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Word Nerd is an on-going feature that shares and highlights unique, whimsical and sometimes forgotten or overlooked words. It’s dedicated to the logophile in us all.
Pusillanimous means lacking courage and resolution and marked by contemptible timidity. Pusillanimous derives from the Latin pusillus (very small) and animus (spirit). Pusillanimous first started being used in the 16th century but gained prominence in the 1970's. Pusillanimous is an incredibly awesome word and while it is not where the derogatory definition of pussy derives… Continue reading Word Nerd: Pusillanimous
Berceuse (pronounced ber-süz) is a musical composition usually in ⁶/₈ time that resembles a lullaby. Berceuse derives from French bercer (to rock) and ultimately from the Old French bers (cradle). A berceuse is a soothing, gentle refrain often set to a rocking rhythm usually in 6/8 time. Most berceuses are often simple in form, alternating… Continue reading Word Nerd: Berceuse
Pandiculation is an all-over stretching and yawning, as upon waking or going to bed. Pandiculation derives from from Latin pandiculari, which is from pendere (to stretch). Pandiculation describes a natural process of yawning and stretching that our bodies do when we've been sedimentary for awhile in preparation for movement. If our bodies didn't pandiculate, they… Continue reading Word Nerd: Pandiculation
Neomenia is the time of the new moon. Neomenia derives from the Greek ne- (not, without) and -mēnia (from mēnē (moon)). Neomenia was first used around 1350-1402. Neomenia is a cyclical occasion that occurs about once a month marking the beginning of the lunar calendar. Neomenia can also mean the festival of the new moon.… Continue reading Word Nerd: Neomenia
Pecksniffian means unctuously hypocritical and self-righteous. Pecksniffian is a Dickensian word that originates with the character of Seth Pecksniff from Charles Dickens's Martin Chuzzlewit. Pecksniffian has been used synonym of hypocritical since 1849. One who is pecksniffian is one who brags about their own virtues and preaches morality, while using any means to achieve and… Continue reading Word Nerd: Pecksniffian
Malefic means having malignant influence, especially by supernatural means. Malefic derives from the Latin maleficus (wicked, mischievous). Malefic was first used around 1645-1655. Malefic is productive of evil; it's to malign and do harm. Malefic is baneful, malicious, wicked, and cruelly, evilly intentful. Malefic is most likely where the name of Maleficent came from. To… Continue reading Word Nerd: Malefic
Lawhimsy 