English Words

Schmaltz (noun) sh-mal-ts Excessive sentimentality, especially in music or films. 1930s from Yiddish shmaltz, from…

Harangue (noun/verb) ha-rang A lengthy and aggressive speech / To lecture someone at length in…

Snicker (noun/verb) snik-er A half suppressed laugh or scornful response; a snigger./ to give a…

Backronym (also bacronym) (noun) bak-ron-im An acronym deliberately formed from a phrase whose initial letters…

Lynchet (noun) lin-chet A ridge or ledge formed along the downhill side of a plot…

Attacca (verb) at-ak-a A musical instruction used to indicate that the next section should follow…

Physiognomy (noun) fiz-ee-on-om-ee A person's facial features or expression, especially when regarded as indicative of…

Adjudicate (verb) aj-oo-dik-ayt Make a formal judgement on a disputed matter. Mid 17th century from…

Extemporaneous (adj) eks-tem-por-ay-nee-us Spoken or done without preparation. (more…)