia - fear of society or people in general
4. Technophobia - fear of technology
5. Paraskavedekatriaphobia - fear of Friday the 13th
Foolish Word of the Day: DIARY
An honest autobiography. A good keepsake, but a bad give-away.
- From “The Foolish Dictionary” by Gideon Wurdz
Quick Writing Prompt: What changes have you undergone in the last 2 months?
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Day 59
Today’s Word: BOONDOGGLE (noun)
Definition:
an unnecessary activity or wasteful expenditure
Word Building Focus: Phobia
A phobia is an exaggerated and usually inexplicable and illogical fear of a particular object,
class of objects, or situation.
5 Phobias of the Day
1. Venustraphobia - fear of beautiful women
2. Aeroacrophobia - fear of open high places
3. Testophobia - fear of taking tests
4. Ophidiophobia - fear of snakes
5. Melanophobia - fear of the color black
Foolish Word of the Day: CULTURE
A degree of mental development that produces tailor-made women, fantastically sheared
poodles and dock tailed horses.
- From “The Foolish Dictionary” by Gideon Wurdz
Quick Writing Prompt: What would you like to splurge on if you had the money or the time?
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Day 60
Today’s Word: LACHRYMOSE (adjective)
Definition:
1. given to tears or weeping
2. mournful
Other functions:
1. adverb: Lachrymosely
2. noun: Lachrymosity
Word Building Focus: Phobia
A phobia is an exaggerated and usually inexplicable and illogical fear of a particular object,
class of objects, or situation.
5 Phobias of the Day
1. Decidophobia - fear of making decisions
2. Ichthyophobia - fear of fish
3. Lutraphobia - fear of otters
4. Febriphobia, Fibriphobia or Fibriophobia - fear of fever
5. Mnemophobia - fear of memories
Foolish Word of the Day: PEARL
A small round product manufactured by an oyster, bought by a lobster and worn by a
butterfly.
- From “The Foolish Dictionary” by Gideon Wurdz
Quick Writing Prompt: What makes you cry?
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Day 61
Today’s Word: APOTHEOSIS (noun)
Origin:
from Greek apotheosis, meaning "to deify"
Definition:
1. perfect example; quintessence
2. deification or elevation to divine status
Other functions
1. transitive verb: Apotheosize
Word Building Focus: Phobia
A phobia is an exaggerated and usually inexplicable and illogical fear of a particular object,
class of objects, or situation.
5 Phobias of the Day
1. Lygophobia - fear of darkness
2. Cacophobia - fear of ugliness
3. Nephophobia - fear of clouds
4. Spectrophobia - fear of specters or ghosts
5. Philophobia - fear of falling in love or being in love
Foolish Word of the Day: BROKE
A word expressing the ultimate condition of one who is too much bent on speculating.
- From “The Foolish Dictionary” by Gideon Wurdz
Quick Writing Prompt: Describe the feel of darkness.
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Day 62
Today’s Word: INANITION (noun)
Definition:
1. a state of being empty
2. loss of vitality or energy due to lack of food
3. absence of social, moral or intellectual vigor
Word Building Focus: People Who Became Words
BOWDLERIZE
1. to expurgate (as a book) by omitting or modifying parts considered vulgar
2. to modify by abridging, simplifying, or distorting in style or content
"Bowdlerize" is from English editor, Dr. Thomas Bowdler. In 1818, he produced a "familyfriendly" edition of Shakespeare's works by removing every word or passage that offended
his sense of propriety.
Foolish Word of the Day: KID
Either a boxing-glove or a first-born. In either case, hard to handle until well tanned.
- From “The Foolish Dictionary” by Gideon Wurdz
Quick Writing Prompt: Write about an empty playground.
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Day 63
Today’s Word: ETIOLATE (transitive verb)
Definition:
1. to bleach and alter the natural development of (a green plant) by excluding
sunlight
2. to make pale; to deprive of natural vigor
Other functions
1. noun: Etiolation
Word Building Focus: People Who Became Words
BLOOMERS
1. a costume for women consisting of a skirt over long loose trousers gathered
closely about the ankles
2. full loose trousers gathered at the knee formerly worn by women for athletics
"Bloomers" were named after Mrs. Amelia Jenks Bloomer. She was an American champion
of human rights.
