Moxie

Today's Word Moxie [MOK-see] Definition (noun) Courage, determination, and energy. It describes a person’s ability to face difficulty with spirit and courage, often implying a combination of nerve, skill, and confidence. Example Despite being new to the company, Sarah showed real moxie when she stood up to the CEO and pointed out the flaws in his proposed strategy. Fun Fact The word “moxie” originated as a brand name for a soft drink created in 1876 by Dr. Augustin Thompson in Lowell, Massachusetts. The carbonated beverage was marketed as a nerve tonic and claimed to cure various ailments. The drink’s advertising emphasized its ability to build courage, thus the word “moxie” gradually entered the American lexicon as a term for courage and verve. Interestingly, Moxie was one of the first mass-produced soft drinks in the United States, predating Coca-Cola by about a decade.

Nebulous

Today's Word Nebulous [NEB-yuh-lus] Definition (noun) Something that is vague, cloudy, or unclear. It often refers to ideas, concepts, or situations that are hazy, poorly defined, or lacking in distinct form or structure. Example The company’s nebulous policy on remote work left employees confused about whether they were allowed to work from home and under what circumstances. Fun Fact The word “nebulous” comes from the Latin word “nebula,” meaning “mist” or “cloud.” In astronomy, a nebula is a cloud of gas and dust in space, often visible as a hazy patch of light. The term’s astronomical connection adds depth to its metaphorical use, evoking images of vast, indistinct cosmic clouds to describe unclear or poorly defined concepts in everyday life.

Bamboozle

Today's Word Bamboozle [bam-BOO-zuhl] Definition (verb) To deceive or trick someone, often through clever manipulation or trickery. It implies fooling or confusing someone, usually for personal gain or amusement. Example The con artist tried to bamboozle the elderly couple into investing their life savings in a fake real estate scheme. Fun Fact The origin of “bamboozle” is uncertain, but it first appeared in English in the early 18th century. Some linguists speculate it might be connected to the Scottish word “bombaze,” meaning to confuse or perplex. Others suggest it could be related to the French word “embabouiner,” meaning to make a fool of someone. Regardless of its exact origins, “bamboozle” has become a colorful and playful way to describe acts of trickery or deception.

Katzenjammer

Today's Word Katzenjammer [KAT-suhn-jam-er] Definition (noun) A loud, discordant noise or a state of confusion and bewilderment. It’s often used to describe the unpleasant physical and mental effects of a hangover, including headache, nausea, and general disorientation. Example After a night of heavy celebration, Tom woke up with a terrible katzenjammer, regretting his decision to try every cocktail on the menu. Fun Fact The word “katzenjammer” comes from German, literally translating to “cat’s wail” or “cat’s lament.” It’s a combination of “Katzen” (cats) and “Jammer” (distress or wailing). The term was popularized in English by the comic strip “The Katzenjammer Kids,” which debuted in 1897 and featured mischievous children causing chaos. Over time, the word came to be associated with the aftereffects of overindulgence, likely due to the discordant and unpleasant nature of both a cat’s yowl and a hangover.

Vainglorious

Today's Word Vainglorious [veyn-GLOR-ee-us] Definition (noun) Someone who is excessively proud of their own achievements, abilities, or appearance. It refers to a person who is boastful and overly confident, often in a way that is irritating or offensive to others. Example The vainglorious CEO couldn’t stop talking about his company’s success, attributing every accomplishment to his own brilliance while ignoring the hard work of his team. Fun Fact The word “vainglorious” combines “vain,” meaning excessively proud of one’s appearance or achievements, and “glorious,” meaning deserving great admiration or praise. It has been in use since the 15th century, originating from the Latin “vana gloria” meaning “empty glory.” In medieval Christian theology, vainglory was considered one of the seven deadly sins, specifically a form of pride. Today, it’s often used to describe people who have an inflated sense of their own importance or accomplishments.

Zany

Today's Word Zany [ZAY-nee] Definition (adjective) Someone or something that is amusingly unconventional, bizarre, or foolish. It often refers to a person who behaves in a comically silly or unpredictable manner, or to situations that are humorously crazy or absurd. Example The children’s TV show host was known for his zany antics, which included wearing outrageous costumes and performing silly dances that kept his young audience entertained. Fun Fact The word “zany” has its roots in the Italian commedia dell’arte, a form of improvisational theater popular in 16th-century Italy. It comes from “zanni,” a character who was a foolish servant or clown, often acting as a foil to more sophisticated characters. The term “zanni” itself is believed to be a Venetian variant of the name “Giovanni.” Over time, “zany” evolved in English to describe any amusingly crazy or unconventional person or thing, not just in theatrical contexts.

Shenanigans

Today's Word Shenanigans [shuh-NAN-i-guhns] Definition (noun) Mischievous or playful behavior, often involving tricks or pranks. It can also describe secret or dishonest activity, typically of a playful or minor nature. The term is usually used in the plural form. Example The office manager warned the employees that their lunchtime shenanigans, which included elaborate practical jokes, were becoming too disruptive to the workplace. Fun Fact The origin of “shenanigans” is somewhat mysterious. It first appeared in print in the mid-19th century in California, possibly brought by Irish or Spanish-speaking settlers. Some linguists suggest it might be derived from the Spanish word “chanada,” meaning “trick” or “deceit,” or from the Irish word “sionnachuighim,” meaning “I play tricks.” Despite its unclear origins, “shenanigans” has become a popular and colorful way to describe mischievous behavior in English-speaking countries around the world.

Curmudgeon

Today's Word Curmudgeon [kur-MUJ-un] Definition (noun) A bad-tempered, difficult, and often older person who is easily annoyed or angered. They tend to be cantankerous, grumpy, and prone to complaining about everything around them. Example The old curmudgeon at the end of the street was known for his constant grumbling about the neighborhood kids playing too loudly and the modern world in general. Fun Fact The origin of the word “curmudgeon” is uncertain, but it first appeared in print in the late 16th century. One amusing (though likely false) etymology suggests it comes from the French “coeur méchant,” meaning “evil heart.” In reality, its roots are probably English, possibly derived from some combination of “cur” (a mongrel dog) and a form of “mudgeon” (possibly related to words meaning to grumble). Despite its negative connotations, the term is sometimes used affectionately to describe lovably grouchy characters.

Fandangle

Today's Word Fandangle [FAN-dang-guhl] Definition (noun) An ornate or showy decoration, trinket, or unnecessary embellishment. It can also refer to a complicated or elaborate process or activity, often one that is seen as unnecessarily complex or frivolous. Example The new smartphone came with so many fandangles and features that most users found it overwhelming and struggled to perform even basic tasks. Fun Fact The word “fandangle” is believed to have originated in the mid-19th century in American English. Its exact etymology is unclear, but it’s thought to be a playful combination of “fandango” (a lively Spanish dance) and “dangle” (to hang loosely). The term reflects the idea of something showy or decorative that hangs or is attached to something else. Over time, it has come to describe any unnecessary or overly complicated addition to an object or process.

Gumption

Today's Word Gumption [GUMP-shun] Definition (noun) A spirited initiative, resourcefulness, courage, and common sense. It describes a person’s ability to get things done with energy and determination, often in the face of difficulties or challenges. Example Despite facing numerous setbacks, the young entrepreneur showed real gumption by persevering and eventually turning her small start-up into a successful business. Fun Fact The word “gumption” is believed to have originated in Scotland in the early 1700s. Its exact etymology is uncertain, but some linguists suggest it might be related to the Middle English word “gome,” meaning “attention” or “heed.” The term gained popularity in American English during the 19th century, where it came to embody the spirit of self-reliance and initiative often associated with frontier life.