- Today's Word
Canoodle
[kuh-NOO-dl]
Definition
- (verb) To engage in affectionate or amorous behavior, such as cuddling, kissing, or fondling. It often refers to public displays of affection between couples, especially in a playful or flirtatious manner.
Example
The young couple couldn’t resist canoodling in the park, holding hands and stealing kisses under the shade of the oak tree, much to the amusement of passersby.
Fun Fact
The origin of “canoodle” is a bit of a mystery, but it is believed to have first appeared in English in the late 19th century. One theory suggests that it might be derived from the English dialect word “canoodle,” meaning to fondle or caress, which in turn could be related to the German word “knudeln,” meaning to knead or massage. Another theory proposes that it could be a blend of the words “canoe” and “cuddle,” conjuring images of couples snuggling together in a small boat. Regardless of its exact origins, “canoodle” has become a popular and playful term to describe affectionate or intimate behavior between lovers, often with a hint of humor or teasing.
(noun) A person who believes that the pursuit of pleasure and sensory enjoyment is the highest good and chief aim of life
A self-proclaimed hedonist, she planned her entire sabbatical around exceptional food, warm weather, and long afternoons with nothing to do.
Hedonist derives from the Greek hedone, meaning “pleasure” or “delight,” from hedys (“sweet”). The philosophical school of Hedonism was formally developed in ancient Greece — most notably by Epicurus, who argued that pleasure, properly understood, was the foundation of a good life. The word entered English in the 19th century as both a philosophical term and a descriptor for those who live purely for sensory gratification.