- Today's Word
Gigglequake
[GIG-ul-kwayk]
Definition
- (noun) An uncontrollable fit of laughter that shakes your entire body and spreads to others around you, much like the ripple effect of an earthquake. It’s characterized by its sudden onset, physical intensity, and contagious nature, often disrupting the current situation or activity.
Example
During the serious business meeting, Tom’s accidental pun triggered a gigglequake that left the entire team in tears, gasping for air, and completely derailed the agenda for a good five minutes.
Fun Fact
The term “gigglequake” combines “giggle” with “quake,” evoking the image of laughter so powerful it causes physical tremors. This playful word actually has roots in scientific observations. Laughter is known to be highly contagious due to the activation of mirror neurons in our brains. A study published in the “Journal of Neuroscience” found that the sound of laughter triggers brain regions that prepare facial muscles to join in, explaining why gigglequakes can spread so rapidly through a group. Furthermore, intense laughter has been shown to provide health benefits similar to moderate exercise.
(adjective) Existing only in theory or as an idea; not based on fact or reality; speculative or imaginary.
The architect’s notional plan for a self-sustaining city sounded brilliant in the boardroom, but engineers quickly pointed out it had no basis in practical reality.
Notional derives from the Latin notio, meaning “concept” or “idea,” itself from noscere, meaning “to know.” It entered English in the late 16th century, initially used in philosophical and logical contexts to describe things that exist purely as mental constructs rather than physical realities.