GAME: Word of the Day (WOTD)

[Algot Runeman]

salacious

adjective
sa·​la·​cious sə-ˈlā-shəs 
1 arousing or appealing to sexual desire or imagination
2 lecherous, lustful

-==0==-

One tries not to abuse others' trust.
By publicly writing about someone's lust.
Still, with prompting, and in spite of that,
I should say, here in our daily, wordy chat,
While I am not typically inclined,
I suspect I could write a salacious rhyme.

[Algot Runeman]

revue

noun
re·​vue ri-ˈvyü 
a theatrical production consisting typically of brief loosely connected often satirical skits, songs, and dances

-==0==-

"Derivative revue.
Lacking glue.
Nothing new."
Was the whole review.

[E Pericoloso Sporgersi]

revue

Once I was an NPC for an irreverent revue by the students of the UG medical faculty and a second time, for an anecdotal revue by members of the dental association of Antwerp Province, I was stagehand and troubleshooter.

Altogether three performances was the total experience I've ever had with any kind of revue.
I must admit it was three times exuberant fun ...

[Algot Runeman]

compadre

noun
com·​pa·​dre kəm-ˈpä-drā -drē
a close friend : buddy

-==0==-

When trying to form a cadré,
A team so you can play
A game which lasts all day,
Always begin with a compadre.

Then when choosing all of the rest
Find the ones who are the best,
And start strong upon your quest.
These are the things that I suggest.

[Algot Runeman]

synapse

noun
syn·​apse ˈsi-ˌnaps sə-ˈnaps
the point at which a nervous impulse passes from one neuron to another
verb
synapsed; synapsing
intransitive verb
1 to form a synapse
2 to come together in synapsis

-==0==-

To have our thinking avoid most traps
We must attain effective brain synapse.
It is important to tune up those gaps
And for that, I strongly recommend naps.

[Algot Runeman]

undulate

verb
un·​du·​late ˈən-jə-ˌlāt 
ˈən-dyə-,
ˈən-də-
undulated; undulating
intransitive verb
1 to form or move in waves : fluctuate
2 to rise and fall in volume, pitch, or cadence
3 to present a wavy appearance
transitive verb
to cause to move in a wavy, sinuous, or flowing manner

-==0==-

Sinuous snakes sneak
And can sometimes streak
And they sure do undulate
While ambushing an ungulate.

[Algot Runeman]

compromise

noun
com·​pro·​mise ˈkäm-prə-ˌmīz 
1a settlement of differences by arbitration or by consent reached by mutual concessions
b something intermediate between or blending qualities of two different things
2 a concession to something derogatory or prejudicial
verb
compromised; compromising
intransitive verb
1a to come to agreement by mutual concession
b to find or follow a way between extremes
2 to make a shameful or disreputable concession
transitive verb
1a to reveal or expose to an unauthorized person and especially to an enemy
1b to cause the impairment of
1c to expose to suspicion, discredit, or mischief
2 to adjust or settle by mutual concessions

-==0==-

OK, try this on for size.
Let's reach a compromise.
You don't try my puzzles and
I won't offer you a prize.

[Algot Runeman]

dubious

adjective
du·​bi·​ous ˈdü-bē-əs 
 also dyü-
1 unsettled in opinion : doubtful
2 giving rise to uncertainty: such as
a of doubtful promise or outcome
2b questionable or suspect as to true nature or quality

-==0==-

If you are dubious
Please be studious
Express your concern
And work hard to learn.

If you're going to follow
Be sure I'm not just hollow.
Before you decide to commit
Be sure that I'm a good fit.

[E Pericoloso Sporgersi]

dubious
...
If you are dubious
Please be studious
Express your concern
And work hard to learn.

If you're going to follow
Be sure I'm not just hollow.
Before you decide to commit
Be sure that I'm a good fit.

If a shoe salesperson were to talk to me like that,
most certainly some dubious suspicion would arise.

