The Challenge: Open to a random page in the dictionary and look at the first word on the upper left-hand side. Keep turning pages until you find a word you don’t know. See how many times you can use this new word in a sentence today.
Kim:
My word was “dowdy.” It has two definitions: shabby/ not neat and old-fashioned. I managed to squeeze in a few “Not too dowdy” phrases, as if to say “Not too shabby.” I have to admit I didn’t do a very good job in remembering. I usually tried to incorporate the word into my language shortly after Jason used his word. (I’m trying to be honest here.) However at dinner I used it very appropriately when referring to something being old-fashioned. So, I was able to use both definitions. I know that I am not one to use new words, so this was very different for me today and quite honestly I had a hard time remembering to even do it.
Jason:
My word today was entrechat. What??? Exactly.
en·tre·chat n.
A jump in ballet during which the dancer crosses the legs a number of times, alternately back and forth.
First of all, the word was extremely fun to say. It reminded me of the two years of French I had in high school (of which I recall almost zilch). It was so fun that I think Kim said it more times today than her own word. I was able to use it several times successfully in a sentence, including these highlights:
“I imagine that it would be quite dangerous to try an entrechat in the shower.”
(Before taking a shower this morning.)
“I’m sure I’d capture their attention if I did an entrechat to open my talk.”
(After Kim warned me before a speech I gave to seventh graders today that I shouldn’t expect to get much of a reaction out of them, even if they are enjoying it.)
“I’d say the driving performance you pulled off tonight was more difficult than an entrechat.”
(After Kim had successfully navigated congested Chicago traffic in the middle of a downpour.)
Dark Room Confessionals:
Bonus Video: Kim | Jason
So, who was most creative with today’s challenge? Who went beyond the comfort zone and put the biggest hammer on Adultitis? Who did a better job of capturing the spirit of childhood, Kim or Jason? Cast Your Vote!
Tomorrow’s Challenge: Audio Sneak Peek
The word that stumbled upon us today was the word ewer. Yep you guessed it, a large pitcher. This word was very easy to use throughout the day becuase Katie and I enjoy ewers of Kool-Aid. I even requested that we make another ewer when the ewer was empty.
The word I found was afeard (schwa e-fîrd)
adj. Afraid. This word was tricky for me to use, but I managed. I think I said something like “I’m afeard that we will have a hard time getting Belle to give up her pacifier.” Even better though, was my use of the phony accent. We were at a very hoity-toity art show at this mansion in Kenosha and I decided to try out my Southern accent. Near one of the treat tables, I asked a group of ladies, “Do ya’ll know where the bathroom is in this place?” (long emphasis on the a in place). The woman gave me a smile and directed me the right way. I’m not sure if she was smiling at the sweet Southerner or if she could tell I was faking it. I made sure to say thank you in my best Southern accent before the encounter was over.
My word: disgorge. to discharge from the throat; to vomit; to give up (what one has wrongfully seized). Not a very pleasant word, but it worked quite humorously in a number of sentences – just the mere fact of trying to use the word – even inappropriately in sentences was probably the most hysterical part!
Presidium: n; in the Soviet Union (how old is this dictionary? oh, 1990 hmm) a committee, usually permanent.
I utilzed my word by commenting on several instances during tv shows and movies where a presidium might have to make a decision. Kind of a tough word to “work in there” but also amusing to abuse!
Chassis: noun; a general term that refers to all of the mechanical parts of a car attached to a structural frame. In cars with unitized construction, the chassis comprises everything but the body of the car.
Looked up the word, but didn’t get a chance to use it today…..maybe tomorrow!
Kim, you can add “chassis” to your list of car knowledge from challenge #1 😀
My new word was SPRENT which means sprinkled.
I used sprent in these situations:
Last night I told LInda: Your brown hair is sprent with gray.
This AM I told my boss Pete: Your bald head is sprent with tiny grayish brown hairs.
Today I told one of my co-workers: Your pants are sprent with tinkle. (I did say this but I made that up because I just wanted to). He looked down and was quite embarrassed.
Finally I told Don at work when he was complaining about his problems. I said: Your day is sprent with problems.
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variegated \VAIR-ee-uh-gay-tid\, adjective:
1. Having marks or patches of different colors; as, “variegated leaves or flowers.”
2. Varied; distinguished or characterized by variety; diversified.