Foolish Word of the Day: EARTH
A solid substance, much desired by the seasick.
- From “The Foolish Dictionary” by Gideon Wurdz
Quick Writing Prompt: Write about your most recent shopping 'expedition'.
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Day 64
Today’s Word: QUOTIDIAN (adjective)
Origin:
from Latin quotidianus, cotidianus, from quotidie meaning "every day"
Definition:
1. occurring every day
2. belonging to each day
3. commonplace; ordinary
Other functions
1. noun: Quotidian
Word Building Focus: People Who Became Words
GUILLOTINE: a machine used for beheading a person by means of a heavy knife that
drops between two posts
"Guillotine" was named after French physician J.I. Guillotin, who developed it. It was used
on victims of the French Revolution.
Foolish Word of the Day: HAMMER
A small, busy implement carried by blacksmiths, geologists and Knockers for breaking iron,
rock or friendship.
- From “The Foolish Dictionary” by Gideon Wurdz
Quick Writing Prompt: Write about one thing you do every day.
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Day 65
Today’s Word: DESUETUDE (noun)
Origin:
from Latin desuetudo, from desuescere "to become unaccustomed"
Definition:
discontinuance from use or exercise
Word Building Focus: People Who Became Words
BOYCOTT: to refuse, as a group, to buy from or have any dealings with a person or
organization, in order to reduce prices or bring about some changes
"Boycott" comes from British army officer CC Boycott. He was also a landlord's agent in
Ireland in the nineteenth century and was the first victim of boycotting by the tenants from
whom he collected rents.
Foolish Word of the Day: MANNERS
A difficult symphony in the key of B natural.
- From “The Foolish Dictionary” by Gideon Wurdz
Quick Writing Prompt: Write about an item in your home that you don't use anymore.
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Day 66
Today’s Word: COLUBRINE (adjective)
Definition:
of, relating to, or resembling a snake
Word Building Focus: People Who Became Words
BOBBY: a British policeman
"Bobby", short name for Robert, came into use after Sir Robert Peel set up the police
system in London early in the nineteenth century. These policemen were called "Bobby's
men" and later "bobbies".
Foolish Word of the Day: MEAL
According to the Liquor Law, a minute bunch of crumbs entirely surrounded by booze.
- From “The Foolish Dictionary” by Gideon Wurdz
Quick Writing Prompt: Write about a conversation during a family meal.
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Day 67
Today’s Word: VITUPERATE (verb)
Origin:
from Latin vituperatus, past participle of vituperare, from vitium fault + parare "to make,
prepare"
Definition:
1. to abuse or censure severely or abusively
2. to use harsh condemnatory language
Other functions
1. noun: Vituperator
Word Building Focus: People Who Became Words
MACADAMIZE: to pave a road with layers of small cracked stones, usually with a tar or
asphalt binder
"Macadamize" comes from JL McAdam, a Scottish engineer who invented this method.
Foolish Word of the Day: OATH
A form of speech that has many trials in court, but is never tried in Sunday school.
- From “The Foolish Dictionary” by Gideon Wurdz
Quick Writing Prompt: Write about a promise you once made (to yourself or to someone).
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Day 68
Today’s Word: FONDANT (noun)
Origin:
from French, from present participle of fondre meaning "to melt"
Definition:
1. a soft creamy preparation of sugar, water, and flavorings that is used as a
basis for candies or icings
2. a candy consisting chiefly of fondant
Word Building Focus: People Who Became Words
QUISLING: a person who betrays his own country by helping an invader
"Quisling" was named after a Norwegian traitor, Vidkun Quisling, who collaborated with the
Nazis and became a Nazi party leader during World War II.
Foolish Word of the Day: PARACHUTE
A successful method for getting the drop on the Earth.
- From “The Foolish Dictionary” by Gideon Wurdz
Quick Writing Prompt: Write about something sweet.
