www.fgks.org   »   [go: up one dir, main page]

Word of the Day

Thursday, November 29, 2018
keek
[ keek ]

verb

Scot. and North England. to peep; look furtively.

learn about the english language

What is the origin of keek?

Keek “to peep” is a verb used in Scotland and northern England. It does not occur in Old English but is related to, if not derived from, Middle Dutch and Middle Low German kīken “to look.” Keek dates from the late 14th century, first appearing in The Canterbury Tales.

how is keek used?

I will be near by him, and when he keeks round to spy ye, I will bring him such a clout as will gar him keep his eyes private for ever.

Alfred Ollivant, "Danny," Everybody's Magazine, Volume 6, January to June, 1902

And at that he keeks out o’ the wee back window, plainly fearing that old Hornie himself was on the tracks o’ him.

Michael Innes, From London Far, 1946
quiz icon
WHAT'S YOUR WORD IQ?
Think you're a word wizard? Try our word quiz, and prove it!
TAKE THE QUIZ
arrows pointing up and down
SYNONYM OF THE DAY
Double your word knowledge with the Synonym of the Day!
SEE TODAY'S SYNONYM

Get A Vocabulary Boost In Your Inbox

Get the Word of the Day every day!
  • This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.
Wednesday, November 28, 2018
atelier
[ at-l-yey, at-l-yey ]

noun

a workshop or studio, especially of an artist, artisan, or designer.

learn about the english language

What is the origin of atelier?

The English noun atelier, not quite naturalized, comes from French atelier “workshop,” from Old French astelier “pile of wood chips, workshop, carpenter’s workshop,” a derivative of Old French astele “chip,” which comes from Late Latin astella “splinter,” a variant of astula, assula “splinter, chip,” diminutives of Latin assis, axis “plank, board.” Atelier entered English in the 19th century.

how is atelier used?

Upon his arrival she began by introducing him to her atelier and making a sketch of him.

Kate Chopin, The Awakening, 1899

The secret atelier is the pezzo forte of the place, a beautifully cluttered warren of objects, art pieces and ephemera.

Chiara Barzini, "The Secret Atelier Behind a Roman Boutique," New York Times Style Magazine, May 16, 2018
Tuesday, November 27, 2018
tsuris
[ tsoor-is, tsur- ]

noun

Slang. trouble; woe.

learn about the english language

What is the origin of tsuris?

Tsuris is from Yiddish tsures, tsores. This, in turn came from Hebrew ṣarā, plural ṣarōth meaning “troubles.” Tsuris entered English in the 1970s.

how is tsuris used?

Graham, I want Jack’s work in the show, don’t give me any tsuris on this.

Marc Olden, Wellington's, 1977

Initially, the series only broadly winked at the reasons for Jack’s slow-burning tsuris.

Manohla Dargis, "Patriarch Faces Future: Who to Lead Nutty Clan When He Is Gone?" New York Times, December 21, 2010

Get A Vocabulary Boost In Your Inbox

Get the Word of the Day every day!
  • This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.