GAF
(noun) A noticeable mistake or blunder, especially in public.
The candidate’s gaffe during the debate quickly went viral.
Fun Fact
From French origins meaning “hook,” gaffe originally referred to getting caught—fitting, since most gaffes get noticed and circulated fast. Politicians, celebrities, and anyone with a microphone are prone to them. What makes it a gaffe is the cringe factor: it’s not just wrong, it’s awkwardly obvious.
ED-uh-fye
(verb) To instruct or improve someone morally or intellectually.
The speaker hoped his words would edify the audience, not just entertain them.
Fun Fact
Edify comes from Latin aedificare, meaning “to build”—and that metaphor still holds. When you edify someone, you’re building them up with knowledge or insight. It’s often used in religious or philosophical contexts, but also applies to writing, art, or film that challenges us to think more deeply. A TED Talk can be informative—but the really good ones? They edify.