Grandiloquent Word of the Day

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Fancy words, witty descriptions, and vintage illustrations to educate and entertain. My Book! Calendars!

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Grandiloquent Word of the Day@grandiloquentwords· 16h

Psithurism [SITH-yur-iz-um] (n.) - The soft susurration of wind whispering through the trees. Used in a sentence: “There’s something wonderfully soothing about sitting beneath an old oak while a cool autumn breeze stirs the leaves into a gentle psithurism, lulling you slowly to sleep.”

A “Grandiloquent Word of the Day” meme featuring the word “Psithurism” - “The soft susurration of wind whispering through the trees.” A detailed black-and-white engraving of a large spreading oak tree on the right. Below, an example sentence reads: “There’s something wonderfully soothing about sitting beneath an old oak while a cool autumn breeze stirs the leaves into a gentle psithurism, lulling you slowly to sleep.”

Grandiloquent Word of the Day@grandiloquentwords· 16h

You’ve had your chance to have a go, So now the truth is yours to know! Some guessed with wit, some simply knew, And now the answer’s revealed to you! - "Vorfreude" (n.) - The joyful anticipation or pleasure of looking forward to something.

Ornate vintage-style word card with an Art Nouveau border in muted blue, cream, gold, and pink. Centered text reads: “THE ANSWER, REVEALED — ‘Vorfreude’ — noun: THE JOYFUL ANTICIPATION OR PLEASURE OF LOOKING FORWARD TO SOMETHING.” Grandiloquent Word of the Day website and Facebook addresses appear along the bottom.

Grandiloquent Word of the Day@grandiloquentwords· 1d

Gainstrive [GAYN-strahyv] (v.) - To contend or struggle against; to oppose, resist, or withstand. Used in a sentence: “As I passed the patisserie, I found myself powerless to gainstrive its intoxicating aroma; in I went, leaving my diet behind like a dog tethered to a ‘No Parking’ sign.”

A “Grandiloquent Word of the Day” meme featuring the word "Gainstrive" defined as “To contend or struggle against; to oppose, resist, or withstand.” Below, the example sentence reads: “As I passed the patisserie, I found myself powerless to gainstrive its intoxicating aroma; in I went, leaving my diet behind like a dog tethered to a ‘No Parking’ sign.” At right, an old black-and-white illustration shows Pandora opening her eponymous box.

Grandiloquent Word of the Day@grandiloquentwords· 2d

"Vorfreude" (German, obviously) This word is real, I swear it’s true, But what I need is a guess from you! What do you know—or think you know? Now’s your chance your smarts to show!

Ornate vintage-style placard in muted cream, sage, dusty blue, and gold, framed with elaborate Art Nouveau flourishes. Large centered text reads: “HAZARD A GUESS — WHAT THIS DELIGHTFUL WORD MIGHT MEAN? ‘Vorfreude’ — DROP YOUR CONJECTURE IN THE COMMENTS BELOW.” Grandiloquent Word of the Day website and Facebook addresses appear along the bottom.

Grandiloquent Word of the Day@grandiloquentwords· 3d

Orgulous [ORG-yuh-luhs] (adj.) - Arrogantly self-important and disdainful toward others; haughty, conceited, or snooty.

A “Grandiloquent Word of the Day” meme for the word “Orgulous” defined as “Arrogantly self-important and disdainful toward others; haughty, conceited, or snooty.” The illustration shows a smug, sharply dressed young man adjusting his jacket and tie with his chin raised disdainfully. Example sentence: “The orgulous jackanapes swept past the increasingly snappish patrons and installed himself at the head of the line, whereupon the barista rewarded his imperious audacity with a lifetime ban from the café.”

Grandiloquent Word of the Day@grandiloquentwords· 3d

Lethologica [leth-uh-LOJ-uh-kuh] (n.) - The temporary inability to recall a specific word or name. Used in a sentence: “The professor’s lectures might have concluded in half the time had lethologica not so frequently left him stranded mid-sentence, groping for tantalizingly elusive mots justes.”

A vintage-style "Grandiloquent Word of the Day" meme for “Lethologica,” defined as the temporary inability to recall a specific word or name—the “tip-of-the-tongue” phenomenon. An example sentence describes a professor whose lectures are prolonged by frequently becoming stranded mid-sentence while groping for elusive mots justes. At right, an antique black-and-white illustration shows a robed man standing sitting with his hand to his chin in perplexed contemplation.

