Podcasts about Vocabulary

Merriam-Webster's Word of the Day for June 25, 2025 is: flotsam • FLAHT-sum • noun Flotsam refers to the floating pieces that remain after a shipwreck, or more broadly to any floating debris or wreckage. It is also used figuratively to refer to miscellaneous or unimportant material, often in the phrase "flotsam and jetsam." // Driftwood and other flotsam washed onto the beach. // Their apartment was adorned with the flotsam and jetsam of thrift stores and yard sales. See the entry > Examples: "The Vancouver multidisciplinary artist and educator [Alex Tedlie-Stursberg] works in various mediums, using found objects and natural materials scavenged from the ocean's edge and the landscape of the city. Detritus and flotsam become parts of beautiful sculptures, tableaus and assemblages in this artist's hands." — Dana Gee, The Vancouver (British Columbia) Sun, 23 Nov. 2024 Did you know? English speakers started using flotsam, jetsam, and lagan as legal terms in the 16th and 17th centuries, with flotsam itself dating to the first years of the 17th. The three words were used to establish claims of ownership of the three types of seaborne, vessel-originated goods they named. Flotsam was anything from a shipwreck (the word comes from Anglo-French floter, meaning "to float"), and jetsam and lagan were items thrown overboard to reduce the cargo weight of a ship. Lagan was distinguished from jetsam by having a buoy attached so the goods could be found if they sank. In the 19th century, when flotsam and jetsam took on extended meanings, they developed synonymous applications and are today often paired, lagan having mostly been left at sea.

This episode explores the fundamental mindset of building your vocabulary, extending beyond literal words to conceptual understanding and mental models, and how Large Language Models (LLMs) can be a powerful tool for expanding and refining this crucial skill for career growth, clarity, and navigating disruptions.Uncover why building your vocabulary is a fundamental skill that can help you navigate career transitions, disruptions (such as those caused by AI), and changes in roles.Understand that "vocabulary" goes beyond literal words to include mental models, understanding your own self, specific diagrams (like causal loop diagrams or C4 diagrams), and programming paradigms or design patterns. This conceptual vocabulary provides access to nuanced and powerful ways of thinking.Learn how LLMs can be incredibly useful for refining and expanding your conceptual vocabulary, allowing you to explore new subjects, understand systems, and identify leverage points. They can help you understand the connotations, origins, and applications of concepts, as well as how they piece together with adjacent ideas.Discover why starting with fundamental primitives like inputs, outputs, flows, and system types can help you develop vocabulary, and how LLMs can suggest widely used tools or visualisations based on these primitives (e.g., a scatter plot for XY data).Explore why focusing on understanding the "why" and "when" of using a concept or tool is a much higher leverage skill than merely knowing "how" to use it, enabling you to piece together different vocabulary pieces for deeper insights.

Merriam-Webster's Word of the Day for June 24, 2025 is: noisome • NOY-sum • adjective Noisome is a formal and literary word used to describe things that are very unpleasant or disgusting; it is used especially to describe offensive smells. Noisome can also mean “highly obnoxious or objectionable” as in “we were put off by their noisome habits.” // The noisome odor of a trash can in the alley was so strong that even diners seated inside the adjacent restaurant complained to staff. See the entry > Examples: “During the fourteenth century, the bubonic plague outbreak that came to be known as the Black Death claimed thousands of victims, condemning them to a rapid and painful end. As the sufferers deteriorated, the disease tainted them with a tell-tale, repellent stench, which seemed to confirm smell as the root cause of the illness. ... Noisome dwellings were set right by fumigation, while rooms were doused with strong-smelling substances like vinegar and turpentine—anything to keep at bay the dreaded miasma.” — Ashley Ward, Where We Meet the World: The Story of the Senses, 2023 Did you know? Noisome looks and sounds like a close relation of noisy, but it's not. While noisy describes what is excessively loud, noisome typically describes what is excessively stinky. (It is also used to describe things offensive to the senses generally, as well as things that are highly obnoxious, objectionable, or simply harmful.) Noisome comes from the synonymous Middle English noysome, which combines the suffix -some, meaning “characterized by a specified thing,” and the noun noy, meaning “annoyance.” Noisy, incidentally, comes ultimately from Latin nausea, meaning “nausea.”

Improve your vocabulary, pronunciation and pace while reading a book out loud with me! We're reading the ‘Let Them' book by Mel Robbins. Not only is it an excellent practice, it's also a great way for us to understand how WE can adopt this theory in our lives. Download the PDF here to follow along and improve your vocabulary [Free!] https://bit.ly/4likIrM More ‘read out loud' videos: https://bit.ly/4fx9j4t

The other day was the 53rd anniversary of the break-in at the Watergate Hotel, which not only caused a lot of political uproar, it had a big linguistic legacy: the suffix -gate to mean a scandal. Today, as part of Four Letter Word season, we have a list of -gates - royal, sporting, political, food, showbiz - it's a non-exhaustive list because there are so many, and new ones are being spawned all the time. Content warning for all sorts of bad human behaviour.At theallusionist.org/gate you'll find a transcript of this episode, plus links to more information about many of the -gates, and to the rest of Four Letter Word season.Also check theallusionist.org/events for upcoming live shows, including a special collab with Material Girls podcast, and an event with Samin Nosrat for her new book Good Things.Support the show at theallusionist.org/donate and as well as keeping this independent podcast going, you also get behind-the-scenes glimpses about every episode, livestreams with me and my collection of dictionaries, and the charming and supportive Allusioverse Discord community.This episode was produced by me, Helen Zaltzman, on the unceded ancestral and traditional territory of xʷməθkʷəy̓əm (Musqueam), Sḵwx̱wú7mesh (Squamish), and səlilwətaɬ (Tsleil-Waututh) Nations. The music is by Martin Austwick. Download his songs at palebirdmusic.com and listen to his podcasts Song By Song and Neutrino Watch.Find the Allusionist at youtube.com/allusionistshow, instagram.com/allusionistshow, facebook.com/allusionistshow, @allusionistshow.bsky.social… If I'm there, I'm there as @allusionistshow. Our ad partner is Multitude. If you want me to talk compellingly about your product, sponsor an episode: contact Multitude at multitude.productions/ads. This episode is sponsored by:• Understance, a growing Vancouver BC company making thoughtfully designed, pretty and comfy bras, undies and sleepwear. They're having a sale on June 26-July 1 so get over there and stock up at understance.com or at their stores in Vancouver, Burnaby, Calgary and Toronto. • Squarespace, your one-stop shop for building and running your online forever home. Go to squarespace.com/allusionist for a free 2-week trial, and get 10 percent off your first purchase of a website or domain with the code allusionist.• Home Chef, meal kits that fit your needs. For a limited time, Home Chef is offering Allusionist listeners fifty per cent off and free shipping on your first box, plus free dessert for life, at HomeChef.com/allusionist.• Rosetta Stone, immersive and effective language learning. Allusionist listeners get 50% off unlimited access to all 25 language courses, for life: go to rosettastone.com/allusionist.• Quince, luxurious clothing and homewares at prices 50-80% lower than comparable brands. Go to Quince.com/allusionist for free shipping on your order and 365-day returns.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Join our B2 English Fluency course and save up to $50 off the normal price this week only. Offer expires June 29th at midnight. Plus, get a free bonus course: How to Be Polite in English. Go to allearsenglish.com/b2 to enroll now. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Merriam-Webster's Word of the Day for June 23, 2025 is: wherewithal • WAIR-wih-thawl • noun Wherewithal refers to the means, skills, resources, or money that is needed to get or do something. // The company does not have the financial wherewithal to expand into other markets at this time. See the entry > Examples: "... it is heartening to know that there are people of real influence who have the will and wherewithal to help lift the city out of the doldrums." — Scott Wright, The Herald (Scotland), 15 May 2025 Did you know? If wherewithal sounds like three words smashed together, that's because it is—sort of. Wherewithal combines where and withal, an adverb from Middle English that is itself a combination of with and all. In the past, wherewithal was used as a conjunction meaning "with or by means of which" and as a pronoun meaning "that with or by which." Today, however, it is almost always used as a noun to refer to the means or resources a person or entity has at their disposal. It refers especially to financial resources, but other means such as social influence, ability, and emotional capacity may also be termed as "wherewithal."

