- Today's Word
Gallivant
[GAL-uh-vant]
Definition
- (verb) To wander or travel around for pleasure, often in a carefree or irresponsible manner. It implies roaming or gadding about, usually without any specific purpose or destination in mind.
Example
Instead of studying for their final exams, the college friends decided to gallivant across Europe, hopping from one city to another on a whimsical adventure.
Fun Fact
The word “gallivant” is thought to have originated in the early 19th century as a colloquial term. It may be derived from “gallant,” referring to a dashing young man, combined with the suffix “-vant” from words like “extravagant.” Initially, it often had a negative connotation, implying frivolous or irresponsible behavior.
(noun) A burden, duty, or responsibility—especially one that is difficult or unwelcome.
The onus of proving the theory fell on the scientists who proposed it.
From Latin onus, meaning “load” or “burden.”