I haven't had as much time to enjoy books lately because of the holidays. Consequently, the first two words I've selected to highlight today are from my 365 New Words-a-Year calendar, and the third is from a new-to-me word site.
1. niveous: of or relating to snow; resembling snow (as in whiteness); snowy
This word isn't used much today, except in spelling bees or word games, but I hope you'll enjoy these niveous photos from a few years ago.
 |
| Jenny |
 |
| In loving memory of Jenny |
 |
| Cuyamaca snow scene |
I jumped ahead in my calendar a few days for this word, because I think it's a great expression to know--and put into practice. It dates back to the days before the invention of the automobile, when horses were the preferred mode of transportation. The "shank" part of the expression refers to the lower leg.
The next time I want to take a walk, I may surprise my companion and suggest that we travel by shank's mare to our destination.
3. kiasu: (adjective) afraid to lose; (noun) a fear of losing used to describe a person who's overly competitiveSometimes I suspect that some of the people I play Words with Friends with are kiasu, and will do anything to win.
This word is the word-of-the-day from Wordnik, a wonderful word site I've recently discovered.
Wondrous Words Wednesday is the perfect meme for wordies or wordsmiths. What new word discoveries have you made recently?
Posts
I didn't know the meaning of any of these words. Thanks for the definitions and examples!
ReplyDeleteI have to agree with Harvee, I didn't know any of these words either.
ReplyDeleteThose are all new to me. I'm going to try shank's mare on my mom - I'm going to see her tomorrow and I'm sure we'll be walking.
ReplyDeleteVery interesting words today. All new to me except shank's mare. My husband and I read a lot of Westerns and it occurs occasionally in them. I'm off to check out WordNik. Thanks for the link.
ReplyDeleteWow! You've got some really unusual additions here! Love niveous - it has me wondering about its origin. It's reminding me of the Spanish word for snow, so I'm guessing it has Latin roots...? Nice to meet you today!
ReplyDeleteOooh, I love niveous! Living in Upstate New York, I think I will find a lot of use for it. :)
ReplyDeleteWonderful new words! Sweet photos of Jenny! Thanks for this post!
ReplyDeleteWonderous Words!! I think my WWF friends are kiasu also.Thanks for the new words and the new site.
ReplyDeleteThis looks like a fun meme!
ReplyDeleteGreat new words. I'm addicted to words with friends :) And cute pics of Jenny in the snow.
ReplyDeleteHaha.. I am going to try Shank's Mare on my Hubby and see his reaction ;) :)
ReplyDeleteWhat a great meme! Have a great weekend!
ReplyDeleteGreat words, it has to be said it is pretty niveous here in the north east of England today.
ReplyDeleteOh I love your pictures of Jenny. Lovely. In Australia we would say shank's pony rather than shank's mare, but the meaning is the same.
ReplyDeleteLOL! I'm so bad at Words with Friends compared to others but I still really enjoy it. And there have been lots of times where all I can do is wonder where they came up with these words :) Then I use the dictionary to find out what they mean. I can never resist!
ReplyDelete