Merriam-Webster's Word of the Day for June 22, 2025 is: bemuse • bih-MYOOZ • verb If you are bemused by something, you are confused or bewildered by it, and often also somewhat amused. // The contestant seemed somewhat bemused by the question, but gave the correct answer. See the entry > Examples: “The duck touched down on the surface of Raymond James Stadium just minutes before the Bucs scored their own touchdown. ... Many of the staff not assigned to work on the field were bemused by the sight of Anchor carrying a duck out of the stadium. They held cellphones and took pictures.” — Rick Stroud, The Tampa Bay (Florida) Times, 1 Jan. 2025 Did you know? In 1735, British poet Alexander Pope lamented, in rhyme, being besieged by “a parson much bemus'd in beer.” The cleric in question was apparently one of a horde of would-be poets who pestered Pope with requests that he read their verses. Pope meant that the parson had found his muse—his inspiration—in beer. That use of bemused harks back to a 1705 letter in which Pope wrote of “Poets … irrecoverably Be-mus'd.” In both letter and poem, Pope used bemused to allude to being inspired by or devoted to one of the Muses, the Greek sister goddesses of art, music, and literature. The lexicographers who followed him, however, interpreted “bemus'd in beer” as meaning “left confused by beer,” and their confusion gave rise to the “bewilder” sense of bemuse. The newer (and very common) use of bemuse to mean “to cause to have feelings of wry or tolerant amusement” is a topic of some dispute, as discussed here.

Transform your English speaking skills with this insightful episode that reveals the secret behind native-like fluency. Learn how just five fundamental question words (Who, What, When, Where, Why) can revolutionize your conversation abilities and help you sound more natural in English.Key Points Covered:Master the "5W" framework for structuring clear, coherent responses in EnglishReal-life application through five practical scenarios: Dream job discussionsSharing hobbies and interestsDiscussing achievementsPersonal development goalsDefining successAdvanced vocabulary enrichment with contextual examplesStrategic thinking process for organizing thoughts before speakingWhat You'll Learn:How to transform basic responses into sophisticated, native-like expressionsTechniques for incorporating advanced vocabulary naturallyThe thinking-to-speaking process that native speakers useMethods to structure comprehensive and engaging responsesReady to take your English speaking skills to the next level?Resources:FluencyPanion NotebookSpeak English Like A Native CourseIf you want to sign up for the free English email newsletter, go to https://speakenglishwithtiffani.com/newsletter

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Merriam-Webster's Word of the Day for June 21, 2025 is: litmus test • LIT-mus-TEST • noun A litmus test is something (such as an opinion about a political or moral issue) that is used to make a judgment about whether someone or something is acceptable. // At our family's Thanksgiving dinner, the litmus test for good mac and cheese is whether or not it is baked. See the entry > Examples: “The audience in a Broadway show can be intoxicating, and it's like a litmus test. If a joke doesn't land one night, you tell it differently the next night. It's terrifying, on set, to have no idea if something is working.” — Erika Henningsen, quoted in The Hollywood Reporter, 1 May 2025 Did you know? It was in the 14th century that scientists discovered that litmus, a mixture of colored organic compounds obtained from lichen, turns red in acid solutions and blue in alkaline solutions and, thus, can be used as an acid-base indicator. Six centuries later, people began using litmus test figuratively. It can now refer to any single factor that establishes the true character of something or causes something to be assigned to one category or another. Often it refers to something (such as an opinion about a political or moral issue) that can be used to make a judgment about whether someone or something is acceptable or not.

Merriam-Webster's Word of the Day for June 20, 2025 is: convivial • kun-VIV-ee-ul • adjective Convivial means "relating to, occupied with, or fond of feasting, drinking, and good company." // A convivial atmosphere filled the gallery, with good food in abundance, and wine and conversation both flowing freely. // The guests' convivial chatter filled the hall. See the entry > Examples: "For Chrissy Metz, whose childhood upbringing was modest, she says, this house signifies more than just its aesthetic beauty. 'To have a home that I can invite people to and entertain is so important to me,' the actor confides, adding that she always invites people over when she's in town. ... The front sitting room, for example, which doubles as a game room, is the scene of many convivial game nights." — Ariel Foxman, Architectural Digest, 9 Sept. 2024 Did you know? Convivial is a cheerful word that typically suggests a mood of full-bellied delight in good food, good drink, and good company, which Charles Dickens aptly captures in his novel David Copperfield: "We had a beautiful little dinner. Quite an elegant dish of fish; the kidney-end of a loin of veal, roasted; fried sausage-meat; a partridge, and a pudding. There was wine, and there was strong ale. ... Mr. Micawber was uncommonly convivial. I never saw him such good company. He made his face shine with the punch, so that it looked as if it had been varnished all over. He got cheerfully sentimental about the town, and proposed success to it." Convivial traces back to the Latin word convivium, meaning "banquet," which in turn comes from the verb vivere, meaning "to live." The word is in good company, as vivere has breathed plenty of life into the English language; other common descendants include survive, revive, vivid, and vivacious.

