January 16, 2012: phlegmatic (fleg-MAT-ik) adjective
Definition: calm and apathetic
Usage Notes: None.
History: In older times, there were four bodily liquids which physiologists believed determined one’s personality based on the amount one had. Phlegm—mucus— was believed to make you lethargic and emotionless.
January 14, 2012: sciamachy (seye-AM-uh-kee) noun
Definition: a fake or imaginary fight
Usage Notes: Often used in the context of fighting an imaginary opponent, such as a shadow.
History: In Greek, it can be translated literally to “shadow fighting.”
oops I’ve been sick and very tired
October 1, 2011: requital (ree-kweye-tuhl) noun
Definition: repayment
Usage Notes: Can be used in a negative context, as being repaid from revenge, or in a positive context, as being repaid as compensation or a reward.
History: It comes from the verb “requite,” which is why it is pronounced with a long “i” sound instead of a short “i.”
September 28, 2011: paroxysm - (PA-rox-izm) - noun
Definition: a sudden fit or seizure
Usage Notes: Used to describe attacks of emotions (which can be anything from laughter to grief) or a recurring disease.
September 27, 2011: pithy - (pith-ee) - adjective
Definition: concise and to-the-point
Usage Notes: Usually used in a positive context, highlighting the meaningful but short nature of the modified noun.
September 26, 2011: eldritch (eld-rich) adjective
Definition: unearthly, supernatural
Usage Notes: None; seems to carry neither negative nor positive connotations.
September 25, 2011: retroussé (re-troo-say) adjective
Definition: turned up
Usage Notes: Used only to describe noses.
History: Retroussé is the past tense form of the French verb retrousser, which means to roll up, so you’re basically describing the nose as rolled up.
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