Word of the Day
luddite
noun
someone who is opposed or resistant to new technologies or technological change.
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Why Dictionary.com chose luddite
More about luddite
- Luddite was first recorded between 1805 and 1815.
- Workers in Leicestershire, England who didn’t want mechanical knitting machines taking over their jobs revolted in the early 19th century. They referred to themselves as Luddites, supposedly after their leader Ned Ludd, who was said to have broken two knitting machines in a fit of rage.
- Being a luddite can be an insult, or it can just be a matter of fact.
EXAMPLES OF LUDDITE
- Despite living in the digital age, my grandfather proudly wears the title of a luddite, as he prefers reading books in their physical form rather than using e-readers or tablets.
- The company’s CEO, who shunned advancements in automation and insisted on keeping outdated systems, was often criticized as being a luddite by the tech-savvy employees.
obstreperous
adjective
noisy, clamorous, or boisterous.
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Why Dictionary.com chose obstreperous
More about obstreperous
- Obstreperous was first recorded between 1590-1600.
- It comes from the Latin word obstreperus, “clamorous,” which is similar to the verb obstrepere, “to make a noise at.”
- Obstropolous is a rare and obsolete variant of obstreperous.
- A more recent British English variant is stroppy, “bad-tempered or hostile.”
EXAMPLES OF OBSTREPEROUS
- The obstreperous crowd at the concert drowned out the performer’s voice.
- The children’s obstreperous laughter echoed through the house, leaving no doubt they were having a great time.
collywobbles
noun
a feeling of fear, apprehension, or nervousness.
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Why Dictionary.com chose collywobbles
More about collywobbles
- Collywobbles was first recorded around 1815-25.
- Collywobbles is most likely a coinage based on the words colic and wobble.
- Wobble comes from Low German wabbeln, which is akin to Middle High German wabelen, “to waver.”
- Colic comes from Middle French colique, from Latin colica (passiō), “(suffering) of the colon.”
EXAMPLES OF COLLYWOBBLES
- As the roller coaster climbed higher and higher, a wave of collywobbles washed over her, making her heart race with fear.
- Before going on stage for his first solo performance, the young dancer experienced a case of collywobbles, his stomach fluttering with nervous anticipation.
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