In today's episode, you will learn a series of vocabulary words that are connected to a specific topic. This lesson will help you improve your ability to speak English fluently about a specific topic. It will also help you feel more confident in your English abilities. 5 Vocabulary WordsCampaign (Noun): A coordinated series of activities and efforts to raise money or support for a project or cause. Example Sentences:The startup launched a crowdfunding campaign to fund the development of their new app.The campaign was promoted through social media to reach a wider audience.Successful campaigns often have a clear message and engage with potential backers effectively.Backer (Noun): An individual who supports a crowdfunding project by contributing money or resources.Example Sentences:The project exceeded its funding goal thanks to the generosity of numerous backers.Backers are often offered rewards or incentives in exchange for their support.Keeping backers informed about the progress of the project is crucial for maintaining their trust.Pledge (Noun / Verb): A commitment to donate a specific amount of money to a crowdfunding campaign.Example Sentences:She made a pledge to contribute $100 to the crowdfunding campaign for the new gadget.The campaign saw a surge in pledges after a high-profile endorsement.Campaign organizers track pledges to gauge how close they are to reaching their funding goal.Milestone (Noun): A significant point or stage in the progress of a crowdfunding campaign, often tied to specific funding goals or project achievements.Example Sentences:Reaching the first milestone of $10,000 was a major achievement for the crowdfunding campaign.Milestones are often celebrated and used to update backers on the campaign's progress.The project set several milestones to encourage continued support and investment.Reward (Noun): An incentive or benefit offered to backers in exchange for their support of a crowdfunding project.Example Sentences:Backers who contributed $50 received a special edition of the product as a reward.Rewards are often tiered based on the amount of the pledge to attract more supporters.The campaign included creative rewards to encourage higher levels of backing.A Paragraph using the 5 vocabulary wordsCrowdfunding is a process of raising funds from a large number of people, typically through the internet. In a typical crowdfunding campaign, a project initiator sets a funding goal and offers rewards to individuals who pledge to contribute money. These rewards can be anything from a simple thank-you message to a physical product or service. As the campaign progresses, it often reaches milestones that can unlock additional rewards or benefits for backers. The success of a crowdfunding campaign depends on the ability to attract a large number of backers who are willing to support the project.If you want to sign up for the free daily English vocabulary newsletter, go towww.dailyenglishvocabulary.com

Merriam-Webster's Word of the Day for June 19, 2025 is: emancipation • ih-man-suh-PAY-shun • noun Emancipation refers to the act of freeing someone from the restraint, control, or power of another. It is used especially for the act of freeing someone from slavery. // Jomo Kenyatta played a key role in the emancipation of Kenya from European rule in the 1960s and became the first president of the newly independent nation. See the entry > Examples: “Rappahannock County's calming beauty and rolling hills hold stories from the Civil War era waiting to be told. Howard Lambert, a Culpeper native and the first African American president of the Brandy Station Foundation, has worked tirelessly to bring these stories to life, especially those of Black Civil War soldiers. ... He also has a personal connection to the Civil War. His great-great-uncle, Fielding Turner, served in the 20th United States Colored Troops (USCT) Infantry Regiment, fighting in pivotal battles and helping to announce emancipation in Texas now commemorated as Juneteenth.” — Ayana SummerlinRosa, The Culpeper (Virginia) Star-Exponent, 11 Mar. 2025 Did you know? To emancipate someone (including oneself) is to free them from restraint, control, or the power of another, and especially to free them from bondage or enslavement. It follows that the noun emancipation refers to the act or practice of emancipating. The Emancipation Proclamation issued by Abraham Lincoln on January 1, 1863, for example, ordered that enslaved people living in the Confederate states be released from the bonds of ownership and made free people. It took more than two years for news of the proclamation to reach the enslaved communities in the distant state of Texas. The arrival of the news on June 19 (of 1865) is now celebrated as a national holiday—Juneteenth or Emancipation Day.

listener comments? Feedback? Shoot us a text! Support the showYour Hosts:Kurly Tlapoyawa is an archaeologist, ethnohistorian, and filmmaker. His research covers Mesoamerica, the American Southwest, and the historical connections between the two regions. He is the author of numerous books and has presented lectures at the University of New Mexico, Harvard University, Yale University, San Diego State University, and numerous others. He most recently released his documentary short film "Guardians of the Purple Kingdom," and is a cultural consultant for Nickelodeon Animation Studios.@kurlytlapoyawaRuben Arellano Tlakatekatl is a scholar, activist, and professor of history. His research explores Chicana/Chicano indigeneity, Mexican indigenist nationalism, and Coahuiltecan identity resurgence. Other areas of research include Aztlan (US Southwest), Anawak (Mesoamerica), and Native North America. He has presented and published widely on these topics and has taught courses at various institutions. He currently teaches history at Dallas College – Mountain View Campus. Find us: Bluesky Instagram Merch: Shop Aztlantis Book: The Four Disagreements: Letting Go of Magical Thinking

