Lexical Vexations disburse 1. v. to pay out (esp. from a fund), to pay (e.g., a bill). disperse 1. v. to break up, to spread something over an area, to make something evaporate. Words in the Wild: When the bank refused to disburse their life savings to the townsfolk, George had to call the police […]

Vest-Pocket Vocabulary E’gotheism, n. deification of self. Word in the Wild: A devout practitioner of egotheism, Danica insisted that not only she, but all of her coworkers, should get her birthday off as a paid holiday. If enough of us got on board with the practice of egotheism, just think of all the paid holidays […]

Vest-Pocket Vocabulary Direp’tion, n. the art of plundering. Word in the Wild: After an unknown co-worker stole his lunch out of the communal fridge for the third day running, Amir posted a snarky note demanding the sneak cease all direption. I’m in favour of a world with a lot less sacking and pillaging, but I […]

Lexical Vexations coarse 1. adj. of a thick gauge; 2. adj. rough; 3. adj. unrefined, crude (of a person). course 1. n. a path or route followed by people or things; 2. n. a series of classes on a topic of study; 3. n. an established procedure or approach to something; 4. n. a part […]

Vest-Pocket Vocabulary Chow’ter, v. to grumble like a child or frog. Word in the Wild: Amitav chowtered at his roommate after she accidentally put his 2014 tax slips through the shredder. This fun word is obsolete, but let’s not let that stop us from using it anyway. Its etymology is unknown, though chowter is similar […]

Lexical Vexations palate 1. n . the top or roof of the mouth; 2. n. one’s sense of taste. palette 1. n. an easily held flat surface on which an artist mixes paints; 2. n. a range of available colours. pallet 1. n. a straw-filled mattress, a temporary (and often uncomfortable) bed; 2. n. a […]

Vest-Pocket Vocabulary Ba’bery, n. playthings for a child. Word in the Wild: Receiving nothing but blank looks from her nephews after she asked them to clear the living room of their babery and detritus, Celine tried again: “For pity’s sake, clean up your toys and junk!” You can find a complete listing of the Word […]

Vest-Pocket Vocabulary Apocrust’ic, a. having a repelling power; astringent. Word in the Wild: If you’re planning to make your own dandelion wine, do be sure the blossoms you pick haven’t been sprayed with pesticides, which will result in an unfortunately apocrustic vintage. Oh, and a poisonous one, too. You can find a complete listing of […]

Vest-Pocket Vocabulary Zetic’ula, n. a small private room. Word in the Wild: After sharing a room with her sister for the past 8 years, Annicka needed a place of her own to gather her thoughts and hide her diary. She claimed the front-hall closet for her zeticula and begged her dad to find somewhere else […]