1. w00t - (interjection) expressing joy (it could be after a triumph, or for no reason at all); similar in use to the word "yay". This word is considered a "l33t" (elite) term, not officially in the Merriam-Webster dictionary, but included in their online Open Dictionary.
So the word of the year isn't technically a word, it's a sequence of letters and digits. Are the gaming geeks of the world rejoicing at this? Though this is coming form the girl that instead of saying "just kidding" opts for J-K... in my defence, at least I don't verbalize L-O-L...when that day comes I will have to fling myself in front of the grammar train.
2. facebook (verb) : To get on a facebook website. Did you facebook today? Another Open Dictionary entry.
Again, another word that in reality isn't a word, but thanks to our culture's shift in self promotion through technology has become a phase as ubiquitous as posting a letter (for those of you who still actually hand write notes and let the government deliver it for you).
3. conundrum (noun ) 1: a riddle whose answer is or involves a pun 2 a: a question or problem having only a conjectural answer b: an intricate and difficult problem
This is a cool sounding word. Don't even think about it's meaning, just say it aloud. Fun, eh? I remember the first time I actually put effort forth to learn this word, it was after watching The Ring and it was a word that the kid has learned while the babysitter was over. That 9 year old kid spurred me on since it seemed like an interesting word to add to my repertoire, however most of the things that I find baffling in my life usually end up in the paradoxical category.
4. quixotic (adjective) 1: foolishly impractical especially in the pursuit of ideals; especially marked by rash lofty romantic ideas or extravagantly chivalrous action 2: capricious, unpredictable
Kudos for Don Quixote's adjective to make it to the list. Yes, he is a fictional character, and no I can't remember the name of the author who penned his tale at this time, but I like the idea of have an adjective fashioned after a person (fictional or otherwise). I've always been captivated by the idea of living such a passionate life in that I could be summed in a short phase or single word. Don Quixote has actualized my dream, so he's my role-model in that sense...though there are a few windmills that need addressing...
5. blamestorming (verb): Gathering around in a group to discuss why a deadline was missed or a project failed and who is to blame or responsible. All the managers were locked up in a meeting for the all day blamestorming about the lost contract.
This isn't a "real" word as of yet, but apparently is one that is frequently used in corporate America. This bothers me in that apparently so much time and energy and spent on placing blame on a person that it has warranted it's own verb for it. Why can't people just own up to their actions, believe it or not, it's part of what makes you a responsible person. People mess up, because they're people, but there's a point in life where you kind of just have to accept the fact that you're going to screw up and you need to deal with it, not blame it something or someone else. As my husband says, "the truth is excuses are lame, accept consequences, accept the blame", you'll have more respect for yourself and I will as well.
6. sardoodledom (noun) etymology: sardoodle- (blend of Victorien Sardou [died 1908] French playwright criticized by G. B. Shaw [died 1950] English playwright for the supposed staginess of his plays and English doodle) + -dom 1: mechanically contrived plot structure and stereotyped or unrealistic characterization in drama : staginess, melodrama
Another example of my dream being actualized, though this really isn't a flattering instance of it in action. But it does also have that is that really a word or a child's gibberish vibe to it, which is funny because I would be most inclined to use this word when discussing the drama of teenagers...it's simply sardoodledom.
7. apathetic (adjective) 1 : having or showing little or no feeling or emotion; spiritless 2 : having little or no interest or concern; indifferent
Generally this has been my spiritual life as of late, which is worst than my blaise stage, because I don't even care that I don't care...it is a bit worrisome...maybe I am starting to care again!
8. pecksniffian (adjective) etymology: Seth Pecksniff, character in Martin Chuzzlewit by Charles Dickens 1 : unctuously hypocritical; Pharisaical
Third example of my dream coming true, maybe those voting also have a similar dream to mine. Again, not a flattering adjective, but heck, it's a word named for a person.
9. hypocrite (noun) 1 : a person who puts on a false appearance of virtue or religion 2 : a person who acts in contradiction to his or her stated beliefs or feelings
Oh look, the more common synonym for a pecksniffian...though Christ's use of brood of vipers was a good one as well...and the fact that kind of helped make hypocrite a word in the first place. Yey, Greek class!
10. charlatan (noun) 1 : quack 2 : one making usually showy pretenses to knowledge or ability; fraud; faker
I would accuse myself of being this for the commentary I've added under each of these words. Honestly, I could probably do lengthy posts on each word, but for now we'll just stick with this abridged edition.
PS - I think that these words greatly reflect the culture that surrounds you and me and that most days I'm sorely not aware of, but none the less annoyed at.
