Word of the Day
scrimshank
[ skrim-shangk ]
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verb
to avoid one's obligations or share of work
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Why Dictionary.com chose scrimshank
More about scrimshank
- First recorded in 1885–90.
- Of obscure origin; possibly related to scrimshaw, meaning “to carve bone or ivory,” an activity one might do to avoid other work.
- Possibly related to scrimp, meaning “to be sparing.”
EXAMPLES OF SCRIMSHANK
- He tried to scrimshank his way out of morning drills, but the sergeant noticed.
- Swamped with messages, the overwhelmed employee chose to scrimshank in the breakroom instead of diving in.
tagliatelle
[ tahl-yuh-tel-ee ]
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noun
egg noodles cut in long, flat pieces
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Why Dictionary.com chose tagliatelle
More about tagliatelle
- First recorded in English in 1895–1900.
- From the Italian verb tagliare, meaning “to cut or slash,” + the diminutive suffix -elle.
EXAMPLES OF TAGLIATELLE
- The market stall sold bundles of handmade tagliatelle.
- The chef tossed the fresh tagliatelle with wild mushroom sauce.
harrumph
[ huh-ruhmf ]
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verb
to clear one's throat in a self-important manner
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Why Dictionary.com chose harrumph
More about harrumph
- First recorded in 1935–40 as a noun, meaning “the sound of clearing one’s throat.”
- Imitative of the sound of clearing one’s throat.
EXAMPLES OF HARRUMPH
- I meant to nod, not to harrumph, but my annoyance leaked out.
- The dean harrumphed when the student called him “bro.”
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