Knead is a verb, but also can be used as a noun, kneader or an adjective, kneadable and is defined as to use the hands to mix and work something into a uniform mass. The word knead is most likely derived from the Middle English word kneden or the High German word knetan. Most peopleContinue reading “Word of the Week: Knead”
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Word of the Week: Jargon
Jargon is a noun, but can also be used as a verb, jargon. Defined as technical terminology characteristic of a particular subject, the word jargon derives from either the French word gaggire (to chatter) or the Old French word jargon (chatter of birds). When the word jargon was used in Geoffrey Chaucer’s Canterbury Tales writtenContinue reading “Word of the Week: Jargon”
Word of the Week: Iconoclast
Iconoclast is a noun, but also can be used as an adjective, iconoclastic, or an adverb, iconoclastically. Defined as someone who attacks cherished ideas or institutions, iconoclast was first used in the mid-1600s. Iconoclast can be broken down into icon + clast. The word icon derives from the Middle Greek word eikōn (to resemble) andContinue reading “Word of the Week: Iconoclast”
Word of the Week: Hegemony
Hegemony is a noun, but can be used as an adjective, hegemonic. Defined as the dominance or leadership of one social group over others, hegemony derives from the Greek word hegemonia (political supremacy), which derives from the Greek verb hēgeisthai (leader). The definition of hegemony has changed overtime. First, hegemony referred to the control onceContinue reading “Word of the Week: Hegemony”
Word of the Week: Gaffe
Gaffe is a noun and is defined as a socially awkward or tactless act. There is no agreement on the etymology of the word gaffe; however, it is theorized that the word gaffe may have originated from French, German, Scottish, or English. Most data leans towards gaffe being borrowed from the French word gaffe (clumsyContinue reading “Word of the Week: Gaffe”
Word of the Week: Fatuous
Fatuous is an adjective, but also can be used as an adverb, fatuously or a noun, fatuousness. Defined as to be devoid of intelligence, the word fatuous has had the same meaning in English since 1663. Fatuous is derived from the Latin word fatuus (foolish). The word infatuated also derives from the Latin word fatuusContinue reading “Word of the Week: Fatuous”
Word of the Week: Demagogue
Demagogue is a noun, but can also be used as a verb, demagogue. Defined as a leader who seeks support by appealing to popular passions, demagogue has been used since the 1650s. Borrowed from the ancient Greek word dēmagōgós, dēmagōgós can be broken down into dêmos (people) + -agōgos (leading, impelling). Additionally, this Greek wordContinue reading “Word of the Week: Demagogue”
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