Grandiloquent Word of the Day@grandiloquentwords· 4d

Gozzan [GOZ-un] (n.) - An old wig grown yellow from age. Use: “The press assembly was treated to a clear view of the dumpy dotard attempting to board Marine One just as his greasy gozzan took flight and vanished into the rotor assembly in a brief but gratifying explosion of yellow horsehair.”

Grandiloquent Word of the Day@grandiloquentwords· 5d

Keeve [keev] (n.) - A large tub or vat for holding liquid, especially for purposes of brewing or fabric bleaching and dyeing. (v.) - To set in a tub for fermentation. From Middle English “kive” / “keve” from Old English “cȳf” possibly from Vulgar Latin “cupia" from Latin “cupa” (tub, vat)

A "Grandiloquent Word of the Day" meme for “Keeve,” defined as a large tub or vat for holding liquid, especially for brewing or fabric dyeing, and as a verb meaning to set in a tub for fermentation. The illustration shows an old-fashioned cooperage scene with numerous wooden vats, barrels, tubs, and tools arranged on rustic workbenches. Example sentence: “Unable to locate a keeve capacious enough to suit his rather peculiar purposes, the eccentric doctor commissioned one from the local cooper, who knew better than to ask questions.”

Grandiloquent Word of the Day@grandiloquentwords· 6d

Echinate [EK-uh-neyt] (adj.) - Bearing or covered with spines or bristles; prickly, like a hedgehog, porcupine or cactus. Used in a sentence: “I found Dad’s senior photos, in which he sports a Billy Idol–esque coiffure of such echinate splendor that every bristle seems sharpened for combat.”

A “Grandiloquent Word of the Day” meme for "echinate" defined as “bearing or covered with spines or bristles; prickly, like a hedgehog, porcupine, or cactus.” A sepia-toned illustration of a bristling hedgehog appears beside the example sentence: “I found Dad’s senior photos, in which he sports a Billy Idol–esque coiffure of such echinate splendor that every bristle seems sharpened for combat.”

Grandiloquent Word of the Day@grandiloquentwords· 7d

Ailurophobia [ahy-loor-uh-FO-bee-uh] (n.) - An extreme or irrational fear of cats. Used in a Sentence: “Utterly oblivious to the existence of my fiancée’s ailurophobia, I was wholly unprepared for the terror-induced hyperventilation that ensued when I surprised her with front-row tickets to Cats.”

A “Grandiloquent Word of the Day” meme for "Ailurophobia" defined as “an extreme or irrational fear of cats.” Beside the definition is an antique black-and-white illustration of an angry, arched-back cat with bared teeth. Example sentence: “Utterly oblivious to the existence of my fiancée’s ailurophobia, I was wholly unprepared for the terror-induced hyperventilation that ensued when I surprised her with front-row tickets to Cats.”

Grandiloquent Word of the Day@grandiloquentwords· 8d

Anagogic [an-uh-GAH-jik] (adj.) - Relating to things spiritual and mystical; occult; gnostic. Used in a sentence: “Lady Belladonna Bumph divined anagogic significance in every cracked mirror, black cat, and mysterious groan issuing from the settling timbers of her ancestral manse.”

A “Grandiloquent Word of the Day” meme for "Anagogic" an adjective meaning “relating to things spiritual and mystical; occult; gnostic.” The example reads: “Lady Belladonna Bumph divined anagogic significance in every cracked mirror, black cat, and mysterious groan issuing from the settling timbers of her ancestral manse.” At right is an antique alchemical engraving of the two-headed Rebis figure standing atop a winged globe and dragon, surrounded by celestial and planetary symbols.

Grandiloquent Word of the Day@grandiloquentwords· 9d

Rhyparography [RAHY-puh-ROG-ruh-fee] (n.) - The artistic or literary depiction of sordid, vulgar, degrading, or otherwise unworthy subjects, especially those associated with the demimonde.

A “Grandiloquent Word of the Day” meme for the word “Rhyparography” defined as “The artistic or literary depiction of sordid, vulgar, degrading, or otherwise unworthy subjects, especially those associated with the demimonde.” Below is the example sentence: “My collection of antique rhyparography depicting the seedier side of Versailles has grown so extensive that I am now obliged to leave the Rolls-Royce out in the rain.” On the right is a Middle English quotation attributed to Chaucer’s "The Wife of Bath’s Prologue", above an ornate woodcut-style portrait of Geoffrey Chaucer.

