Return of The Word Collector

An etymological extravaganza

This is to update an old article about some lovely new words I have come across.

As readers and writers we probably all love words, so collecting them is a hobby a bit like stamp-collecting or twitching (spotting new bird species that is!).

Some of these appeared in the previous article, some are brand new. You may have come across some or all of them before. Enjoy!

kicker — a shoulder or kicker in this context has been defined as the headline that is placed on top of the main headline. This headline is set in small points, and its purpose is to supplement the main headline.

comity — courtesy and considerate behaviour towards others.

gnomon — centrepiece on a sundial that casts the shadow

brindle — brownish or tawny colour of animal fur with streaks of other colour

salmagundi — a dish of chopped meat, anchovies, eggs, onions and seasoning

seitan — a high-protein vegetarian food made from cooked wheat gluten (not to be confused with Satan or you will get into trouble)

carpet bagger — a political candidate who seeks election in an area where they have no local connections

finagle — obtain something by devious or dishonest means

rodomontade — boastful or inflated talk or behaviour

eschatology — the part of theology concerned with death, judgement and the final destiny of the soul and humankind

scatology — an interest in or preoccupation with excrement and excretion

lacuna — an unfilled space or interval/gap

epistemology — the theory of knowledge

moiety — each of two parts into which a thing is or can be divided

fungible — exchangeable

ubuntu — a quality that includes the essential human virtues; compassion and humanity

eudaimonia — A Greek word — of good spirit

ziggurat — a rectangular tower in ancient Mesopotamia

catafalque — a decorated wooden framework supporting the coffin of a distinguished person during a funeral

fomite — a particle contaminated with infection agent

solipsistic — selfish

entomology — the branch of zoology concerned with the study of insects

etymology — the study of the origin of words

There — a lovely collection of specimens. Hope you enjoyed!