Tag Archives: definition

2012 Words of the Year

It’s New Year’s Eve, a time for making reflections, resolutions, hot midnight smooches—and a pretty vicious New Year’s Day hangover. But for word nerds, it’s also a time to discuss the words of the year. 2011’s selections reflected upheaval. There … Continue reading

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What decimate really means

If you are reading this from your underground doomsday bunker, I thank you for taking the time from your end-of-the-world preparations to read my humble blog. Yes, today is the day some people decided the ancient Mayans predicted would be … Continue reading

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Angle vs. angel

angle: the figure formed by two lines extending from the same point; the precise viewpoint from which something is observed or considered <a camera angle> —Merriam-Webster angel: a spiritual being superior to humans in power and intelligence —Merriam-Webster These two … Continue reading

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Bricks, eggs, and nog

Regardless whether you find it palatable, eggnog is perhaps the beverage most identified with the Christmas holiday. Merriam-Webster defines it as: “a drink consisting of eggs beaten with sugar, milk or cream, and often alcoholic liquor.” It notes the first … Continue reading

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Peel vs. peal

peel (verb): to strip off an outer layer of Example: Lawrence peeled the skin off of his apple. peel (noun): the skin or rind of a fruit Example: Becky threw her potato peels in the trash. peal (noun): the loud ringing of bells; a loud … Continue reading

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