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Day 69
Today’s Word: SIDEREAL (adjective)
Origin:
from Latin sidereus, from sider-, sidus "star, constellation"
Definition:
1. of, relating to, or expressed in relation to stars or constellations
2. astral
Word Building Focus: People Who Became Words
MAVERICK: an unbranded or orphaned animal; also an unorthodox person
"Maverick" came from Samuel A. Maverick, a nineteenth century Texas lawyer who refused
to brand his cattle.
Foolish Word of the Day: PHILOSOPHER
One who instead of crying over spilt milk consoles himself with the thought that it was over
four-fifths water.
- From “The Foolish Dictionary” by Gideon Wurdz
Quick Writing Prompt: If you were a product, what would you be?
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Day 70
Today’s Word: INVIDIOUS (adjective)
Origin:
from Latin invidiosus meaning "envious"
Definition:
1. tending to cause discontent, animosity, or envy
2. envious
3. of an unpleasant or objectionable nature; obnoxious
4. of a kind to cause harm or resentment
Other functions
1. adverb: Invidiously
2. noun: Invidiousness
Word Building Focus: People Who Became Words
SHRAPNEL: a kind of shell containing pieces of sharp metal that shoot out in all directions
when the charge is exploded
"Shrapnel" is named after its inventor, Henry Shrapnel, an English artillery officer.
Foolish Word of the Day: PLUM
A fruit that ripens and falls from the Political Tree – but only after careful grafting.
- From “The Foolish Dictionary” by Gideon Wurdz
Quick Writing Prompt: What is the smell of envy?
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Day 71
Today’s Word: TURPITUDE (noun)
Origin:
from Middle French, from Latin turpitudo, from turpis meaning "vile, base"
Definition:
1. inherent baseness; depravity
2.
a base act
Word Building Focus: People Who Became Words
SIDEBURNS: short side-whiskers reaching from the hairline to below the ears
"Sideburns" come from "burnsides"-- side-whiskers and mustache, worn with the chin
clean-shaven, and named after the Civil War Union general, A.E. Burnside.
Foolish Word of the Day: POLYGLOT
A parrot that can swear in several languages.
- From “The Foolish Dictionary” by Gideon Wurdz
Quick Writing Prompt: How many hairstyles have you gone through?
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Day 72
Today’s Word: DECUMBENT (adjective)
Origin:
from Latin decumbent-, decumbens, present participle of decumbere, meaning "to lie down"
Definition:
1. lying down
2. of a plant: reclining on the ground but with ascending apex or extremity
Word Building Focus: People Who Became Words
MAUSOLEUM: a large, stately tomb
"Mausoleum" is named after King Mausolus of Caria, whose large tome, erected by Queen
Artemisia at Halicarnassus in Asia Minor about 350 BC, was one of the Seven Wonders of
the World.
Foolish Word of the Day: RACE-TRACK
An interesting locality, where pools are bought and sold in books and the heat never
interferes with the search for the Pole.
- From “The Foolish Dictionary” by Gideon Wurdz
Quick Writing Prompt: What kind of plant would you be?
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Day 73
Today’s Word: VILIPEND (transitive verb)
Origin:
from Latin vilis + pendere "to weigh, estimate"
Definition:
1. to hold or treat as of little worth or account
2. to express a low opinion of; disparage
Word Building Focus: People Who Became Words
NICOTINE: a poisonous, oily alkaloid found in tobacco leaves
"Nicotine" is named after Jean Nicot, the French courtier who introduced tobacco into
France from Portugal in the sixteenth century.
Foolish Word of the Day: RESIDENCE
A rural locality inhabited annually--for a few hours—by a rich New Yorker or Bostonian.
- From “The Foolish Dictionary” by Gideon Wurdz
Quick Writing Prompt: What are you worth?
