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  • Today's Word

Sickening

[ˈsi-kə-niŋ]

Definition

  1. (adjective) a word used to describe something that is exceptionally impressive, extraordinary, or mind-blowingly good. It’s a term that originated in the drag and LGBTQ+ communities, and it’s a playful way to express admiration and awe.

Example

“Did you catch the latest episode of RuPaul’s Drag Race? Bianca Del Rio’s lip-sync performance was absolutely sickening! I was gagging!”

 

Fun Fact

The term “sickening” was initially used in the drag community to describe something that was so good, it made you feel physically ill (in a good way, of course). It’s a prime example of how language can evolve and take on new meanings within specific subcultures.

Similar Words

Pejorative

  • Today's Word

Pejorative

puh-JOR-uh-tiv

Definition

  1. (adjective/noun) Expressing contempt or disapproval; a word or phrase that belittles.

Example

Calling it a “scheme” instead of a “plan” gave it a pejorative spin.

Fun Fact

Pejoratives are everywhere—“geek,” “bureaucrat,” “snowflake.” Words can shift over time too: “nerd” once was pejorative, now it’s proudly reclaimed. Linguists study how these terms evolve and how language both reflects and shapes social power.

Maudlin

  • Today's Word

Maudlin

MAWD-lin

Definition

  1. (adjective) Excessively emotional or sentimental, often in a self-pitying way.

Example

After a few drinks, he became maudlin and talked endlessly about his lost love.

Fun Fact

“Maudlin” comes from Mary Magdalene, often portrayed crying in religious art. The word now applies to tearful sentimentality, especially when it feels over-the-top or indulgent. Think rom-coms with dramatic monologues or overly nostalgic holiday ads.

Impetuous

  • Today's Word

Impetuous

im-PECH-oo-uhs

Definition

  1. (adjective) Acting quickly and without thought or care; impulsive.

Example

His impetuous decision to quit his job left him scrambling for options.

Fun Fact

“Impetuous” comes from Latin impetere, meaning “to attack.” It describes decisions made in the heat of the moment—often dramatic, sometimes disastrous. Romeo and Juliet? Totally impetuous. But so are startup founders, comedians, and adventurers—when it works, it’s brilliant.

Rhapsodize

  • Today's Word

Rhapsodize

RAP-suh-dyze

Definition

  1. (verb) To speak or write with great enthusiasm or delight.

Example

She rhapsodized about her trip to Greece, describing every sunset in poetic detail.

Fun Fact

The word is linked to rhapsodes, ancient Greek performers who recited epic poems with great emotion. Today, “rhapsodize” suggests gushing admiration—for a vacation, a concert, a dish, or even a person. It’s less about logic, more about passion and awe.

Pithy

  • Today's Word

Pithy

PITH-ee

Definition

  1. (adjective) Concise and forcefully expressive.

Example

Her pithy reply summed up the entire argument in one sentence.

Fun Fact

“Pith” refers to the essence or core of something, and a pithy comment gets right to that core. Famous pithy speakers include Winston Churchill and Oscar Wilde, known for delivering wit and wisdom in just a few well-chosen words. The best slogans and comebacks? Almost always pithy.

Obstreperous

  • Today's Word

Obstreperous

ob-STREP-er-uhs

Definition

  1. (adjective) Noisy and difficult to control; aggressively boisterous.

Example

The obstreperous child disrupted the entire classroom with his outbursts.

Fun Fact

From Latin ob (“against”) and strepere (“to make a noise”), obstreperous behavior isn’t just loud—it’s defiantly loud. Think protestors clashing with police, or characters in sitcoms who constantly shout over one another. It’s not just chaos—it’s resistant chaos.

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