[Algot Runeman]

oblivion

noun
obliv·​i·​on ə-ˈbli-vē-ən ō-, ä-
1 the fact or condition of not remembering : a state marked by lack of awareness or consciousness
2 the condition or state of being forgotten or unknown

-==0==-

I cannot remember the last time
The glare was so bright on glistening rime.
But the sun will blast it to oblivion soon.
Though it's six months more 'till June.

[Algot Runeman]

reach

verb
ˈrēch 
reached; reaching; reaches
transitive verb
1a to stretch out : extend
1b thrust
2a to touch or grasp by extending a part of the body (such as a hand) or an object
2b to pick up and draw toward one : take
2c(1) to extend to
2c(2) to get up to or as far as : come to
2d(1) encompass
2d(2) to make an impression on
2d(3)to communicate with
3 to hand over : pass

-==0==-

Parenting

When you try teach a child
About their wish to reach, be mild,
Unless you see some awful danger.
Then keep that out of their range, sir.

[Algot Runeman]

abbreviate

verb
ab·​bre·​vi·​ate ə-ˈbrē-vē-ˌāt 
abbreviated; abbreviating
transitive verb
to make briefer
especially : to reduce (a word or name) to a shorter form intended to stand for the whole

-==0==-

Allowing for differing preferences, people abbreviate "abbreviation" to abbr., abbrv., or abbrev. depending on their wish to be really brief, sort of brief or partially brief.



It is interesting, I think; grammar style guides recommend that we do not abbreviate numbers as digits up through nine or ten, spelling them out. Numbers larger than that are commonly abbreviated to digits: 11, 12, 13, 56, 10,465 etc. Then we get to really big numbers; for giant, round numbers, we revert to words: million, billion, etc.

[Algot Runeman]

accoutrement

noun
ac·​cou·​tre·​ment ə-ˈkü-trə-mənt 
ə-ˈkü-tər-mənt 
variants or accouterment
ə-ˈkü-tər-mənt 
1a equipment, trappings
specifically : a soldier's outfit usually not including clothes and weapons
—usually used in plural
1b an accessory item of clothing or equipment
—usually used in plural
2 an identifying and often superficial characteristic or device
—usually used in plural

-==0==-

While searching for a sufficient reason
To explain stuff appropriate for the solstice season
Here is a silly holiday rhyme
That took only a limited time
And in pursuit of Word of the Day accoutrements
I add an illustration to these verbal jaunts.



Epaulettes may be out of date as accoutrements of uniforms these days...the forum spell checker even said it was misspelled in this sentence.

[Algot Runeman]

advantageous

adjective
ad·​van·​ta·​geous ˌad-ˌvan-ˈtā-jəs 
-vən-
giving an advantage : favorable

-==0==-

When today's word was deleterious,
It was a problem, though not serious.
It was an opportunity, fortuitous,
To find advantageous, if you're curious.

When the moment seems to be grim,
And the chance of success just seems slim,
Try going in an opposite direction.
Use an antonym for your word selection.

[Algot Runeman]

speculate

verb
spec·​u·​late ˈspe-kyə-ˌlāt 
speculated; speculating
intransitive verb
1a to meditate on or ponder a subject : reflect
1b to review something idly or casually and often inconclusively
2 to assume a business risk in hope of gain
especially : to make a relatively risky investment in something (such as stocks or real estate) in the hope of making a large short-term profit from market fluctuations
transitive verb
1 to take to be true on the basis of insufficient evidence : theorize
2 to be curious or doubtful about : wonder

-==0==-

Pitiful Ponzi Pondering

Would it not be really great
If we could safely speculate,
Get in at an early date,
And not just join up far too late?

[E Pericoloso Sporgersi]

speculate

Lotus Bakeries did speculate succesfully that speculoos would conquer the world.

[Algot Runeman]

macaroon

noun
mac·​a·​roon ˌma-kə-ˈrün 
a small cookie composed chiefly of egg whites, sugar, and ground almonds or coconut

-==0==-

We made them up too soon.
"I'll just have one more macaroon."
The party, now, will be bereft.
Because there are not any left.