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In today's episode you will learn essential health and sickness related phrases in Greek. Emily and Danai will first engage in a dialogue talking about Emily's flu and then give you some more phrases we use when feeling under the weather.D: Έμιλυ, πώς πήγε η επίσκεψη στον γιατρό; Τι σου είπε; / Emily, how did the doctor's visit go? What did he say?E: Δεν έχω απλό κρυολόγημα τελικά… Ο γιατρός μου είπε ότι έχω γρίπη. / It turns out I don't just have a simple cold… The doctor told me I have the flu.D: Ωχ! Και ποια είναι τα συμπτώματά σου; / Oh no! And what are your symptoms?E: Έχω ανεβασμένο πυρετό, πονόλαιμο, δυνατό πονοκέφαλο, πόνους στα κόκαλα και συνάχι. Νιώθω εντελώς εξαντλημένη. /  I have a high fever, a sore throat, a bad headache, body aches, and a stuffy nose. I feel completely exhausted.D:Πωπωω, ταλαιπωρείσαι πολύ! Ζαλίζεσαι κιόλας; / Wow, you're really suffering! Are you also feeling dizzy?Ε: Όχι πολύ. Είχα κάποιες ζαλάδες το πρωί αλλά τώρα σταμάτησαν και έχω μόνο ρίγος. / Not much. I had some dizziness this morning, but it stopped, and now I just have chills.D: Τι σου είπε να κάνεις; / What did the doctor tell you to do?E: Μου είπε να ξεκουραστώ όσο μπορώ, να πίνω πολλά υγρά και να πάρω παυσίπονα και αντιπυρετικά για τον πυρετό και τους πόνους. / He told me to rest as much as I can, drink lots of fluids, and take painkillers and fever reducers for the fever and the aches.D: Πρέπει να πάρεις αντιβίωση; / Do you need antibiotics?E: Όχι, προς το παρόν δεν χρειάζεται αντιβίωση. / No, for now, I don't need antibiotics. D: Μάλιστα… Οπότε, απλά υπομονή και ξεκούραση! /  I see… So, just patience and rest for now!E: Ναι, ακριβώς! Αν ο πυρετός δεν πέσει σε λίγες μέρες, πρέπει να ξαναμιλήσω με τον γιατρό. / Yes, exactly! If the fever doesn't go down in a few days, I'll have to talk to the doctor again.D: Εντάξει, λοιπόν! Μείνε στο κρεβάτι, πιες πολλά υγρά, φάε πολλές σούπες και ξεκουράσου! / Alright then! Stay in bed, drink lots of fluids, eat lots of soups, and rest!Έ: Ναι, θα προσπαθήσω! Ευχαριστώ που ανησυχείς! / Yes, I'll try! Thanks for worrying!Δ: Εννοείται! Περαστικά και σύντομα καλύτερα! / Of course! Get well soon and feel better quickly!Check out our Instagram @greek_lang_experts or visit our website for our upcoming⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Greek classes⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠!This summer learn Greek while enjoying your vacation! Fill out the⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Interest Form⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ and learn more about our fun retreat in Nafpaktos, Greece.If you enjoyed this episode please rate our podcast and leave a comment!

Merriam-Webster's Word of the Day for June 18, 2025 is: jeopardize • JEP-er-dyze • verb To jeopardize something or someone is to put them at risk or in danger. // The wrong decision could seriously jeopardize the success of the project. See the entry > Examples: “To keep the cub from forming bonds with people that could jeopardize his return to the wild, staff members charged with his care are dressing up in bear costumes, including a mask, fur coat and leather gloves.” — Summer Lin, The Los Angeles Times, 24 May 2025 Did you know? Imagine you're a contestant on a game show, and your task is to provide a question as a response to this statement from the host: “This word was once controversial, and in 1870 a grammarian called it ‘a foolish and intolerable word,' a view shared by many 19th-century critics.” If you answered, “What is jeopardize?,” you might be going home with some money! The preferred word back then was jeopard, which first appeared in print in the 14th century. The upstart jeopardize didn't arrive until the late 16th century, and took a while to catch on. In 1828, Noah Webster himself declared jeopardize to be “a modern word, used by respectable writers in America, but synonymous with jeopard, and therefore useless.” Unfortunately for the champions of jeopard, increased usage of jeopardize ultimately put the former word in jeopardy. Jeopard is now only rarely heard.

Merriam-Webster's Word of the Day for June 17, 2025 is: apologia • ap-uh-LOH-jee-uh • noun An apologia is a defense especially of one's opinions, position, or actions. // The opinion piece reads like an apologia for the industry's reckless behavior. See the entry > Examples: "Yes, Barbie is a polarizing toy ... but [Greta] Gerwig leaped right to what else Barbie is: a potent, complicated, contradictory symbol that stands near the center of a decades-long and still-running argument about how to be a woman. ... The movie is a celebration of Barbie and a subterranean apologia for Barbie." — Willa Paskin, The New York Times, 11 July 2023 Did you know? As you might expect, apologia is a close relative of apology. Both words come from Late Latin; apologia came to English as a direct borrowing while apology traveled through Middle French. The Latin apologia can be traced back to the Greek verb apologeîsthai, meaning "to speak in defense; defend oneself." In their earliest English uses, apologia and apology meant basically the same thing: a formal defense or justification of one's actions or opinions. Nowadays, however, the two are distinct. The modern apology generally involves an admission of wrongdoing and an expression of regret for past actions, while an apologia typically focuses on explaining, justifying, or making clear the grounds for some course of action, belief, or position.

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Merriam-Webster's Word of the Day for June 16, 2025 is: garrulous • GAIR-uh-lus • adjective Someone described as garrulous is very talkative. When garrulous is used to describe a piece of language (such as a speech), it means “containing many and often too many words; wordy.” // One of the dinner party guests was a garrulous poet whose stories kept most of us in stitches. // We tried our best to stay awake during the principal's garrulous speech. See the entry > Examples: “Verbosity [in Academy Awards acceptance speeches] became more of a problem with the advent of television coverage in the 1950s. As millions of viewers watched from around the world, actors and directors—also cinematographers, sound editors and costume designers—often lingered in the spotlight. The academy eventually instituted a 45-second time limit and directed the orchestra to play garrulous winners off stage.” — David Wharton, The Los Angeles Times, 8 Mar. 2024 Did you know? We all know someone who blabs, gabs, or even confabs a little longer than necessary. You might refer to such a person as a chatty Cathy, but “garrulous Gary” would also make a perfectly apt nom de guerre. Garrulous, after all, is a 17th century Latin borrowing that has its origin in garrīre, meaning “to chatter, talk rapidly.” That Latin root is probably imitative in origin—that is, it was coined to imitate what it refers to. English has a number of words that are imitative in origin, among them several others that can describe the actions of that one friend who does all the talking, such as babble and chatter.

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◆ In this episode, I am talking about some YouTube channels that I watch, using vocabulary and grammar from GENKI 1. (GENKI 1 is a Japanese textbook meant for beginners at JLPT N5 / CEFR A1 level.)   ◆ This story was originally released as Ep.14 on April the 30th, 2024. I just re-recorded it and created a listening comprehension exercise, answer key, vocabulary list and transcript for it for Patreon members, which was not available when it was first released.   ◆ You will need to be a subscriber to my Patreon monthly membership to listen to it. The sample audio file is available on my Patreon site.   ◆ Patreon Here are the benefits for my Patreon members : (Note : The benefits you get vary based on the tier you select.) - Podcast episodes  - Vocabulary lists with English translation - Transcripts - Listening comprehension exercises (These are all in Kanji with Furigana.) - Answer keys for the exercises - Photos related to the episodes with captions  - Extra information & fun facts related to the episodes Check out  my Patreon page for more information : patreon.com/JapanesewithMeg   ◆ You are cordially invited to... - leave me a review on Apple Podcast - rate my podcast on Spotify

