Contest Conflama
I learned a new word last week–conflama, that mixture of conflict and drama that seems to keep us in a constant swirl. I like conflama. It’s colorful and precise. I’ve been using it a lot. Then again, there’s a lot of conflama around here.
Seems like I’m not the only one learning new words. The folks over at Merriam-Webster have recently added 100 new words to their dictionary. The words were added only after usage was monitored over a number of years. As one editor puts it, “If somebody is using it to convey a specific idea and that idea is successfully conveyed in that word, it’s ready to go in the dictionary.”
So which words made the cut? Here are a few of them:
Mondegreen–words mistaken for other words. For instance, you always thought Creedence Clearwater Revivial was singing, “There’s a bathroom on the right.” Admit it. Well, that’s a mondegreen, because what they were really singing is, “There’s a bad moon on the rise.”
Air quotes–we all do it. You know, make that funny gesture by raising and flexing the index and middle fingers of both hands so we can call attention to a spoken word or expression.
Edamame–immature green soy beans. This apparently is a useful word when vegans communicate. I wonder how it’s pronounced.
Infinity pool–an outdoor swimming pool that has an edge over which the water flows into a trough but seems to flow into the horizon.
Jukebox musical–Mamma mia, a musical that features popular songs from the past.
Malware–software designed to interfere with a computer’s normal functioning.
Mental health day–We all know (and need!) this one.
Racino–a racetrack where there are also slot machines.
You can check out all the new words when the newest edition of Webster’s is published in September. In the meantime, check out this contest question:
My Pepper Martin mystery series features a cemetery tour guide who investigates mysteries for the ghosts who “live” in her cemetery. What is Pepper’s real name?
Remember, a new question will appear here at the Lil’ Blog each day this week. Wait until Friday, then send your answers to all five questions to:
contest@thelittleblogofmurder.com
With any luck, your answers will be consice. That will help avoid conflama.
