a word to the wise — August 26, 2022

• A Word to the Wise

  Gnathonic

  May 23, 2022 · 1 min read

  (na-THON-ik) means sycophantic; fawning. It was derived from Gnatho, the name of a parasite in TheEunuch, a comedy written by the 2nd century BC Roman playwright Terence.

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• A Word to the Wise

  gormless (adjective)

  May 31, 2019 · 1 min read

  Gormless (GAWRM-lis), an informal British term, means stupid, dull, or clumsy; lacking in vitality or intelligence. As used in a column by the journalist Drew Middleton: “‘They’re a poor, gormless lot down…

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• A Word to the Wise

  quarantine (verb, noun)

  April 3, 2020 · 1 min read

  To quarantine (KWOR-un-teen) is to place people or animals in isolation to prevent the spread of disease or pests. The term comes from medieval efforts to fight the black death. Read about it here.

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• A Word to the Wise

  respite (noun)

  May 13, 2020 · 1 min read

  Respite (RES-pit) is an interval of relief; a delay or cessation for a time, especially of anything distressing or trying. As I used it today: “Even if you do catch up, you’ll have, at best, a day’s respite…

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• A Word to the Wise

  shibboleth

  October 18, 2022 · 1 min read

  A shibboleth (SHIH-buh-leth) – from the Hebrew – is a custom, principle, or belief associated with a particular group of people, especially a longstanding one regarded as outmoded or no longer important. As I…

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