The Vocabulary 

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Merriam-Webster's Word of the Day for June 15, 2025 is: progeny • PRAH-juh-nee • noun Progeny refers to the child or descendant of a particular parent or family. Progeny can also refer to the offspring of an animal or plant, or broadly to something that is the product of something else. The plural of progeny is progeny. // Many Americans are the progeny of immigrants. // The champion thoroughbred passed on his speed, endurance, and calm temperament to his progeny, many of whom became successful racehorses themselves. // This landmark study is the progeny of many earlier efforts to explore the phenomenon. See the entry > Examples: “‘I am (We are) our ancestors' wildest dreams.' The phrase originated from New Orleans visual artist, activist, and filmmaker Brandan Odums, and was popularized by influential Black figures like Ava Duvernay, who used the phrase in tribute to the ancestors of First Lady Michelle Obama. Melvinia Shields, who was born a slave in 1844, would be survived by five generations of progeny, ultimately leading to her great-great-great granddaughter—Michelle Obama ...” — Christopher J. Schell, “Hope for the Wild in Afrofuturism,” 2024 Did you know? Progeny is the progeny of the Latin verb prōgignere, meaning “to beget.” That Latin word is itself an offspring of the prefix prō-, meaning “forth,” and gignere, which can mean “to beget” or “to bring forth.” Gignere has produced a large family of English descendants, including benign, engine, genius, germ, indigenous, and genuine. Gignere even paired up with prō- again to produce a close relative of progeny: the noun progenitor can mean “an ancestor in the direct line,” “a biologically ancestral form,” or “a precursor or originator.”

Want to sound more fluent in English? In this episode, we explore a powerful technique that can transform your English speaking skills: explaining why. Learn how this simple yet effective strategy can help you create natural conversations, demonstrate critical thinking, and build deeper connections with others.Key Points:The importance of extending beyond basic statements in conversationsHow explaining 'why' creates natural conversation flow and keeps discussions goingUsing reasons to demonstrate critical thinking and decision-making skillsBuilding deeper connections through detailed explanationsReal-world examples covering topics like food preferences, career choices, hobbies, and lifestyle decisionsFeatured Examples Include:How to discuss food preferences effectivelyExpressing career aspirations with depthSharing opinions about entertainmentExplaining educational choicesDiscussing lifestyle and travel preferencesLearn More:FluencyPanion Notebook: https://shop.speakenglishwithtiffani.com/products/fluencypanion-your-english-fluency-notebookSpeak English Like A Native Course: https://speakenglishwithtiffani.com/selnIf you want to sign up for the free English email newsletter, go to https://speakenglishwithtiffani.com/newsletter

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Merriam-Webster's Word of the Day for June 14, 2025 is: vexillology • vek-suh-LAH-luh-jee • noun Vexillology is the study of flags. // An expert in vexillology, Cynthia has an impressive collection of flags displayed in her home. See the entry > Examples: "... flags should have simple elements, a limited number of colors, and no words. One of the tenets of vexillology is that the elements of the flag should be simple enough to be easily drawn by a child." — The Toledo (Ohio) Blade, 9 Jan. 2025 Did you know? "The flag is the embodiment, not of sentiment, but of history." Woodrow Wilson was speaking of the U.S. flag when he made that statement in an address in June of 1915, but those who engage in vexillology—that is, vexillologists—would likely find the comment applicable to any national banner. Vexillologists undertake scholarly investigations of flags, producing papers with titles such as "A Review of the Changing Proportions of Rectangular Flags since Medieval Times, and Some Suggestions for the Future." In the late 1950s, they coined vexillology as a name for their field of research, basing it on vexillum, the Latin term for a square flag or banner of the ancient Roman cavalry. The adjectives vexillologic and vexillological and the noun vexillologist followed soon thereafter.

Merriam-Webster's Word of the Day for June 13, 2025 is: rambunctious • ram-BUNK-shuss • adjective Rambunctious describes someone or something showing uncontrolled exuberance. // On my first day of student teaching, I was tasked with managing a class of rambunctious youngsters. See the entry > Examples: "To juvenile loggerhead sea turtles, a tasty squid might as well be a disco ball. When they sense food—or even think some might be nearby—these reptiles break into an excited dance. ... Researchers recently used this distinctive behavior to test whether loggerheads could identify the specific magnetic field signatures of places where they had eaten in the past. The results, published in Nature, reveal that these rambunctious reptiles dance when they encounter magnetic conditions they associate with food." — Jack Tamisiea, Scientific American, 12 Feb. 2025 Did you know? Rambunctious first appeared in print in the early half of the 19th century, at a time when the fast-growing United States was forging its identity and indulging in a fashion for colorful new coinages suggestive of the young nation's optimism and exuberance. Rip-roaring, scalawag, scrumptious, hornswoggle, and skedaddle are other examples of the lively language of that era. Did Americans alter the largely British rumbustious because it sounded, well, British? That could be. Rumbustious, which first appeared in Britain in the late 1700s just after the signing of the Declaration of Independence, was probably based on robustious, a much older adjective meaning both "robust" and "boisterous."

In today's episode, you will learn a series of vocabulary words that are connected to a specific topic. This lesson will help you improve your ability to speak English fluently about a specific topic. It will also help you feel more confident in your English abilities.5 Vocabulary WordsPixel (Noun): The smallest unit of a digital image or display, representing a single point of color. Example Sentences:The resolution of the digital artwork is measured in pixels, which affects its clarity and detail.Each pixel in a digital image contributes to the overall quality and sharpness of the artwork.Artists often zoom in on pixels to refine intricate details in their digital paintings.Layer (Noun): A separate level in digital art software where different elements or adjustments are applied independently.Example Sentences:The artist used multiple layers to separate the background, characters, and effects in the digital artwork.Adjusting the opacity of a layer can help create subtle visual effects in digital painting.Layers allow artists to work on different aspects of their art without affecting other elements.Resolution (Noun): The amount of detail an image holds, usually measured in pixels per inch (PPI) or dots per inch (DPI).Example Sentences:Higher resolution images have more detail and are better suited for large prints.The resolution of the digital artwork affects how crisp and clear it appears on different screens.Adjusting the resolution settings can improve the quality of the final output in digital art.Opacity (Noun): The degree to which a layer or color is transparent or visible in digital art.Example Sentences:By adjusting the opacity of a layer, the artist can create translucent effects and overlay elements.Lowering the opacity of the paint layer helped the artist achieve a more subtle and blended look.Opacity settings are crucial for layering and merging different elements in digital compositions.Rendering (Noun): The process of generating a final image or animation from a digital model, including applying textures, lighting, and effects.Example Sentences:The final rendering of the 3D model took several hours to complete due to the complex textures and lighting.Artists often preview their work before rendering to ensure all elements are correctly placed.Advanced rendering techniques can add realism and depth to digital art projects.A Paragraph using the 5 vocabulary wordsDigital art is a form of art created using digital tools and techniques. Artists often work with layers in their digital artwork, allowing them to manipulate different elements of their composition independently. The opacity of these layers can be adjusted to control how much they overlap or blend with other elements. When creating digital art, resolution is crucial, as it determines the quality and detail of the final image. Rendering is the process of creating a realistic or stylized image from a digital model or sketch. Each image is composed of millions of tiny dots called pixels, which contribute to the overall quality and appearance of the artwork. As technology continues to advance, digital art is likely to play an even greater role in the world of visual arts, offering artists new and exciting possibilities for creative expression.If you want to sign up for the free daily English vocabulary newsletter, go to

