- Today's Word
Whifflebloom
[WIF-ul-bloom]
Definition
- (noun) A sudden, unexpected burst of motivation or creativity that comes out of nowhere and disappears just as quickly. It’s that fleeting moment when you feel incredibly inspired to start a new project or tackle a task, only to have the enthusiasm fade before you can fully act on it.
Example
Tom experienced a whifflebloom at 2 AM and started writing a novel, but by morning, he had lost all interest and couldn’t even remember what the story was about.
Fun Fact
The term “whifflebloom” combines “whiffle,” suggesting something light and changeable (like a whiffle ball), with “bloom,” implying a sudden flowering or development. This word captures the ephemeral nature of inspiration, a phenomenon that’s been studied by psychologists interested in creativity. Research suggests that these bursts of motivation often occur during periods of relaxation or mind-wandering, highlighting the importance of downtime in the creative process. The playful sound of “whifflebloom” also exemplifies how new slang often uses phonaesthetics – the inherent pleasantness or unpleasantness of certain sound combinations – to create memorable and evocative terms.
(adjective) Excessive to the point of being insincere; overly flattering or abundant in a way that feels uncomfortable.
Her fulsome compliments were so over the top that everyone in the room sensed she didn’t mean a word of them.
Fulsome comes from Middle English, where full meant “abundant.” Originally positive, the term gradually shifted to imply overabundance, and by the 17th century it took on its modern meaning: so much of something that it becomes unpleasant or false.