Through the power of words, people can articulate their thoughts and feelings, sharing their ideas with the world; the words we write and speak define us. So instead of using commonplace words to express what we're thinking, shouldn't we use words that are uncommon and impressive? Here is a list of useful words that are sure to enhance your vocabulary. By incorporating these words into your vocabulary, you are sure to become the most eloquent person around:
1. Slapdash
Definition: (adj.) done too hurriedly and carelessly.
Example: Because I gave my friends very little notice, they had to plan a slapdash birthday party for me.
2. Pell-mell
Definition: (adv.) in a confused, rushed, or disorderly manner.
Example: David was running late and hurried into his next class, throwing his books pell-mell onto the desk.
3. Bumfuzzle
Definition: (v.) to confuse, perplex, or fluster
Example: The professor rambled on about random topics during lecture, bumfuzzling his students.
4. Taradiddle
Definition: (n.) a small lie
Example: Sarah told her parents a tarradiddle about where she had been when she got home.
5. Widdershins
Definition: (adv.) counterclockwise
Example: During gym class, the teacher told his students to run in a widdershins direction.
6. Collywobbles
Definition: (n.) intense anxiety or nervousness
Example: Because she had three exams the next day and an essay due, Melissa had a case of the collywobbles.
7. Kerfuffle
Definition: (n.) a commotion or fuss
Example: When the teacher announced that there was going to be a pop-quiz, there was a kerfuffle among the students.
8. Brouhaha
Definition: (n.) a noisy and overexcited reaction or response to something
Example: There was a big brouhaha after the children learned that they were taking a vacation to Disney World.
9. Skullduggery
Definition: (n.) trickery, secret or dishonest behavior
Example: In the show Pretty Little Liars, several of the characters partake in skullduggery.
10. Cantankerous
Definition: (adj.) bad tempered, argumentative, and uncooperative
Example: Mike is a very cantankerous person, often finding himself in arguments and fights.
11. Cachinnate
Definition: (v.) laugh loudly
Example: After she heard a funny joke, Danielle began to cachinnate and could not stop.
12. Effulgent
Definition: (adj.) shining brightly, radiant
Example: The necklaces in the jewelry store were extremely effulgent.
13. Jejune
Definition: (adj.) juvenile, immature, childish
Example: Because he is a picky eater, Ryan's parents constantly call him jejune.
14. Doggo
Definition: (adv.) in concealment, out of sight
Example: After getting in an argument with her friend, Emily decided to lie doggo until things were resolved.
15. Saturnine
Definition: (adj.) slow, gloomy, or mysterious
Example: Because of the thunderstorm and rain, it was a saturnine day.
16. Skookum
Definition: (adj.) excellent, first-rate
Example: After practicing for weeks, Tyler gave a skookum presentation in his class.
17. Larrikin
Definition: (adj.) disorderly, rowdy
Example: Jen's birthday party was very larrikin, and the police were eventually called.