✨✨✨ Get a PDF to follow along: https://www.patreon.com/posts/ep76-expand-you-131368490⭐️Get exclusive access to ALL the pdf files with sentences and vocabulary used in the podcast with a Patreon subscription: ⁠https://www.patreon.com/collection/189625⁠ ⭐️Or, if you prefer to purchase each batch of episodes individually, you can buy them in sets of 20: ⁠⁠https://polyglotgrace.podia.com/podcast⁠⁠ —---Let's explore how the word เชื่อ (chéua) can form new words and expressions in Thai!⁠Learn Thai from zero to conversational course (A0-A2):⁠⁠https://thaiwithgrace.com/learnthai⁠⁠***

Merriam-Webster's Word of the Day for June 12, 2025 is: impute • im-PYOOT • verb To impute something, such as a motive, act, or emotion, to a person or thing is to assert that the person or thing is guilty of that motive, act, emotion, etc. // It is shocking that they would impute such awful motives to me. See the entry > Examples: “California is about to ease into the 2026 race for governor, and if you can pick any of the current candidates from a police lineup, either you work in Sacramento, have an unhealthy obsession with state politics, or both. That's not to impute criminality on the part of any of those running to succeed the term-limited Gavin Newsom. ... Rather, those bidding to become California's 41st governor aren't exactly a collection of name-in-lights celebrities.” — Mark Z. Barabak, The Los Angeles Times, 9 Jan. 2025 Did you know? Impute is a formal word typically used in contexts in which a motive, act, or emotion is credited or ascribed to someone, especially falsely or unfairly. For example, if you impute dishonesty to someone you're asserting that they're not telling the truth. And if you impute selfish motives to someone's actions you're asserting that they were motivated by selfishness. In the form imputed the word is often paired with income: imputed income is income calculated from the supposed value of intangible or non-cash sources, such as use of a company car, or an employee discount. What's the connection between these meanings? Both involve considering someone or something in a particular way, tying each meaning to the word's Latin ancestor: putare means “to consider.”

Merriam-Webster's Word of the Day for June 11, 2025 is: debilitating • dih-BILL-uh-tay-ting • adjective Debilitating is a formal word used to describe things that seriously impair strength or the ability to function. // She suffers from debilitating migraines. // The class helped him conquer his debilitating fear of public speaking. See the entry > Examples: "Worry is such a debilitating thing that robs you of your energy ..." — Georgia Nicols, The Denver Post, 3 Apr. 2025 Did you know? Debilitating describes things that cause serious impairment of strength or ability to function. The word appears in both medical and general contexts; someone can suffer from debilitating nausea or debilitating stage fright. An adjective that takes the form of a verb, debilitating dates to the mid-17th century, making it the youngest of a trio: its source, the verb debilitate ("to impair the strength of"), dates to the early 16th century, and the noun debility ("weakness, infirmity") has been in use since the 15th century. All come from the Latin word for "weak," debilis. Polyglots may recognize the influence of debilis in words from Spanish, Russian, Czech, Turkish, Danish, and many other languages as well.

This edWeb podcast is sponsored by Really Great Reading.The edLeader Panel recording can be accessed here.Every successful literacy program shares two essential goals: building a strong foundation early and closing skill gaps as students grow. But what does that look like across age groups with varied learning needs? In this edWeb podcast, we explore practical strategies that start in early childhood and continue through adolescence, ensuring students develop key oral language and vocabulary skills and receive the right interventions at the right time.Our panel of experts unpack what every literacy program needs—from nurturing early oral language to tackling vocabulary deficits in older learners. We cover practical approaches, classroom-ready strategies, and how to design instruction that is both proactive and responsive. Whether you're working with emerging readers or adolescents needing catch-up support, this session gives you actionable insights to strengthen your practice.This edWeb podcast is of interest to K-12 teachers, school leaders, district leaders, and education technology leaders.Really Great ReadingWe Do Big Things for Districts. We Raise Reading Scores and Prevent and Remediate Reading Failure.Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase, I may receive a commission at no extra cost to you.Learn more about viewing live edWeb presentations and on-demand recordings, earning CE certificates, and using accessibility features.

Merriam-Webster's Word of the Day for June 10, 2025 is: minutia • muh-NOO-shee-uh • noun Minutia refers to a small or minor detail. It is usually used in its plural form minutiae. // Unaccustomed to legalese, I was bewildered by the contract's minutiae. See the entry > Examples: “The novel is an intricate thatch of corkscrew twists, vivid characters, dead-on colloquial dialogue, and lawyerly minutiae that culminates in a courtroom showdown worthy of Dominick Dunne.” — David Friend, Vanity Fair, 1 Apr. 2025 Did you know? We'll try not to bore you with the minor details of minutia, though some things are worth noting about the word's history and usage. It'll only take a minute! Minutia was borrowed into English in the 18th century from the Latin plural noun minutiae, meaning “trifles” or “details,” which comes from the singular noun minutia, meaning “smallness.” In English, minutia is most often used in the plural as either minutiae (pronounced muh-NOO-shee-ee) or, on occasion, as simply minutia. The Latin minutia, incidentally, comes from minutus (also the ancestor of the familiar English word minute), an adjective meaning “small” that was created from the verb minuere, meaning “to lessen.”

In this episode of the Celebrate Kids podcast, Dr. Kathy addresses a concerning trend revealed in a recent HarperCollins survey from the UK, which shows a significant decline in the interest of parents reading aloud to their children. Less than half of parents of kids up to 13 find reading aloud fun, and only 29% of children aged 5 to 13 view reading as enjoyable rather than just a school subject. The episode highlights alarming statistics showing a decrease in literacy rates in the U.S., with nearly 28% of adults ranking at the lowest literacy levels. Dr. Kathy discusses the critical importance of reading aloud for children's development, emphasizing how it fosters a love for reading and helps children navigate challenges in life with the understanding that there is always a conclusion. Tune in to learn more about the impact of reading on children's growth and the urgent need to reinvigorate the joy of reading in homes.

