Word of the Day
barnstorm
verb
to conduct a campaign or speaking tour in rural areas by making brief stops in many small towns.
More about barnstorm
The original sense of barnstorm, the theater sense, “to tour small towns and rural areas (often in barns),” dates from the second half of the 19th century. The political or campaigning sense “to conduct a speaking tour in rural areas by making brief stops in small towns,” and the professional sports sense “to tour an area playing exhibition games after the regular season” date from the end of the 19th century. The flying or piloting sense “to give exhibitions of stunt flying, participate in airplane races, etc., while touring country towns and rural areas” dates from the first half of the 20th century.
how is barnstorm used?
President Trump and Vice President Pence are barnstorming swing states with 68 days to go before the midterm elections.
… Mr. Frotman barnstormed the country to encourage state officials to scrutinize the companies that are contracted by the department to manage the loan portfolio, collect debt from students and work out payment plans with delinquent borrowers.
humdinger
noun
Informal. a person, thing, action, or statement of remarkable excellence or effect.
More about humdinger
The origin of humdinger is speculative. It was originally American slang, first appearing in print at the beginning of the 20th century and in British English about 1926.
how is humdinger used?
… Beethoven gave the Viennese a humdinger, something to make them sit up and take notice.
Streep, whose speeches are perfect, delivered a humdinger of a tribute to Emma Thompson, who was receiving the best-actress honor, for “Saving Mr. Banks.”
single-hearted
adjective
sincere and undivided in feeling or spirit; dedicated; not reflecting mixed emotions: He was single-hearted in his patriotism.
More about single-hearted
Single-hearted was first recorded in 1570–80.
how is single-hearted used?
Whatever becomes of me, I shall remember always this single-hearted devotion of yours, Margaret, and I shall thank God that I know of it and love you for it.
… one gets what one goes after with single-hearted purpose, but otherwise not.