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Day 74
Today’s Word: BAIZE (noun)
Origin:
from Middle French baies, plural of baie baize, from feminine of bai, meaning "bay-colored"
Definition:
a coarse woolen or cotton fabric napped to imitate felt
Word Building Focus: People Who Became Words
MAUDLIN: excessively and tearfully emotional or sentimental
"Maudlin" is from Mary Magdalene, who is often depicted with her eyes swollen from
weeping.
Foolish Word of the Day: SELF-MADE
Complimentary term for a respectable crook.
- From “The Foolish Dictionary” by Gideon Wurdz
Quick Writing Prompt: Write about your favorite shirt (or blouse).
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Day 75
Today’s Word: MOTLEY (adjective)
Origin:
Middle English, perhaps from mot mote, "speck"
Definition:
1. variegated in color
2. composed of diverse often incongruous elements
Word Building Focus: People Who Became Words
MARTINET: a person, such as a teacher, army officer, etc., who believes in and enforces
strict discipline
"Martinet" comes from Gen. Jean Martinet, a French drillmaster in the seventeenth century
who invented a new system of military drill.
Foolish Word of the Day: SUMMER
An oppressive and expensive season invented by rural cottage and hotel owners, railroad
and steamboat companies and the Iceman.
- From “The Foolish Dictionary” by Gideon Wurdz
Quick Writing Prompt: Begin using this line: "She wasn't just another face in the crowd..."
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Day 76
Today’s Word: IDYLL (noun)
Origin:
Latin idyllium, from Greek eidyllion; akin to Greek idein "to see"
Definition:
1. a simple descriptive work in poetry or prose that deals with rustic life or
pastoral scenes or suggests a mood of peace and contentment
2. a narrative poem (as Tennyson's Idylls of the King) treating an epic, romantic,
or tragic theme
3. a lighthearted carefree episode that is a fit subject for an idyll
4. a romantic interlude
Word Building Focus: People Who Became Words
EPICURE: a person given to discriminating luxury; a fastidious devotee of good food and
drink; a gourmet
"Epicure" is from the Greek philosopher Epicurus, who taught that peace of mind, cultural
interests and a discriminating temperance in sensual pleasure lead to the good life.
Foolish Word of the Day: TRANSFER
A small bit of paper of remarkable strength, being able to carry a heavy man several miles.
- From “The Foolish Dictionary” by Gideon Wurdz
Quick Writing Prompt: Describe your idyllic place.
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Day 77
Today’s Word: LYART (adjective)
Definition:
streaked with gray
Word Building Focus: People Who Became Words
BAEDEKER: a guidebook to countries or a country
"Baedeker" is taken from Karl Baedeker, a German publisher who established a series of
guidebooks in 1829.
Foolish Word of the Day: UMPIRE
No jeweler, but a high authority on diamonds.
- From “The Foolish Dictionary” by Gideon Wurdz
Quick Writing Prompt: Describe the town where you grew up.
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Day 78
Today’s Word: AGNOSIA (noun)
Origin:
from Greek agnosia, meaning "ignorance"
Definition:
loss or diminution of the ability to recognize familiar objects or stimuli usually as a result of
brain damage
Word Building Focus: People Who Became Words
CASANOVA: a man who is amorously and gallantly attentive to women; a promiscuous
man; a philanderer
"Casanova" is from Giovanni Jacopo Casanova de Seingalt, an Italian author of the
eighteenth century, whose adventurous life and memoirs gave him a permanent reputation
as a lover.
Foolish Word of the Day: DIPLOMAT
An international liar, with an elastic conscience and a rubber neck.
- From “The Foolish Dictionary” by Gideon Wurdz
Quick Writing Prompt: Write a story based on the saying "Ignorance is bliss."
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Day 79
Today’s Word: CONTRETEMPS (noun)
Origin:
from French, from contre- "counter-" + temps "time"
Definition:
an inopportune or embarrassing occurrence or situation
Word Building Focus: People Who Became Words
DERRINGER: a short-barreled pocket pistol
"Derringer" is from Henry Derringer, an American gunsmith.
Foolish Word of the Day: DROP-STITCH
A kind of feminine hosiery designed to prevent the men from paying too much attention to
the open-work, "peek-a-boo" shirt-waist.
