Word of the Day
wanderwort
noun
a loanword borrowed from one language and established in many unrelated languages, usually in a chain determined by established trade routes, and sometimes undergoing changes through contact with the dominant language where the word is adopted.
More about wanderwort
Wanderwort is a borrowing from German and literally translates as “wander word.” German wander shares an origin with the English verbs wander, wend, and wind. Meanwhile, German Wort is related to English word. Wanderwort was first recorded in English in the early 1910s. For examples of Wanderwörter in English, check out the Words of the Day caterwaul and matcha.
EXAMPLE OF WANDERWORT USED IN A SENTENCE
His joy in researching the wanderwort led him to pursue a degree in historical linguistics.
shalach manoth
noun
the practice of giving gifts to one another or to people in need on Purim.
More about shalach manoth
Shalach manoth is an adaptation of either Yiddish shalakh-mones or its Hebrew ancestor mishlóakh manót, literally “delivery of portions.” The Hebrew noun mishlóakh means “delivery, shipment,” while manót is the plural of manáh, “portion, ration, share.” A close relative of manáh is minyan, a group of 10 people, from Hebrew minyān, “number.” Shalach manoth was first recorded in English in the late 1910s.
EXAMPLE OF SHALACH MANOTH USED IN A SENTENCE
The charity, in an act of shalach manoth, donated dozens of gift baskets and bags of food to the local community.
bowdlerize
verb
to amend a written work by removing or modifying passages considered vulgar or objectionable.
More about bowdlerize
Bowdlerize is the namesake of Thomas Bowdler, who published an edited version of Shakespeare’s plays in 1807. Bowdler claimed that he had removed “defects which diminish [the plays’] value.” The surname Bowdler has two possible origins: in reference to a person who buddles or is from Boelare (modern Nederboelare in Belgium). Bowdlerize was first recorded in English in the 1830s.
EXAMPLE OF BOWDLERIZE USED IN A SENTENCE
The students noticed that their edition of Hamlet had been bowdlerized, with several exciting yet controversial scenes significantly whittled down.