Word of the Day
learn about the english language
Why Dictionary.com chose spondulicks
More about spondulicks
- An Americanism dating back to 1855–60.
- Of uncertain origin.
- Sometimes spelled spondulix.
EXAMPLES OF SPONDULICKS
- The young entrepreneur was determined to turn her innovative idea into spondulicks for her growing business.
- In the old Western movies, bandits would often demand a hefty sum of spondulicks in exchange for hostages.
learn about the english language
Why Dictionary.com chose capriole
More about capriole
- First recorded around 1570–80.
- Comes from Middle French via the Italian word capriola, which is the noun derivative of capriolare, “to leap, caper.”
- Capriolare derived from the Latin word capreolus, equivalent to capre(a), “roe deer.”
EXAMPLES OF CAPRIOLE
- Watching the young deer execute a playful capriole in the meadow brought a smile to my face.
- The acrobat soared through the air with a graceful capriole before landing flawlessly on the platform.
learn about the english language
Why Dictionary.com chose salmagundi
More about salmagundi
- First recorded around 1665–75.
- Comes from the Middle French word salmingondin.
- Salmingondin is a compound based on salemine, “salted food” (from which we get salami) and condir, “to season” (from which we get condiment).
EXAMPLES OF SALMAGUNDI
- Our family reunion turned into a lively salmagundi of stories, jokes, and memories shared around the bonfire.
- Her jewelry box contained a colorful salmagundi of beads, gemstones, and trinkets.
Word of the Day Calendar