facetious – Originally meant “having polished or urbane manners,” and, along with sequoia, uses all five vowels. More…
nitid – A word for “bright, shining, polished, glossy.” More…
polite – Actually meant “polished” or “burnished” when it came into English. More…
urban, urbane – Urban refers to a city; urbane means polished and smooth, as in a person’s demeanor. More…
Botswana became independent from Great Britain on September 30, 1966. Since 1885, the region had been a British colony called the Bechuanaland Protectorate. The biggest Independence Day festivities are held in the capital city of Gaborone, and include the singing of the national anthem, “Fatshe La Rona” (Blessed Country). Discuss
To begin planning or preparing to replace someone in a job or position before one has actually secured the role, especially during a political election. Watch the video
Eurobarometer is a series of surveys that have been regularly performed since 1973 on behalf of the European Commission, the executive body of the European Union (EU). Posing a range of questions, it examines public opinion on issues relating to the EU across its member states and investigates topics such as the environment, technology, and health. A Flash Eurobarometer consists of telephone interviews that yield results more quickly. How often is the Standard Eurobarometer survey conducted? Discuss
Definition: (verb) To make vicious and defamatory statements about.
Synonyms: revile, vituperate, rail.
Usage: The Nazi propaganda vilified the Jews.
Discuss
boom – From Dutch, originally a long beam or pole. More…
pogo stick – Came onto the scene around 1921, but is of uncertain etymology, possibly from “pole” and “go.” More…
pole position – Refers to pole as the term for the inside fence on a racecourse. More…
trolley pole – The pole sticking up from a bumper car. More…
humorous An expression of concurrence, agreement, or willingness to participate in addition to others. Said after someone has said “me too” (i.e., “me as well”), thus creating a pun of “too” and “two.” Watch the video
Stupas are dome-shaped monuments erected in memory of the Buddha or Buddhist saints, often marking a sacred spot, commemorating an event, or housing a relic. A simple stupa consists of a circular earthenware base supporting a solid dome topped with an umbrella that symbolizes protection. Originally, such mounds served as burial places for royalty. The tradition was appropriated by Buddhists, who worship by walking clockwise around the stupa. What well-known Asian structures evolved from stupas? Discuss
umbrella – Etymologically, it is a “little shadow.” More…
parapluie – A French word for umbrella, derived from Latin pluvia, “rain.” More…
bumbershoot – Another word for umbrella, formed by combining an alteration of the word umbrella and an alteration of the word parachute. More…
nuclear umbrella – A protective status in which a nuclear state promises to use its arsenal to defend an ally without nuclear capabilities. More…