Shopping Basket

Behind-The-Books Blog

More neologisms…

Tuesday, February 2nd, 2010

I absolutely loved reading all the brilliant entries to our recent Caboose competition - the one where we asked you to supply us with alternative meanings for the word ‘caboose’ - see previous blog. Now I’m delighted to discover that The Washington Post has been running similar neologism contests (in which readers are asked to supply alternate meanings for common words) for years! I came across the list of one year’s entries online, from back in 2007.

Here are my personal favourites from the list:

1. Flabbergasted (adj.), appalled over how much weight you have gained.

2. Esplanade (v.), to attempt an explanation while drunk.

3. Ineffable: adj., describes someone you absolutely cannot swear in front of.

4. Sudafed: A software program on how to file a civil action against the government.

5. Lymph (v.), to walk with a lisp.

To read the full list, click here.

Now I know I’ll be trawling their archives for more entries eg. just found another list from December 2009. Hours and hours of fun…

Chiara Priorelli, Publicity Manager


Leave a Comment

  • Currently we are...

  • ...Recalling

    Lesley: Our own experience of the minefield of cover design picture research, after seeing this!

  • ...Reading

    West End Front, by Matthew Sweet. Lesley: A look at what was going on behind the dazzling exteriors of the grand London hotels like the Ritz and the Savoy during WW2. Chock-full of interesting details.

  • ...Watching

    Sara: Birdsong, the BBC's adaptation of the Sebastian Faulks novel. I wish I'd read the book first, but it's got such a great cast I can't resist watching it.

  • ...Loving

    Chiara: Today's suggestion from Emerald Street of hosting an every-one-brings-their-own-cheese-and-wine dinner party!