In this episode of Beyond Limits, Liv dismantles the spiritual performance trap disguised as alignment—and reveals what actually collapses time.You're not becoming her. You are her.Here's what's inside:

Merriam-Webster's Word of the Day for June 9, 2025 is: eloquent • EL-uh-kwunt • adjective An eloquent speaker or writer expresses ideas forcefully and fluently; an eloquent speech or piece of writing likewise expresses ideas in such a way. Eloquent can also describe something that is vividly or movingly expressive. // She received high marks for her eloquent essay about gardening with her grandmother. // Their success serves as an eloquent reminder of the value of hard work. See the entry > Examples: "Her [author Michelle Cusolito's] concise yet eloquent text immerses young people in the watery setting, letting them feel the whales' clicks as they 'tingle' and 'vibrate' and emphasizing the strength of these animals' social bonds." — Kirkus Reviews, 1 May 2025 Did you know? Words are powerful, especially when strung together in just the right sequence. A well-crafted sentence (or one who crafts it) might be described as eloquent, a word that comes from the Latin verb loquī, meaning "to talk or speak." (The adjective loquacious is another loquī descendent; it describes a person who is skilled at or has an affinity for talking.) Words are not alone in conveying emotion, and eloquent is also used to describe what we find vividly or movingly expressive, as when novelist and poet Thomas Hardy wrote of "a burst of applause, and a deep silence which was even more eloquent than the applause."

In today's episode, you will listen to an actual conversation between English teachers. They will provide you with tips and tricks that will help you master today's topic. As you listen, take notes and try to see which tip is your favorite. After this lesson, you will have more confidence in your ability to speak English fluently.If you want to sign up for the free English email newsletter, go to https://speakenglishwithtiffani.com/newsletter

Please write a short impact statement for Jake's USU review packet (and thank you!): https://forms.gle/QcUs8ciMcAy2yG6L6 In this episode, host Jake Downs welcomes guest Dr. Freddy Hebert, a renowned literacy researcher, CEO/Founder of TextProject. The conversation covers topics such as the importance of automaticity, the core vocabulary, reading volume, and shifts in text complexity over the decades. […]

Merriam-Webster's Word of the Day for June 8, 2025 is: cataract • KAT-uh-rakt • noun Cataract refers to a clouding of the lens of the eye, or of its surrounding transparent membrane, that obstructs the passage of light. Cataract is also used, often in literature, to refer to a waterfall, steep rapids in a river, or to a downpour or flood. // Cataracts are common but can be corrected with surgery. // The roaring cataract is one of the park's most majestic sights. See the entry > Examples: “I became a grandmother at the beginning of the decade and again at the end. I decided what kind of grandmother I wanted to be. I came to accept my identity as a writer. I retired from teaching after twenty years. I continue to work as a social work consultant. I had cataract surgery and can see better than I have in years.” — Lyn Slater, How to Be Old: Lessons in Living Boldly from the Accidental Icon, 2024 Did you know? The ocular meaning of cataract that English users are most familiar with is also the oldest. It dates to the 14th century and comes from the Latin word cataracta, meaning “portcullis,” probably because a cataract in one's eye obstructs vision much like a portcullis's heavy iron grating obstructs passage into a fortress or castle. Cataracta has another meaning, however—“waterfall”—and that meaning gave English the water-related meanings that came in later centuries. The connection between the two Latin meanings can be seen in katarassein, the Greek source of cataracta. It means “to dash down,” describing the action of both the slamming portcullis and the cascading waterfall.

Are you tired of starting every sentence with "I think"? In this powerful episode, we dive deep into transforming your English speaking to sound more confident and professional. Learn nine alternative phrases that native speakers actually use to express their opinions with authority and credibility.Key Points Covered:The common pitfall of overusing "I think" in English conversationsNine powerful alternatives that instantly boost your speaking confidenceReal-world examples demonstrating how to use each alternative phraseThe psychology behind why these alternatives sound more professionalPractical applications for business, academic, and social situationsFeatured Alternatives Include:Experience-based phrases ("In my experience...", "I've found that...")Observation-focused expressions ("From what I've observed...", "It seems that...")Research-backed statements ("Based on my research...", "I've concluded that...")Confidence-boosting phrases ("I'm convinced that...", "My perspective is...")Resources Mentioned:FluencyPanion Notebook365-Day English Study PlanIf you want to sign up for the free English email newsletter, go to https://speakenglishwithtiffani.com/newsletter

Merriam-Webster's Word of the Day for June 7, 2025 is: abstruse • ub-STROOSS • adjective Abstruse is a formal word used to describe something that is hard to understand. // I avoided taking this class in past semesters because the subject matter is so abstruse, but the professor does a good job explaining the concepts as clearly as possible. See the entry > Examples: “The EP's lyrics are suitably abstruse. The title ‘Marry Me Maia' sounds forthright in its intentions, but the song instead offers cryptic references and obfuscation. The result is like peeping in on a private conversation: fascinating and impassioned but fundamentally obscure.” — Ben Cardew, Pitchfork, 31 Mar. 2025 Did you know? Look closely at the following Latin verbs, all of which come from the verb trūdere (“to push, thrust”): extrudere, intrudere, obtrudere, protrudere. Remove the last two letters of each of these and you get an English descendant whose meaning involves pushing or thrusting. Another trūdere offspring, abstrūdere, meaning “to conceal,” gave English abstrude, meaning “to thrust away,” but that 17th-century borrowing has fallen out of use. An abstrūdere descendant that has survived is abstruse, an adjective that recalls the meaning of its Latin parent abstrūsus, meaning “concealed.” Like the similar-sounding obtuse, abstruse describes something difficult to understand—that is, something that has a “concealed” meaning.

Merriam-Webster's Word of the Day for June 6, 2025 is: festoon • fess-TOON • verb Festoon usually means "to cover or decorate (something) with many small objects, pieces of paper, etc.," or "to appear here and there on the surface of." It can also mean "to hang decorative chains or strips on." // Tiny wildflowers festooned the meadow. // We festooned the halls with ribbons and garland. See the entry > Examples: "The road was lined with ancient trees festooned with Spanish moss." — Tayari Jones, Travel + Leisure, 14 Apr. 2025 Did you know? The noun festoon first appeared in the 1600s when it was used, as it still is today, to refer to decorative chains or strips hung between two points. (It can also refer to a carved, molded, or painted ornament representing such a chain.) After a century's worth of festoon-adorning, the verb festoon made an entrance, and people began to festoon with their festoons—that is, they draped and adorned with them. The verb form of festoon has since acquired additional, more general senses related not only to decorating, but to appearing on the surface of something, as in "a sweater festooned with unicorns." Perhaps unsurprisingly, this celebratory-sounding and party-associated word traces back (by way of French and Italian) to Latin festa, the plural of festum, meaning "festival."

