Ribald
Today's Word Ribald RIH-buhld Definition (adjective) Referring to sexual matters in a coarse or humorous way. Example The comedian’s ribald jokes made half the audience laugh—and the other half blush. Fun Fact “Ribald” has medieval roots where it referred to a lewd or vulgar person, often tied to jesters or bawdy entertainers. Today, it usually describes humor that’s raunchy but not malicious—think late-night standup or locker-room banter. It walks the line between clever and crude.
Acumen
Today's Word Acumen AK-yoo-men Definition (noun) Keen insight or the ability to make quick, smart decisions. Example Her business acumen turned the small shop into a thriving franchise. Fun Fact “Acumen” stems from the Latin acuere, meaning “to sharpen.” It refers not just to intelligence, but to mental sharpness in practical matters, such as strategy, leadership, or negotiation. From investors to chess players, acumen separates the instinctive from the merely informed.
Languid
Today's Word Languid LANG-gwid Definition (adjective) Displaying a lack of energy or vitality; slow and relaxed. Example She gave a languid wave from the hammock, too tired to move more. Fun Fact From Latin languere (“to be weak or faint”), “languid” has long been associated with lethargy, dreamy states, or gentle slowness. It can be negative (as in illness) or romanticized—Victorian poets used it to describe graceful repose or lazy summer days. Think soft music, slow dancing, or a warm breeze making you want to nap.
Dearth
Today's Word Dearth DURTH Definition (noun) A lack or scarcity of something. Example There was a dearth of medical supplies after the storm. Fun Fact “Dearth” originally meant “high price” in Middle English, referring to scarcity driving up value. Over time, it evolved to mean any shortage—of food, resources, opportunities, or ideas. It’s often used in economic, academic, or policy contexts to highlight the urgency created by what’s missing.
Onerous
Today's Word Onerous OH-ner-uhs Definition (adjective) Burdensome, oppressive, or difficult to carry out. Example Fulfilling the contract’s onerous terms drained their finances and energy. Fun Fact Derived from the Latin onus, meaning “burden,” onerous is often used in legal or financial settings to describe obligations that are more trouble than they’re worth. From taxes to chores to unfair contracts, an onerous task is one that weighs heavily—not just physically, but mentally and emotionally too.
Truculent
Today's Word Truculent TRUCK-yuh-luhnt Definition (adjective) Aggressively defiant or eager to argue or fight. Example The truculent debate spiraled into personal attacks within minutes. Fun Fact “Truculent” comes from the Latin truculentus, meaning “fierce” or “savage.” Originally used to describe wild beasts or ruthless warriors, it eventually came to characterize hostile personalities or verbally combative behavior. In literature and politics, truculence often signals a character—or candidate—ready to pick a fight, even when diplomacy would serve better.
Vacillate
Today's Word Vacillate VASS-uh-layt Definition (verb) To waver between different opinions or actions; to be indecisive. Example She vacillated between staying at her job and going back to school. Fun Fact “Vacillate” comes from Latin vacillare, meaning “to sway.” It conjures images of someone teetering on a decision like a tightrope. Politicians are often accused of vacillating, but so are most of us when faced with big life choices. It’s not weakness—it’s weighing options.
Staid
Today's Word Staid STAYD Definition (adjective) Sedate, respectable, and unadventurous. Example The staid atmosphere of the boardroom left little room for creativity. Fun Fact Originally a variation of “stay,” staid describes someone or something that is firm, steady, and not easily moved—perfect for judges, bankers, or characters in old British novels. But while stability is good, staid sometimes hints at being a little too dull or rigid.
Pejorative
Today's Word Pejorative puh-JOR-uh-tiv Definition (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 (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.