[Algot Runeman]

thrall

noun
ˈthrȯl 
plural thralls
1a a state of servitude or submission
—usually used with in
1b a state of complete absorption
—usually used with in
2a an enslaved person who performs the duties of a servant : bondman
also : serf
2b a person in moral or mental servitude

-==0==-

Though I do not own the turf, I will not be a serf.
I must resist with grit, I will not just submit.
Though you may think it rude, I won't take servitude.
Not at your beck and call, I will not be your thrall.

[E Pericoloso Sporgersi]

thrall

Don't think it's a thrill to be a thrall.

[Algot Runeman]

circumscribe

verb
cir·​cum·​scribe ˈsər-kəm-ˌskrīb 
circumscribed; circumscribing; circumscribes
transitive verb
1a to constrict (see constrict sense 1) the range or activity of definitely and clearly
1b to define or mark off carefully
2a to draw a line around
2b to surround by or as if by a boundary
3 to construct or be constructed around (a geometrical figure) so as to touch as many points as possible

-==0==-

When you read and then you decide,
For meaning, context can be relied.
This time it's unlike that.
(I do not mean to be a brat.)
Today's word must be described.
"Surrounded by line" is circumscribed.

[Algot Runeman]

hollow

adjective
hol·​low ˈhä-(ˌ)lō 
hollower ˈhä-lə-wər; hollowest ˈhä-lə-wəst 
1 having an indentation or inward curve : concave, sunken
2 having an unfilled or hollowed-out space within
3 lacking in real value, sincerity, or substance : false, meaningless
4 reverberating like a sound made in or by beating on a large empty enclosure : muffled
hollowly
ˈhä-lō-lē 
-lə-lē
(noun, verb, and adverb forms exist as well)

-==0==-

Though you think your stomach's hollow,
And ten hot dogs you could swallow,
That organ's typically just as small
As a kid-size footy ball.

[Algot Runeman]

influence

noun
in·​flu·​ence ˈin-ˌflü-ən(t)s 
especially Southern
in-ˈflü- 
plural influences
1 the power or capacity of causing an effect in indirect or intangible ways : sway
2a the act or power of producing an effect without apparent exertion of force or direct exercise of command
2b corrupt interference with authority for personal gain
verb
influenced; influencing
transitive verb
1 to affect or alter by indirect or intangible means
2 to have an effect on the condition or development of

-==0==-

Reach

If you wish to influence.
Do it with a ton of sense.
Improve the lot of those in need.
Avoid just feeding your own greed.

[Algot Runeman]

espouse

verb
es·​pouse i-ˈspau̇z 
 also -ˈspau̇s
espoused; espousing
transitive verb
1 marry
2 to take up and support as a cause : become attached to

-==0==-

Will you join me in espousing
That we avoid too much carousing
On the approaching new year's eve
So most others we won't aggrieve?

And if, somewhere, you have to drive
Ensure we all can stay alive.
Ride with a driver who doesn't drink
Trying to keep you from the clink.

[Algot Runeman]

boondoggle

noun
boon·​dog·​gle ˈbün-ˌdä-gəl 
-ˌdȯ-
1 a braided cord worn by Boy Scouts as a neckerchief slide (see slide entry 2 sense 4b), hatband, or ornament
2 a wasteful or impractical project or activity often involving graft

-==0==-

Bill creates bunches of boondoggles.
Such as those fancy full time goggles
Which switch from dark to clear with toggles.
Bill really enjoys when he hornswoggles.

[Algot Runeman]

retrospective

adjective
ret·​ro·​spec·​tive ˌre-trə-ˈspek-tiv 
1a(1) of, relating to, or given to retrospection
1a(2) based on memory
1b being a retrospective
2 affecting things past : retroactive
3 relating to or being a study (as of a disease) that starts with the present condition of a population of individuals and collects data about their past history to explain their present condition
retrospectively adverb
noun
a generally comprehensive exhibition, compilation, or performance of the work of an artist over a span of years
broadly : review

-==0==-

Today, we share our perspective
Of a year's events, a retrospective.
For some, it's a busy review
Because of all they do.

For some of us, there's much less fuss.
We did much less, little to discuss.
Nonetheless, we do not grieve.
We look ahead to all we might achieve.