Callow

Today's Word Callow KAL-oh Definition (adjective) Inexperienced and immature. Example His callow remarks during the meeting made it clear he was new to the job. Fun Fact Callow originally meant “bare” or “unfledged”—as in a bird that hasn’t grown feathers. It still carries that imagery today, but metaphorically: someone who hasn’t “grown in” yet emotionally or intellectually. You’ll see it often in book reviews or film critiques, especially when describing a character who has more audacity than wisdom.

Pernicious

Today's Word Pernicious per-NISH-us Definition (adjective) Causing harm in a gradual or subtle way. Example Unchecked misinformation can have a pernicious effect on public trust. Fun Fact Back in the 15th century, pernicious was a word used to describe deadly disease or outright destruction—especially during outbreaks and plagues. But over time, its meaning shifted from the obvious to the insidious. Today, it’s used to describe things like toxic relationships, systemic inequality, or manipulative rhetoric—all of which may not seem dangerous at first, but quietly cause real harm over time.

Derivation

Today's Word Derivation deh-ruh-VAY-shun Definition (noun) The derivation of the word “salary” comes from the Latin word for salt. Example The derivation of the word “salary” comes from the Latin word for salt. Fun Fact Linguists love derivation because it lets them trace how words evolve—from one language to another, and one meaning to another. Some derivations are direct (photo → photos → light), but others take surprising turns. The word salary comes from the Latin salarium, which referred to money paid to Roman soldiers to buy salt. This makes derivation a vital tool for not just grammar nerds, but also historians and anthropologists.

Tautological

Today's Word Tautological taw-tuh-LODGE-ih-kul Definition (adjective) Needlessly repetitive; expressing something using different words that add no new meaning. Example Saying “free gift” is tautological—gifts are already free. Fun Fact While it sounds academic, tautological shows up all over everyday conversation—and advertising. “Added bonus,” “final conclusion,” “completely unanimous”—all examples of tautologies, or statements that repeat themselves. In formal logic, a tautology is always true (like “it will rain or it won’t”), but in writing and speech, it’s often just a filler phrase that adds no substance. Editors, professors, and debate judges hate it because it pretends to sound smart while saying absolutely nothing new.

Feckless

Today's Word Feckless FEK-liss Definition (adjective) Lacking initiative, responsibility, or strength of character. Example His feckless leadership left the team confused and directionless. Fun Fact Though not widely used in everyday speech, feckless is a favorite insult in British politics and op-eds. It comes from an old Scottish word meaning “effect”—so feckless literally means “ineffective.” It’s often used for people who appear lazy, careless, or passively incapable, especially when they should know better.

Meretricious

Today's Word Meretricious mer-uh-TRISH-us Definition (adjective) Attractive in a showy but deceptive or worthless way. Example The ad campaign was full of meretricious claims that didn’t match the product. Fun Fact Meretricious comes from the Latin word for prostitute (meretrix) and originally referred to superficial allure with no substance. Today, it’s used in critiques of marketing, fashion, or social media culture, where style often outweighs truth. It’s a biting word for anything that tries too hard to impress without backing it up.

Unprepossessing

Today's Word Unprepossessing un-pree-puh-ZESS-ing Definition (adjective) Not attractive or impressive in appearance. Example Though unprepossessing at first glance, the restaurant had incredible food. Fun Fact Despite its long-winded look, unprepossessing is often used for things that don’t stand out at first—but might surprise you later. It’s frequently used in restaurant reviews, character descriptions, or travel writing, where something modest turns out to be memorable. The irony? The word itself isn’t very prepossessing—but its specificity gives it staying power.

Harried

Today's Word Harried HAIR-eed Definition (adjective) Feeling strained as a result of persistent demands or stress. Example The harried assistant juggled calls, emails, and last-minute meetings. Fun Fact Harried stems from the same root as harass—both come from old Norse and Middle English words related to raiding or attacking. Originally used in military contexts, harried now refers to a psychological onslaught: the kind of pressure that comes from emails piling up, kids yelling, and zero time for yourself. It’s the perfect word for a Monday at 4:59 p.m.

Browbeat

Today's Word Browbeat BROW-beet Definition (verb) To intimidate or bully someone into doing something through stern or aggressive words. Example The boss browbeat the team into agreeing with his plan. Fun Fact The word browbeat originally referred to the act of literally scowling or glaring someone into submission—beating them down with your brow. It later took on verbal dimensions, often describing intimidation by authority figures like bosses, interrogators, or even overly intense coaches. You’ll find it in legal dramas and political commentary, especially when someone is pressured into compliance without physical force.

Repudiate

Today's Word Repudiate rih-PYOO-dee-ate Definition (verb) To reject, deny, or disown something, especially publicly or formally. Example She publicly repudiated the rumors that had been circulating online. Fun Fact Repudiate has a sharp tone, often used in legal, political, and personal crises—from leaders distancing themselves from policies to celebrities denying rumors. It carries more weight than “disagree” or “criticize”—it’s a total severance. The word originally referred to rejecting a spouse or family member in Roman law. Today, it’s often about drawing a hard line and making sure people know where you stand.