STAYD
The staid atmosphere of the boardroom left little room for creativity.
Fun Fact
Originally a variation of “stay,” staid describes someone or something that is firm, steady, and not easily moved—perfect for judges, bankers, or characters in old British novels. But while stability is good, staid sometimes hints at being a little too dull or rigid.
STAYD
The staid atmosphere of the boardroom left little room for creativity.
Fun Fact
Originally a variation of “stay,” staid describes someone or something that is firm, steady, and not easily moved—perfect for judges, bankers, or characters in old British novels. But while stability is good, staid sometimes hints at being a little too dull or rigid.
puh-JOR-uh-tiv
Calling it a “scheme” instead of a “plan” gave it a pejorative spin.
Fun Fact
Pejoratives are everywhere—“geek,” “bureaucrat,” “snowflake.” Words can shift over time too: “nerd” once was pejorative, now it’s proudly reclaimed. Linguists study how these terms evolve and how language both reflects and shapes social power.
MAWD-lin
After a few drinks, he became maudlin and talked endlessly about his lost love.
Fun Fact
“Maudlin” comes from Mary Magdalene, often portrayed crying in religious art. The word now applies to tearful sentimentality, especially when it feels over-the-top or indulgent. Think rom-coms with dramatic monologues or overly nostalgic holiday ads.
im-PECH-oo-uhs
His impetuous decision to quit his job left him scrambling for options.
Fun Fact
“Impetuous” comes from Latin impetere, meaning “to attack.” It describes decisions made in the heat of the moment—often dramatic, sometimes disastrous. Romeo and Juliet? Totally impetuous. But so are startup founders, comedians, and adventurers—when it works, it’s brilliant.
RAP-suh-dyze
She rhapsodized about her trip to Greece, describing every sunset in poetic detail.
Fun Fact
The word is linked to rhapsodes, ancient Greek performers who recited epic poems with great emotion. Today, “rhapsodize” suggests gushing admiration—for a vacation, a concert, a dish, or even a person. It’s less about logic, more about passion and awe.
PITH-ee
Her pithy reply summed up the entire argument in one sentence.
Fun Fact
“Pith” refers to the essence or core of something, and a pithy comment gets right to that core. Famous pithy speakers include Winston Churchill and Oscar Wilde, known for delivering wit and wisdom in just a few well-chosen words. The best slogans and comebacks? Almost always pithy.