My recent Word of the Day posts came from the Da Vinci Code that I read while on vacation. Lots of words in the book I didn’t know so I had to look them up. Costco had it for like $4 so I wanted to see what the hype was about. I liked the book […]

My recent Word of the Day posts came from the Da Vinci Code that I read while on vacation. Lots of words in the book I didn’t know so I had to look them up. Costco had it for like $4 so I wanted to see what the hype was about. I liked the book […]
Okay, hopefully you found an interesting and usable word or two in the recent word of the day posts. Here’s a recap: allegory antediluvian cognoscenti genuflect gnosis sanctimonious sangfroid supplication suzerain troubadour Any guesses where these words of the day came from?
Troubadour – a French medieval lyric poet composing and singing in Provençal in the 11th to 13th centuries, esp. on the theme of courtly love. A poet who writes verse to music. Example. With her sharp-tongued punditry, the Angry Asian Girl of Baby Dog Days must be influenced by Eminem, the rage-filled, rapping modern troubadour. […]
Gnosis – knowledge of spiritual mysteries. Example. How to do well in work’s annual evaluation process is somewhat confusing. Gnosis is required to understand how this works.
Cognoscenti – people who are considered to be especially well informed about a particular subject. Example. I may not be a marketing genius or part of the music cognoscenti, but I really don’t understand the appeal of the iTunes Music Store 3 for 2 promotion.
Sanctimonious – making a show of being morally superior to other people. Example. Some people have the opinion that private school alumni are cocky, even sanctimonious. Personally, I think not.
Antediluvian – of or belonging to the time before the biblical Flood. Outdated, outmoded, old-fashioned, antiquated, behind the times. Example. Wayne’s World marveled at the local companies offering free WiFi access. “How very progressive,” he thought, “not antediluvian at all.”
Supplication – a prayer asking God’s help as part of a religious service. A humble request for help from someone in authority. Example. Rather than relying on his sangfroid during his annual evaluation review, the Tabasco Man took the route of supplication with his manager. Pictured the Tabasco Man supplicating.
Genuflect – lower one’s body briefly by bending one knee to the ground, typically in worship or as a sign of respect. Example: After hearing of Takeru Kobayashi’s sixth straight victory at the International Hot Dog Eating Contest, the Tabasco Man genuflected and became motivated to participate in our own Eating Contest.
Suzerain – a sovereign or state having some control over another state that is internally autonomous. Example. Would passing the Akaka bill create a suzerain for Native Hawaiians in the State of Hawaii? Kau inoa!
Sangfroid – composure or coolness, sometimes excessive, as shown in danger or under trying circumstances. Example: The Tabasco Man demonstrated his sangfroid when asking for the highest compensation during his annual work evaluation.