Dec
30
Syncretic
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A concordant confluence of conflicting cosmologies. It has a notion of the mystical in it since its opposing sub-parts are thought to be in violent opposition. It is my favorite word because it offers hope to me of all that is in apparent conflict in thought and in the world. It allows me to think that some synthesis exists just beyond what can be currently imagined to allow for peaceful coexistence.
Parag Joshi, New York City
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Dec
30
Gregarious
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Gregarious, meaning “fond of company; sociable.” When I was a teen, my step-father wanted me to expand my vocabulary. He would give me a new word each day, ask me to guess the meaning, and then look it up. I remember telling him it sounded like a fun word, and I also liked how it had the word “Greg” in it, which is both my and my step-father’s first name (although I don’t use it). Being both sociable, it was an appropriate ‘first word’, and it’s stayed with me ever since.
Gregarious Ross Brown, Ottawa, Canada
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Dec
30
Defenestrate
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When I first read it somewhere, “defenestrate” was a word I had to look up immediately. As someone with very little knowledge of Latin, I didn’t see any connection to windows, but the mere sound of the word struck me as mischievous and a bit dirty. Even so, I wasn’t disappointed to learn that assassination-by-throwing-from-a-window had its very own word. Where are all the other words in the English language for useful stuff like this? I want an elegant word for death by being tied to railroad tracks, or murder by encasement in a concrete foundation…. You get the picture. And even though it’s not very useful, “defenestrate” is worth learning just for the simple pleasure of telling off an annoying idiot by saying “Go defenestrate yourself” and watching his dumbfounded, and often disgusted, reaction.
Amy Lange
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Dec
30
Phosphorescent
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I’m a sucker for scientific words, but I’m also a fan of melodious, mysterious-sounding words with antiquated, mysterious, romanticized alchemy-meets-Poe connotations.
“Phosphorescent” is both, plus it’s downright fun to say. There isn’t really a good alternative to it, either. There’s no other umbrella term to conjure up a cool, eerie, chemical glow without becoming too specific. “Glow-in-the-dark” is just lame compared to my favorite.
Amy Lange
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Dec
30
Renaissance
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As well as its variations, renascence and renascent. To be born anew, the state of being born anew. Buds on trees, flowers opening, winning the junior high school spelling bee. There is hope for everyone and everything. The future is beautiful. The word caresses my tongue and makes me feel I am capable of speaking exotic languages.
Lila Robinson
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Dec
30
Tangipahoa
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The “g” is soft, and it kinda builds up to the “ho,” where the main accent is. It’s the name of a place in Louisiana. The first time I heard someone use that word in conversation (referring quite matter-of-factly to the place), I laughed out loud. I thought they were making it up. Someday I’ll find out what it means, and maybe I’ll even go there. There are lots of neat place names, sayings, and words here, because of the mix of Indian, French, African, and everything else.
Paula
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Dec
29
Spookasem
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Am I allowed to pick a foreign language word? If yes, I’d like to submit spookasem (spook pronounced as per the English word for a ghost and asem pronounced ah-sim). This is an Afrikaans word which quite literally translates as “ghost breath,” to me, the most wonderful description for candyfloss ["cotton candy" in the US], which in fact is exactly what spookasem is: candyfloss in Afrikaans.
Virginia Irving
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Dec
29
Marshmallow
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My favorite word is “marshmallow.” Say it slowly in front of a mirror and it not only looks like you’re eating one, but it also looks like the way your mouth moves when you kiss someone on the lips. So sweet and so smooth and soft.
Gina, Tasmania
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Dec
29
Serendipitous
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Serendipitous–to make a fortunate discovery by accident. I try to spend as much of my life as possible looking for fortunate accidents and by doing so very often find them. It’s a lovely word and a lovely way to spend one’s time.
Barbara Blann
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Dec
29
Entrails
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I’m not a sicko or anything, but I’ve always thought it was just such a descriptive word. I’m into medicine, so I guess it’s fitting I have a medical word.
Sonja
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