- Today's Word
Raconteur
[ra-kon-TUR]
Definition
- (noun) A “raconteur” is a person who excels at telling engaging and entertaining stories. They have a natural talent for captivating their audience with their words, often drawing from their own experiences or observations to weave compelling narratives that leave listeners hanging on every word.
Example
At every party, guests would gather around the charismatic raconteur, eagerly awaiting his latest tale of adventure, humor, or intrigue.
Fun Fact
The word “raconteur” originated in France during the 17th century, derived from the French verb “raconter,” which means “to tell or relate.” Renowned raconteurs throughout history include figures such as Mark Twain, Oscar Wilde, and Winston Churchill, all known for their quick wit, sharp observations, and ability to engage audiences with their storytelling prowess. In modern times, the art of being a raconteur has extended beyond the spoken word, with many writers, filmmakers, and other artists using their skills to craft compelling narratives that resonate with their audiences.
(verb) To criticize someone or something severely and publicly, often with harsh or scathing language.
The columnist excoriated the company’s leadership for ignoring repeated safety warnings.
Excoriate comes from the Latin excoriare, meaning “to strip off the skin,” from ex- (“off”) and corium (“hide” or “skin”). While the word originally described physical abrasion, its meaning shifted metaphorically over time to describe verbal attacks so harsh they feel skin-deep, leaving nothing protected.