- Today's Word
Absquatulate
[ab-SKWOCH-uh-late]
Definition
- (verb) To leave abruptly or quickly, often in a secretive or sneaky manner. It’s a fancy, humorous way of saying “to flee” or “to make off with haste.”
Example
When the police sirens started wailing, the pranksters decided to absquatulate from the scene before they got caught.
Fun Fact
“Absquatulate” is a playful American coinage from the 1830s. It blends “ab-” (meaning “away” in Latin) with “squat” and the verb-forming suffix “-ulate.” The word emerged during a period when Americans were inventing many humorously long words, often combining Latin-sounding elements with colloquial English. Despite its formal sound, it was considered slang and often used in a jocular context. The word’s unusual sound and spelling make it a favorite among logophiles (word lovers) and it’s occasionally used today for its comedic effect or to add a touch of old-fashioned flair to language.
(verb) To coax or persuade someone into doing something through flattery, soft words, or gentle persistent manipulation.
She had wheedled the extension out of her professor so smoothly that he’d agreed before he realized he’d been asked — which was precisely the point.