Grandiloquent Word of the Day@grandiloquentwords· 10d

Oikonisus [oy-koh-NYE-sus] (n.) - The urge or desire to start a family. From “oikos” (house, home, or household) + Latin “nisus” (a striving or endeavor)

A “Grandiloquent Word of the Day” meme for the word “Oikonisus" - The urge or desire to start a family. An engraved illustration shows two curly-haired young children.
Example sentence: “Prudence Puddlewick felt the first tender stirrings of oikonisus whilst babysitting her sleeping niece; those later feelings withered when the wee moppet chundered into an oscillating fan, spraying curdled flummery across the room and over Prudence’s just-completed homework.”

Grandiloquent Word of the Day@grandiloquentwords· 11d

Bodkin [BOD-kin] (n.) 1. A small dagger or stiletto. Used in a sentence: “A bejeweled bodkin gleamed amid the décolletage of the bathykolpian Lady Widdlytink, serving both as an ornament and as a discreet admonition to any admirer of fondlesome inclination.”

A “Grandiloquent Word of the Day” meme for "Bodkin" defined as “a small dagger or stiletto.” At right, two engraved daggers cross against a parchment-colored background. Below, an example sentence reads: “A bejeweled bodkin gleamed amid the décolletage of the bathykolpian Lady Widdlytink, serving both as an ornament and as a discreet admonition to any admirer of fondlesome inclination.”

Grandiloquent Word of the Day@grandiloquentwords· 12d

Roitelet [RAH-tuh-LAY] (n.) - A little or petty king; a royalet. Used in a sentence: “The superannuated despot was precisely the sort of roitelet who demanded trumpets at his entrance, lest anyone overlook the grand arrival of so negligible a personage.”

A "Grandiloquent Word of the Day" meme for “Roitelet”, defined as “a little or petty king; a royalet.” At right, a black-and-white caricature shows a small, pompous ruler in crown and ermine-trimmed robes holding a scepter marked “VETO,” while another man bows submissively before him. Below, the example sentence reads: “The superannuated despot was precisely the sort of roitelet who demanded trumpets at his entrance, lest anyone overlook the grand arrival of so negligible a personage.”

Grandiloquent Word of the Day@grandiloquentwords· 13d

Irascible [ih-RAS-uh-bul] (adj.) - Having or showing a hot, irritable temper; easily provoked to anger; cranky or crotchety. Late Middle English from Old French “irascible” from Late Latin “irascibilis” from Latin “irasci” (be angry, be in a rage) from “ira” (anger) - Late 14th century.

A “Grandiloquent Word of the Day” meme for "irascible", defined as "having or showing a hot, irritable temper; easily provoked to anger; cranky or crotchety." The example reads: “Ms. Tinkerbush, the new administrative assistant, performed her duties with the delicate caution of a bomb-disposal expert, fearing that the slightest error might send Mr. Rattlebag, her irascible office manager, into an apoplectic rage.” At right, a black-and-white cartoon depicts a scowling, mustachioed man in a boater hat, dark jacket, checked trousers, and oversized shoes, standing rigidly with his hands in his pockets.

Grandiloquent Word of the Day@grandiloquentwords· 15d

Piobaireachd [PEE-brok] (n.) - The classical music of the Great Highland Bagpipe. A borrowing from Scottish Gaelic (pipe playing, pipe music)

A "Grandiloquent Word of the Day" meme for the word “Piobaireachd,” defined as “The classical music of the Great Highland Bagpipe.” At right, a black-and-white Victorian-style illustration shows a bearded Scottish bagpiper in tartan and a feathered cap. The example sentence reads: “Angus drew the ire of his daughter’s neighborhood HOA by observing the ‘Royal Morning Tradition’—a fifteen-minute piobaireachd commencing punctually at nine o’clock Scottish time, which, unfortunately for the residents of Mapledunk Estates, was four in the morning.”

Grandiloquent Word of the Day@grandiloquentwords· 15d

Alogism [AY-luh-jiz-um] (n.) - An illogical or irrational statement. A rejection of logical thinking. From Late Latin “alogia” (unreasonableness) from Greek “alogia” (want of reason) from “alogos” (irrational, unreasonable; without reason) + “logos” (word, account, reason)

A “Grandiloquent Word of the Day” meme for the word "Alogism", defined as “an illogical or irrational statement; a rejection of logical thinking.” Beside the text is a black-and-white medieval woodcut of two elaborately dressed fools. The example sentence reads: “Governor Stubshanks launched his campaign for the Oval Office with an alogism calculated to delight his staunchest constituents: ‘If higher education prompts so-called citizens to question authority, then ignorance must plainly be the surest foundation of indelible patriotism!’”

Grandiloquent Word of the Day@grandiloquentwords· 16d

Podsnappery [pod-SNAP-uh-ree] (n.) - Smug complacency combined with indifference to others and a refusal to acknowledge unpleasant facts. From “Podsnap” (a character in the Charles Dickens novel “Our Mutual Friend”.

