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.
Impetuous
Today's Word Impetuous im-PECH-oo-uhs Definition (adjective) Acting quickly and without thought or care; impulsive. Example His impetuous decision to quit his job left him scrambling for options. Fun Fact “Impetuous” comes from Latin impetere, meaning “to attack.” It describes decisions made in the heat of the moment—often dramatic, sometimes disastrous. Romeo and Juliet? Totally impetuous. But so are startup founders, comedians, and adventurers—when it works, it’s brilliant.
Rhapsodize
Today's Word Rhapsodize RAP-suh-dyze Definition (verb) To speak or write with great enthusiasm or delight. Example She rhapsodized about her trip to Greece, describing every sunset in poetic detail. Fun Fact The word is linked to rhapsodes, ancient Greek performers who recited epic poems with great emotion. Today, “rhapsodize” suggests gushing admiration—for a vacation, a concert, a dish, or even a person. It’s less about logic, more about passion and awe.
Pithy
Today's Word Pithy PITH-ee Definition (adjective) Concise and forcefully expressive. Example Her pithy reply summed up the entire argument in one sentence. Fun Fact “Pith” refers to the essence or core of something, and a pithy comment gets right to that core. Famous pithy speakers include Winston Churchill and Oscar Wilde, known for delivering wit and wisdom in just a few well-chosen words. The best slogans and comebacks? Almost always pithy.
Obstreperous
Today's Word Obstreperous ob-STREP-er-uhs Definition (adjective) Noisy and difficult to control; aggressively boisterous. Example The obstreperous child disrupted the entire classroom with his outbursts. Fun Fact From Latin ob (“against”) and strepere (“to make a noise”), obstreperous behavior isn’t just loud—it’s defiantly loud. Think protestors clashing with police, or characters in sitcoms who constantly shout over one another. It’s not just chaos—it’s resistant chaos.
Garrulous
Today's Word Garrulous GAIR-uh-lus Definition (adjective) Excessively talkative, especially about trivial matters. Example The garrulous host told story after story, barely letting anyone else speak. Fun Fact “Garrulous” comes from Latin garrire, meaning “to chatter.” While sometimes charming, garrulous speech can also wear people down—especially when it’s full of gossip, tangents, or repetition. It’s a favorite descriptor in novels to bring quirky or long-winded characters to life.
Abscond
Today's Word Abscond ab-SKOND Definition (verb) To leave quickly and secretly, often to avoid arrest or detection. Example The thief absconded with the stolen jewels before anyone noticed. Fun Fact “Abscond” comes from the Latin abscondere, meaning “to hide away.” While it’s often used in legal or criminal contexts, it can also describe dramatic escapes in literature or film. Think of a character who vanishes mysteriously or flees after a scandal—they’ve absconded!
Nascent
Today's Word Nascent NAY-sent Definition (adjective) Coming into existence; beginning to develop. Example The nascent movement gained attention quickly through social media. Fun Fact From Latin nasci (to be born), “nascent” is used in science, tech, and culture to describe emerging trends or phenomena. A nascent idea might be a sketch on a napkin, or a nascent technology might still be in beta testing. In astronomy, a nascent star is still forming from cosmic dust—proof that greatness often starts small.