muh-RASS
(noun) A complicated or confusing situation; literally, a swamp.
They found themselves in a legal morass with no clear way forward.
Fun Fact
Originally a term for a literal bog, “morass” now often describes bureaucratic, emotional, or political messes. It’s a favorite of journalists covering gridlocked governments or corporate chaos.
hiss-tree-ON-ik
(adjective) Overly dramatic or emotional in behavior or speech; exaggerated for effect.
Her reaction to the minor inconvenience was so histrionic that everyone nearby stopped to stare.
Histrionic comes from the Latin histrio, meaning “actor,” and originally referred to stage performance. Over time, the meaning expanded to describe behavior that resembles theatrical acting—exaggerated, emotional, and designed to draw attention.
Fun Fact
Psychologists note that histrionic behavior can sometimes emerge in high-pressure environments, like competitive arts, sports, or politics, where expressive displays grab attention quickly. Studies in communication science show that dramatic gestures and heightened emotion can make messages seem more memorable — but also less trustworthy when overused.
Today's Word Histrionic hiss-tree-ON-ik Definition (adjective) Overly dramatic or emotional...
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