A “Grandiloquent Word of the Day” meme for "Podsnappery", defined as “Smug complacency combined with indifference to others and a refusal to acknowledge unpleasant facts.” At right is a portrait of a smug-looking Victorian gentleman. Below, the example sentence reads: “Lord Toffeecrumb’s Podsnappery fortified his complacency against every unwelcome fact; whatever was disagreeable he pronounced ludicrous, whatever was unjust he deemed venerable, and whatever afflicted others he considered none of his affair.”

Grandiloquent Word of the Day@grandiloquentwords· 17d

Quiddler [KWID-lur] (n.) - One who wastes time or effort upon trifling matters; a dawdler or idler. Use: “With the nonchalance of a man unencumbered by responsibility, the office quiddler circulated among his colleagues, dispensing hot-goss in place of the assistance they had requested.”

A “Grandiloquent Word of the Day” meme for the word “Quiddler”, defined as: “One who wastes time or effort upon trifling matters; a dawdler or idler.” Beneath it reads: “With the nonchalance of a man unencumbered by responsibility, the office quiddler circulated among his colleagues, dispensing hot-goss in place of the assistance they had requested.” At right, a black-and-white period cartoon shows several men gathered idly around a large stove, smoking, chatting, and lounging instead of working.

Grandiloquent Word of the Day@grandiloquentwords· 18d

Popinjay [POP-in-jay] (n.) - A vain, conceited person given to pretentious displays, extravagant behavior, and empty chatter; a coxcomb; a fop. From Middle English “papejay” (parrot) from Middle French “papegai” / “papejai” from Arabic “babghā” - First Known Use: 1596

A “Grandiloquent Word of the Day” meme featuring the word "Popinjay", defined as “A vain, conceited person given to pretentious displays, extravagant behavior, and empty chatter; a coxcomb; a fop.” To the right is an illustration of a flamboyantly dressed gentleman in a feathered tricorne hat, curled wig, and elaborate coat. The example sentence reads: “I have endured quite enough of that puerile popinjay, forever preening, prattling, and pouring forth pompous torrents of churlish bombast and truculent trumpery!”

Grandiloquent Word of the Day@grandiloquentwords· 20d

Randle [RAN-dul] (n.) - A nonsensical poem recited by Irish schoolboys as an apology for farting at a friend. Origin unknown. First recorded in the enlarged 1811 revision of Grose’s Dictionary of the Vulgar Tongue, perhaps related to Irish “rann” (a stanza, verse, or short rhyming poem)

A “Grandiloquent Word of the Day” meme for the word "Randle", defined as “A nonsensical poem recited by Irish schoolboys as an apology for farting at a friend.” Below, an example sentence describes Finbar’s “eye-wateringly mephitic trump” and the eloquent randle he improvises to avoid being beaten. At right, a Victorian-style black-and-white illustration shows a group of schoolboys surrounding and pursuing another boy in a courtyard.

Grandiloquent Word of the Day@grandiloquentwords· 21d

Gadabout [GAD-uh-bout] (n.) - One who roams around restlessly or aimlessly in search of amusement. Used in a sentence: “Gregory Gaunt, the gregarious gadabout, gallivanted from garden to garden, gifting glass gazing globes to gladsome gardeners and gathering gossip wherever he went.”

A “Grandiloquent Word of the Day” meme for "Gadabout", defined as “One who roams around restlessly or aimlessly in search of amusement.” At right, three elegantly dressed Victorian gentlemen in top hats exchange greetings in a garden. Below, the example sentence reads: “Gregory Gaunt, the gregarious gadabout, gallivanted from garden to garden, gifting glass gazing globes to gladsome gardeners and gathering gossip wherever he went.”

Grandiloquent Word of the Day@grandiloquentwords· 23d

Coquettish [ko-KET-ish] (adj.) - Characteristically flirtatious, especially in a teasing, lighthearted manner. From “coquette” (a woman who flirts or plays with men's affections) from French “coq” (cockerel) + masculine diminutive suffix “-et” (little cockerel)

A “Grandiloquent Word of the Day” meme featuring the word “Coquettish,” defined as “characteristically flirtatious, especially in a teasing, lighthearted manner.” Below, an example sentence reads: “Calphurnia Crinkle’s consistently coquettish comportment, curiously comely countenance, and comically cattywampus coiffure collectively captivate the concupiscent caudillo.” On the right, a black-and-white Victorian-style illustration shows a woman with an extravagantly voluminous coiffure leaning over a ledge, smiling coyly and casting a flirtatious sideways glance.

