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Dictionary.com’s Winter Break Word Challenges For Kids
Ah, winter break. That welcome respite from homework, early morning alarms, and packing lunches … well, for about the first four hours anyway. That’s generally when the kids’ cries of “I’m bored!” start echoing through the house, and you contemplate how long you can get away with sending them outside when the weather is something frightful. To stop those cries (or at least dampen them …
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hold my beer
Hold my beer is an expression joked about being said before an unthinking person does something dangerous or stupid. On the internet, hold my beer is used to make fun of decisions (that are seen… -
Teach Your Kids New Words By Describing These Holiday Characters
It’s the holiday season—there’s more downtime than usual and the winter weather keeps most of us from spending too much time outside. So it’s obviously a great time to work on analytical and writing skills in a fun and engaging way. Come on, you know that sounds fun! Wait, just hear us out … There are any number of familiar characters in the holiday stories, …
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lesbian-baiting
Lesbian-baiting is the sexist and homophobic practice of labeling women (especially feminists and women whose behavior doesn't reinforce traditional gender stereotypes) as lesbian in an effort to slur or diminish them. -
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existential question
To be or not to be, that is the question—the existential question. An existential question is a deep, philosophical question concerning the nature of of someone or something's existence. "What is the meaning of life?"… -
existential threat
An existential threat is a threat to something’s very existence—when the continued being of something is at stake or in danger. It is used to describe threats to actual living things as well to nonliving… -
Why “Existential” Was Dictionary.com’s 2019 Word Of The Year
From existential threats to existential choices “I’m trash!” was the insistent cry of Forky, the googly-eyed spork whose struggle to be a toy was at the heart of the summer blockbuster Toy Story 4. Forky’s plight was entertaining, yes, but it also resonated with a deeper sentiment—and word—that defined so much of 2019. We know what you must be thinking: Forky? The dictionary? 2019? Well, …
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climate crisis
Climate crisis is a term used to show a greater sense of emergency and urgency about climate change. That is, the climate isn't just changing—it's causing a crisis and, if humans don't do something about… -
Dictionary.com’s Fifth Grade Homework Help Cheat Sheet
Fifth grade is typically the final year of grade school, which means the lessons get cranked up a notch in preparation for middle school and beyond. Teachers ask students to delve deeper into subject matter, stretch their skills, and show more independence. The work is challenging but intriguing as they explore new concepts and develop their opinions about them. Fifth grade is also the year …