- From “The Foolish Dictionary” by Gideon Wurdz
Quick Writing Prompt: Fictionalize one of your embarrassing moments.
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Day 80
Today’s Word: CASSOCK (noun)
Definition:
a close-fitting ankle-length garment worn especially in Roman Catholic and Anglican
churches by the clergy and by laymen assisting in services
Word Building Focus: People Who Became Words
LYNCH: to take the law unto its (mob) own hands and kill (someone) in punishment for a
real or presumed crime
"Lynch" is from Col. Charles Lynch, an American justice of the peace and farmer, who
presided over the summary trials and punishments of offenders in a self-constituted court
outside due process of the law.
Foolish Word of the Day: EARLY
A title of stupidity. See old saw, "Early to bed and early to rise, makes a man a farmer!"
- From “The Foolish Dictionary” by Gideon Wurdz
Quick Writing Prompt: Choose a proverb and use it as a central theme of your story.
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Day 81
Today’s Word: WITTOL (noun)
Origin:
from Middle English wetewold, from weten, witen "to know" + cokewold "cuckold"
Definition:
1. a man who knows of his wife's infidelity and puts up with it
2. a witless person
Word Building Focus: People Who Became Words
POMPADOUR: a woman's hairstyle in which the hair is drawn in a high roll up over the
forehead; a man's hairstyle in which the hair is brushed straight up and back from the
forehead
"Pompadour" is from Jeanne Antoinette Poisson, Marquise De Pompadour, mistress of
Louis XV of France. She is thought to have been instrumental in forming the Austrian
alliance, which involved France in the Seven Years' War. She spent prodigally, but
patronized writers and artists, and founded the royal porcelain factory at Sevres.
Foolish Word of the Day: ECHO
The only thing that can cheat a woman out of the last word.
- From “The Foolish Dictionary” by Gideon Wurdz
Quick Writing Prompt: Write about fidelity.
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Day 82
Today’s Word: FABULIST (noun)
Definition:
a creator or writer of fables
Word Building Focus: People Who Became Words
ZEPPELIN: a rigid, cigar-shaped dirigible airship used for transatlantic voyages and, in the
first world war, by the Germans for bombing raids
"Zeppelin" is after Graf Ferdinand von Zeppelin, a German aeronautical pioneer who
designed and built such aircraft.
Foolish Word of the Day: EXPOSITION
An overgrown Department Store usually opened a year or two behind time.
- From “The Foolish Dictionary” by Gideon Wurdz
Quick Writing Prompt: Re-write one of Aesop's fables or choose a fairy tale and re-write it
by changing its setting.
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Day 83
Today’s Word: EPIGRAPHY (noun)
Definition:
the study of inscriptions; especially the deciphering of ancient inscriptions
Other functions
3. adjective: Extirpable, Extirpative, Extirpatory
4. noun: Extirpation, Extirpator
Word Building Focus: People Who Became Words
LOGANBERRY: a variety of biennial dewberry plant bearing a large, edible, dark red berry
"Loganberry" is from James H. Logan (1841-1928), a horticulturist in California, who
developed it.
Foolish Word of the Day: FISHING
An heroic treatment tried by some laymen to avoid falling asleep in church on Sunday.
- From “The Foolish Dictionary” by Gideon Wurdz
Quick Writing Prompt: Write about your favorite pastime.
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Day 84
Today’s Word: MYTHOMANIA (noun)
Definition:
an excessive or abnormal propensity for lying and exaggerating
Other functions
1. noun and adjective: Mythomaniac
Word Building Focus: People Who Became Words
MESMERIZE: to induce a state of being hypnotized
"Mesmerize" is after Franz Anton Mesmer, an Austrian physician who used the method.
Foolish Word of the Day: FLAT
A series of padded cells, commonly found in cities, in which are confined harmless
monomaniacs who imagine Home to be a Sardine Box.
- From “The Foolish Dictionary” by Gideon Wurdz
Quick Writing Prompt: Write a tall tale.
