- Today's Word
Gigglesnort
[GIG-uhl-snort]
Definition
- (noun/verb) A sudden, uncontrollable burst of laughter that results in an involuntary snorting sound. As a verb, it means to laugh in this manner, combining a giggle and a snort.
Example
When her friend told the ridiculous joke, Sarah couldn’t help but gigglesnort, causing the whole group to erupt in even more laughter.
Fun Fact
While “gigglesnort” isn’t found in standard dictionaries, it’s a prime example of a linguistic blend or portmanteau – a word created by combining parts of two existing words. In this case, “giggle” and “snort” are merged to describe a specific type of laughter. This word formation process is common in informal language and often results in vivid, expressive terms that capture complex ideas or actions in a single word. “Gigglesnort” effectively conveys both the sound and the slightly embarrassing nature of this type of laughter, demonstrating how creative word combinations can fill lexical gaps in describing human experiences.
(adjective) Practicing severe self-discipline and avoiding all forms of indulgence, often for spiritual or philosophical reasons.
He adopted an ascetic lifestyle, giving up comforts and focusing on meditation, study, and simple living.
Ascetic comes from the Greek askētikos, meaning “practicing training or exercise,” originally used for athletes. Over time the term shifted toward spiritual discipline, describing people who trained their minds and bodies through restraint, simplicity, and renunciation of physical pleasures.