- Today's Word
Waftitude
[WAFT-i-tood]
Definition
- (noun) The ability to move through social situations with effortless grace and charm, leaving a positive impression without seeming to try. It’s the quality of someone who seems to float through a room, effortlessly engaging with others and making everyone feel at ease.
Example
Despite being new to the company, Sarah’s natural waftitude allowed her to navigate the office party with ease, making connections and leaving a lasting positive impression on her colleagues.
Fun Fact
The term “waftitude” combines “waft” (to float gently through the air) with the suffix “-itude” (denoting a state or condition). This concept touches on aspects of social psychology and emotional intelligence. Research published in the “Journal of Personality and Social Psychology” has shown that individuals with high emotional intelligence often display characteristics similar to waftitude. They’re adept at reading social cues, managing their own emotions, and positively influencing the emotions of others. This neurochemical response can enhance feelings of trust and connection, explaining why people with high waftitude often leave others feeling uplifted and valued after interactions.
(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.