In today's episode, you will learn a series of vocabulary words that are connected to a specific topic. This lesson will help you improve your ability to speak English fluently about a specific topic. It will also help you feel more confident in your English abilities.5 Vocabulary WordsPayload (Noun): The cargo carried by a spacecraft or rocket, often including scientific instruments, satellites, or other equipment.Example Sentences:The rocket's payload included several communication satellites.Engineers are designing a payload that can carry tourists to the edge of space.The payload deployment system ensures that the cargo is released safely.Microgravity (Noun): The condition in which people or objects appear to be weightless and experience very low gravitational forces, typically encountered in space.Example Sentences:Astronauts conduct experiments in microgravity to study how fluids behave in space.Space tourists will experience microgravity during their brief journey.Microgravity environments can affect the human body in various ways.Spacecraft (Noun): A vehicle designed for travel or operation in outer space.Example Sentences:The spacecraft was launched to explore the outer reaches of the solar system.New spacecraft designs aim to improve passenger comfort.Spacecraft technology has advanced significantly over the past decades.Trajectory (Noun): The path followed by a projectile or spacecraft under the influence of forces such as gravity and thrust.Example Sentences:Calculating the trajectory of the spacecraft was crucial for a successful mission.The rocket's trajectory needed to be adjusted to reach the correct orbit.Scientists analyze the trajectory of asteroids to predict potential collisions with Earth.Suborbital (Adjective): Describing a flight or path that reaches the edge of space but does not complete an orbit around Earth.Example Sentences:The suborbital flight allowed tourists to experience a few minutes of weightlessness.Suborbital missions are often used for scientific experiments and testing new technologies.Unlike orbital flights, suborbital trips return to Earth without making a full orbit.A Paragraph using the 5 vocabulary wordsSpace tourism, a relatively new field, involves commercial space flights that take passengers beyond Earth's atmosphere. These flights can be either suborbital, reaching a brief period of weightlessness before returning to Earth, or orbital, achieving a stable orbit around the planet. The spacecrafts used for space tourism are designed to accommodate passengers and provide a safe and enjoyable experience. During flight, passengers can experience the unique sensation of microgravity and witness stunning views of Earth from space. The payload of a space tourism flight includes the spacecraft, passengers, and any necessary equipment or supplies. Don't worry, the precise trajectory of the flight is carefully planned to ensure a safe and successful journey.If you want to sign up for the free daily English vocabulary newsletter, go towww.dailyenglishvocabulary.com

Merriam-Webster's Word of the Day for June 5, 2025 is: sea change • SEE-CHAYNJ • noun Sea change refers to a big and sudden change or transformation. // The early 2000s witnessed a sea change in public opinion about smoking in public places. See the entry > Examples: “Over the course of my grandmother's lifetime, gender expectations for women underwent a sea change. My grandmother ended up pursuing an education and becoming a doctor, leading an independent life that made her mother proud.” — Wendy Chen, LitHub.com, 20 May 2024 Did you know? In The Tempest, William Shakespeare's final play, sea change refers to a change brought about by the sea: the sprite Ariel, who aims to make Ferdinand believe that his father the king has perished in a shipwreck, sings within earshot of the prince, “Full fathom five thy father lies...; / Nothing of him that doth fade / But doth suffer a sea-change / into something rich and strange.” This is the original, now-archaic meaning of sea change. Today the term is used for a distinctive change or transformation. Long after sea change gained this figurative meaning, however, writers continued to allude to Shakespeare's literal one; Charles Dickens, Henry David Thoreau, and P.G. Wodehouse all used the term as an object of the verb suffer, but now a sea change is just as likely to be undergone or experienced.

Merriam-Webster's Word of the Day for June 4, 2025 is: bogus • BOH-gus • adjective Bogus is an informal word used to describe something that is not real or genuine, making it a synonym of such words as fake, false, and counterfeit. // We were disappointed to find out that the purses we bought were bogus. // The company was investigated over several bogus claims that their products could guarantee better health for their customers. See the entry > Examples: “A former West Covina resident admitted to selling at least $250,000 in bogus sports and entertainment memorabilia, including forged photos and signatures of the ‘Keeping Up With the Kardashians' stars.” — Noah Goldberg, The Los Angeles Times, 9 Apr. 2025 Did you know? In her 1840 novel A New Home—Who'll Follow?, author Carolina Kirkland wrote about a scandal affecting the fictitious frontier town of Tinkerville, whose bank vaults were discovered to contain “a heavy charge of broken glass and tenpenny nails, covered above and below with half-dollars, principally ‘bogus.' Alas! for Tinkerville, and alas, for poor Michigan!” Alas indeed. Bogus (an apparent U.S. coinage) was first used in the argot of wildcat banks (like the one in Tinkerville) as a noun referring to counterfeit money. It later branched out into adjective use meaning “counterfeit or forged.” Although the noun is now obsolete, the adjective is still used today with the same meaning, and is applied not only to phony currency but to anything that is less than genuine, making it part of a treasury of similar words ranging from the very old (sham) to the fairly new (fugazi).

Merriam-Webster's Word of the Day for June 3, 2025 is: tutelage • TOO-tuh-lij • noun Tutelage is a formal word that refers to the instruction or guidance especially of an individual student by a teacher. Tutelage may also refer to an act or process of serving as guardian or protector. // Under the tutelage of his high school swim coach, Luis has greatly improved his times at meets. // The company is relying on the expert tutelage of its new director to increase profits. See the entry > Examples: "[Hercules] Mulligan helped with [Alexander] Hamilton's education, including placing him under the tutelage of William Livingston of the College of New Jersey (now Princeton University), who was a leading local American revolutionary. ... Mulligan is said to have deeply influenced Hamilton towards engagement in revolutionary activity." — Brian Maye, The Irish Times, 2 Mar. 2025 Did you know? Tutelage comes from the Latin verb tueri, meaning "to look at" or "to guard." When it first appeared in English at the turn of the 17th century, this word was used mainly in the protective sense of tueri; writers would describe serfs and peasants of earlier eras as being "under the tutelage of their lord." Over time, however, the word's meaning shifted away from guardianship and toward instruction. This pattern of meaning can also be seen in the related nouns tutor, which shifted from "a guardian" to "a private teacher," and tuition, which now typically refers to the cost of instruction but which originally referred to the protection, care, or custody by a parent or guardian over a child or ward.