Chafe (verb) chay-f (with reference to a part of the body) make or become sore by rubbing against something. Late Middle English (in the sense ‘make warm’): from Old French…
E-readers have been targeted by conservatives on a book ban quest. No longer satisfied with just going after school libraries and board members, the zealous book banners have now turned…
Beelzebub (proper noun) bee-el-zee-bub A name for the Devil. From late Latin Beëlzebub, translating Hebrew ba‘al zĕḇūḇ ‘lord of flies’, the name of a Philistine god (2 Kings 1:2), and…
Mangle (verb) man-gl Destroy or severely damage by tearing or crushing. / Ruin or spoil (a text, piece of music, etc.) Late 17th century from Dutch mangel, from mangelen ‘to…
Bimbo (noun) bim-bo (informal) (derogatory) An attractive but unintelligent or frivolous young woman. Early 20th century (originally in the sense ‘fellow, chap’): from Italian, literally ‘little child’. (more…)
Skirl (noun) sk-url A shrill, wailing sound, especially that of bagpipes. Late Middle English (as a verb): probably of Scandinavian origin; ultimately imitative. (more…)
Lorgnette (noun) lawn-yet A pair of glasses or opera glasses held in front of a person's eyes by a long handle at one side. Early 19th century from French, from…
Biblioklept (noun) bib-lee-oh-klept Someone who compulsively steals books. On the style of kleptomaniac (more…)
May is chock-full of new releases from exciting true stories, to amazing historical and scientific insights. These are the top of our choices for non-fiction reads for you released in…
Whiffler (noun wif-ler a person who frequently shifts opinions, attitudes, interests, etc. / a person who is vacillating or evasive in an argument. (more…)
Twizzle (verb) tw-iz-l Spin or cause to spin around. Late 18th century probably imitative, influenced by twist. (more…)
Dolmen (noun) dol-men A megalithic tomb with a large flat stone laid on upright ones, found chiefly in Britain and France. Mid 19th century from French, perhaps via Breton from…
Vlast (noun) vlast (in countries of the former Soviet Union) political power. Russian (more…)
Chockstone (noun) chok-stown (climbing) A stone that has become wedged in a vertical cleft. (more…)
Coign (noun) koin A projecting corner or angle of a wall. Late Middle English variant of coin. (more…)
Drivel (noun) driv-el Nonsense talk. Old English dreflian, of uncertain origin; perhaps related to draff. (more…)
Sleeveen (noun) slee-veen (Informal Irish) An untrustworthy or cunning person. Mid 19th century from Irish slibhin ‘trickster’. (more…)
Widget (noun) wij-it A small gadget or mechanical device, especially one whose name is unknown or unspecified. 1920s perhaps an alteration of gadget. (more…)
Deftly (adj) def-tly In a way that is neatly skilful and quick in movement. (more…)
May is here and with it comes a host of amazing titles to add to your TBR pile! We have picked out 10 of the hottest books released in May…
