- 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 bear fruit or become productive; to make fruitful or productive
Years of patient investment in the community finally began to fructify, with new businesses and gathering spaces opening across the neighborhood.
Fructify derives from the Latin fructificare — from fructus (“fruit”) + facere (“to make”). It entered English in the 14th century, used first in its literal agricultural sense before quickly extending to describe any endeavor that yields results after a period of cultivation and patience.