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WORD MENAGERIE™ by Shery Ma Belle Arrieta-Russ
www.writesparks.com
Day 85
Today’s Word: ANGSTROM (noun)
Definition:
a unit of length equal to one ten-billionth of a meter
Word Building Focus: People Who Became Words
BEGONIA: any of a large genus (Begonia of the family Begoniaceae, the begonia family) of
tropical herbs and shrubs that have asymmetrical leaves and are widely cultivated as
ornamentals
"Begonia" is from Michel Bégon, French patron of botany and governor of Santo Domingo
who died in 1710.
Foolish Word of the Day: CHUMP
Any one whose opinion differs radically from ours.
- From “The Foolish Dictionary” by Gideon Wurdz
Quick Writing Prompt: Write about something (or someone) you support.
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WORD MENAGERIE™ by Shery Ma Belle Arrieta-Russ
www.writesparks.com
Day 86
Today’s Word: TAWDRY (adjective)
Definition:
cheap and gaudy in appearance or quality
Word Building Focus: People Who Became Words
BURKE: to suppress quietly or indirectly; bypass, avoid
"Burke" is from William Burke, an Irish criminal who was executed in 1829 for smothering
victims to sell their bodies for dissection.
Foolish Word of the Day: BASEBALL
A game in which the young man who bravely strikes out for himself receives no praise for it.
- From “The Foolish Dictionary” by Gideon Wurdz
Quick Writing Prompt: Write about a cheap item you once bought.
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WORD MENAGERIE™ by Shery Ma Belle Arrieta-Russ
www.writesparks.com
Day 87
Today’s Word: HISPID (adjective)
Definition:
rough or covered with bristles, stiff hairs, or minute spines
Word Building Focus: People Who Became Words
SIMONY: the buying or selling of a church office or ecclesiastical preferment
"Simony" is from Simon Magus, a Samaritan sorcerer in Acts 8: 9-24.
Foolish Word of the Day: DIVORCE
Nominally, separation of husband and wife from the bonds of matrimony. In the vicinity of
Newport it is frequently a legal formula that immediately precedes a fashionable wedding.
- From “The Foolish Dictionary” by Gideon Wurdz
Quick Writing Prompt: In 200 words, write a fictional first-person account of a man/woman
who recently went through a divorce.
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WORD MENAGERIE™ by Shery Ma Belle Arrieta-Russ
www.writesparks.com
About the Shery
Shery Ma Belle Arrieta-Russ is the founder of The e-Writer’s Place
(http://ewritersplace.com), the developer of popular e-mail courses
(http://writingbliss.com), a Web developer, an Internet development consultant and
the creator of WriteSparks!™ software for writers (http://writesparks.com).
She authored the book, WEEKLY WRITES: 52 Weeks of Writing Bliss!
(ISBN 0971079676; Filbert Publishing, Minnesota; March 2004) Weekly Writes was
originally an e-mail course, a spin-off of the popular Daily Writes: 31 Days of Writing
Bliss! Ask your local bookstore or go to any online bookstore such as Amazon.com if
you’d like to have a copy of Shery’s book. It has over 365 ideas and writing activities for
writers of all ages and stages. Visit the book’s official site at http://weeklywrites.com
to find out what bonus goodies you’ll get when you buy a copy.
Shery is a contributing author in Moira Allen’s WRITING.COM: Creative
Internet Strategies to Advance Your Writing Career (Allworth Press, New York; May
2003) and her story, Close Encounters of the Best Kind, appears in the uplifting
anthology, A Cup of Comfort for Inspiration, edited by Colleen Sell (Adams Media
Corporation, Massachusetts; September 2003).
She and her husband, David, own and manage several sites including
EbookPizzazz.com, CreativeWritingPrompts.com, WritingBliss.com,
JournalSparks.com, DailyWrites.com, Writing-Portal.com, ScatterMall.com and
BooksAboutWriting.com, among others.
If you wish to get in touch with Shery, e-mail her at [email protected]
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WORD MENAGERIE™ by Shery Ma Belle Arrieta-Russ
www.writesparks.com
For DT
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