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Why Dictionary.com chose bumfuzzle
More about bumfuzzle
- While its origin is uncertain, it is an Americanism dating back to least the 1870s.
- Thought to be formed from a combination of the Scottish bombaze, “to confuse,” (see bamboozle) + fuzzle, “to confuse,” (perhaps a blend of fuddle and fuzzy) or just as an alternate spelling of bamboozle.
EXAMPLES OF BUMFUZZLE
- The complex instructions on the new gadget were enough to bumfuzzle even the most tech-savvy person.
- The chef’s unconventional dish managed to bumfuzzle the judges, who couldn’t identify its ingredients.
amanuensis
noun
a person employed to write what another dictates or to copy what has been written by another
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Why Dictionary.com chose amanuensis
More about amanuensis
- First recorded between 1610–20.
- From the Latin servus, (servant) + a, (from) + manu, (hand). Cf. manumit and manuscript.
EXAMPLES OF AMANUENSIS
- As an amanuensis, I was responsible for transcribing the professor’s lectures and organizing notes.
- During the meeting, the amanuensis took detailed minutes that were later shared with all attendees.
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Why Dictionary.com chose fractious
More about fractious
- First recorded in 1715–25.
- Formed from fracti(on), “disposed to quarrel, brawl” + -ous, a suffix forming adjectives that have the general sense “possessing, full of ” a given quality.
EXAMPLES OF FRACTIOUS
- Managing the fractious committee members was exhausting, as they disagreed on almost every issue.
- Their fractious behavior at meetings often lead to heated arguments and disruptions.
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