I just learned the word “laconic” and thought it would be a good one to share today. According to Merriam-Webster, “laconic” means using or involving the use of a minimum of words; concise to the point of seeming rude or mysterious. I was reading something about the Halo franchise, and the series protagonist was referred […]

Since it’s a new year, I wanted to share the word “veneer” today. My favorite band of all time is Motion City Soundtrack, and they have this song called “Together We’ll Ring in the New Year.” There’s a lyric in the song that goes “I’m not smiling behind this fake veneer.” But do you know

The new Call of Duty game that recently came out has the subtitle “Vanguard.” But what is a vanguard? According to Merriam-Webster, a vanguard is the forefront of an action or movement. Or (as in Call of Duty’s case), it’s the troops moving at the head of an army.

Ever get confused about the past participle or past tense of the verb “learn”? The answer actually depends on where you live. “Learned” is used in the United States and Canada, while “learnt” is the British word.

Wanna learn a new word today? How about “bivouac”? According to Merriam-Webster, a bivouac is a usually temporary encampment under little or no shelter. Bivouac can also be a verb, meaning to camp, to take shelter often temporarily, or to provide temporary quarters for. 

Do you know what the word “supernal” means? According to Merriam-Webster, supernal means being or coming from on high; heavenly; ethereal; superlatively good; located in or belonging to the sky. 

How many definitions of “mum” do you know? There may be more than you think. (There were certainly more than I knew.) As always, these come from Merriam-Webster.  “Mum” is the chiefly British spelling of “mom.” It’s also a flower. But those are easy. Did you know that it’s also a strong ale or beer?