Grandiloquent Word of the Day@grandiloquentwords· 23d

Slunge [slunj] (v.) 1. To move or walk in a slouching, languid, or lethargic manner. 2. To skulk, loiter, or move about furtively. From Scots and northern English dialect.

A “Grandiloquent Word of the Day” meme featuring the word “Slunge,” defined as: “1. To move or walk in a slouching, languid, or lethargic manner. 2. To skulk, loiter, or move about furtively.” The example sentence reads: “Having exhausted every legitimate pretext for tarrying near the refrigerator, Bartleby slunged along the corridor with the crestfallen air of a fox departing an inexplicably vacant henhouse.” On the right, a black-and-white Victorian engraving depicts a weary, disheveled man trudging through the snow with slumped shoulders.

Grandiloquent Word of the Day@grandiloquentwords· 24d

Timmynoggy [TIM-ee-nog-ee] (n.) - Any gadget or contraption that saves time and labor — the stuff of which infomercial dreams are made. From “timenoguy” (rope stretched between different parts of a ship to prevent tangling) of uncertain origin. - Mid 18th century.

A “Grandiloquent Word of the Day” meme for Timmynoggy, defined as: “Any gadget or contraption that saves time and labor—the stuff of which infomercial dreams are made.” Beneath, an example sentence reads: “Ever since Hubert brought home that terrifically timesaving timmynoggy, his wife has spent every promised hour of leisure locating its attachments, cleaning its gears, emptying its canister, and wondering precisely whose time the infernal contraption was intended to save.” On the right, a smiling mid-century housewife stands beside a washing machine.

Grandiloquent Word of the Day@grandiloquentwords· 25d

Kayfabe [KAY-fayb] (n.) - The practice of passing off a staged performance as being authentic. Of uncertain origin, perhaps Pig Latin or an alteration for “fake” or “be fake”. Earliest documented use: 1937.

A “Grandiloquent Word of the Day” meme featuring the word “Kayfabe,” defined as “the practice of passing off a staged performance as being authentic.” The example sentence reads: “By the time he appeared in a hospital photograph clutching the day’s newspaper like a hostage compelled to authenticate his own captivity, the entire affair had acquired all the kayfabe of professional wrestling, but none of its entertainingly ludicrous choreography.” At right, a Victorian engraving illustrates numerous wrestling holds and takedowns. Beneath the meme is a cropped hospital photograph showing a certain elderly gentleman in a red checked shirt seated in a hospital chair, a hand resting upon a newspaper while a person sits beside him.

Grandiloquent Word of the Day@grandiloquentwords· 26d

Agelast [AJ-uh-last] (n.) - A person who never laughs; one who remains habitually grave, mirthless, or unmoved by humor. From Middle French “agelaste” from Ancient Greek “agélastos”/“ἀγέλαστος” (not laughing; grave or gloomy)

A “Grandiloquent Word of the Day” meme featuring the word “Agelast,” defined as “a person who never laughs; one who remains habitually grave, mirthless, or unmoved by humor.” Beneath, an example sentence reads: “One of the few agelasts among the sídhe, Dorchán dwelt beneath the hollow hill, snatching away those whose laughter strayed too near his door, that their stolen cachinnation might echo through the lightless halls where he could summon none of his own.” On the right, a black-and-white vintage illustration depicts a deeply solemn man in old-fashioned attire, wearing a weary, joyless expression.

Grandiloquent Word of the Day@grandiloquentwords· 27d

Acrasia [uh-KRAY-zee-uh] (n.) - The state of mind in which someone acts against their better judgment through weakness of will. Used in a sentence: “Edgar Allan Poe’s short story ‘The Imp of the Perverse’ explores acrasia: the strangely human impulse to act against our own better judgment.”

A "Grandiloquent Word of the Day" meme for “Acrasia” defined as “the state of mind in which someone acts against their better judgment through weakness of will; the lack of self-control.” Beside the definition is a black-and-white photograph of a young boy in a striped shirt holding a matchbook with an unlit cigarette in his mouth. The example reads: “Edgar Allan Poe’s short story ‘The Imp of the Perverse’ explores acrasia: the strangely human impulse to act against our own better judgment.”

Grandiloquent Word of the Day@grandiloquentwords· 29d

Queef or Cweef [kweef] (n.) 1. A piece of useful information not generally known; a dodge. 2. A conjuring trick; a mesmerist’s or conjurer’s sleight-of-hand pass. 3. An engaging girl.