Love a word? Tell us what it is and perhaps we'll add it to our list of The Best Words.
There need not be any well-reasoned analysis of your high regard for a word; emotional reactions to the sound or meaning of words are welcome.
If a word you love is already listed, you are welcome to tell us why you, too, love the word.
The Best Words have an aura of fun or majesty.
A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y Z
A
aberrant (AB-er-ent) 
— deviating from the proper course
abominable (ah-BOM-ah-nah-ble) — 1. unequivocally detestable; loathsome. 2. thoroughly unpleasant or disagreeable
It rolls off the tongue really nicely and reminds me of snowmen gone awry.
absolution (ab-sah-LOO-shen) — 1. the act of absolving or the state of being absolved. 2. the formal remission of sin imparted by a priest, as in the sacrament of penance
It has enough syllables to sound powerful and weighty while representing the sort of enlightened benevolence and hope of forgiveness.
adumbrate (AD-um-brat) — 1. to give a sketchy outline of. 2. to prefigure indistinctly; foreshadow. 3. to disclose partially or guardedly. 4. to overshadow; shadow or obscure
aesthetic (es-THET-ik) — 1. relating to the philosophy or theories of aesthetics. 2. of or concerning the appreciation of beauty or good taste. 3. characterized by a heightened sensitivity to beauty
alacrity (ah-LAK-ri-tee) — 1. cheerful willingness; eagerness. 2. speed or quickness; celerity
It's crisp, lively, and fun to say. As with many of the best words, it sounds like its definition.
alexithymia (ah-lek-sah-THI-mee-ah) — inability to describe emotions in a verbal manner
This word is defined as an inability to verbally express or describe an emotion. It's beautiful to the ear and perfect for when you're feeling tongue tied.
anacoluthon (an-ah-kah-LOO-thon) — An abrupt change within a sentence to a second construction inconsistent with the first, sometimes used for rhetorical effect; for example, I warned him that if he continues to drink, what will become of him?
That a single word describes such a slippery concept is a delight.
anemone (ah-NEM-ah-nee) — 1. any of various perennial herbs of the genus Anemone, native chiefly to northern temperate regions and having palmately lobed leaves and large flowers with showy sepals. Also called windflower. 2. a sea anemone.
This word just sounds beautiful and is wonderful to say.
animadversion (an-ah-mad-VUR-zhen) — strong criticism; a critical or censorious remark
aplomb (ah-PLOM) — self-confident assurance; poise
apolaustic (ap-ah-LOS-tik) — devoted to enjoyment
apollonian (ap-ah-LO-nee-an) — characterized by clarity, harmony, and restraint; serene, calm
apotropaic (ap-ah-troh-PAY-ik) — intended to ward off evil
appersonation (ap-PER-so-nay-shen) — the delusion that one is a famous person
apposite (AP-ah-zit) — strikingly appropriate and relevant
Beautiful to say, and self-descriptive.
archipelago (ar-kah-PEL-ah-go) — 1. a large group of islands. 2. a sea, such as the Aegean, containing a large number of scattered islands
The pronunciation has a whimsical tone to it that makes me love saying it.
armamentarium (ar-mah-men-TAR-ee-um) — 1. the complete equipment of a physician or medical institution, including books, supplies, and instruments. 2. the complete range of materials available or used for a task
assuage (ah-SWAJ) — 1. to make (something burdensome or painful) less intense or severe. 2. to satisfy or appease (hunger or thirst, for example). 3. to pacify or calm
It sounds so cool...., and how it's spelt looks awesome for how it sounds. just everything about it and its meaning. also "epiphany" is one of the best words as well so good you have it :)
asthenic (as-THEN-ik) — extremely thin or wasted
atrabilious (at-rah-BIL-yes) — 1. melancholic; gloomy. 2. irritable; ill-natured; peevish
A mean word that means as it sounds, and a fluid pronunciation in keeping with its etymology: black bile.
auric (OR-ik) — of, relating to, derived from, or containing gold
avalanche (AV-ah-lanch) — 1. a fall or slide of a large mass, as of snow or rock, down a mountainside. 2. a massive or overwhelming amount; a flood
The avalanche is powerful, destructive, yet majestic and beautiful. The word avalanche has all these qualities, because it paints the picture in the head at first hearing.
avuncular (ah-VUNG-kyah-ler) — 1. of or having to do with an uncle. 2. regarded as characteristic of an uncle, especially in benevolence or tolerance
It's an adjective that describes someone who has characteristic of an uncle, especially in benevolence or tolerance. It has a great, warm sound that helps carry the meaning.
azure (AZH-er) — 1. a light purplish blue. 2. the color blue. 3. the blue sky
B
bailiwick (BAY-li-wik) — one's particular area of activity, interest, or authority
balustrade (BAL-ah-strad) — A rail and the row of balusters or posts that support it, as along the front of a gallery
banausic (bah-NO-sik) — merely mechanical; routine. 2. of or relating to a mechanic
bauble (BAU-ble) — 1. a showy, usually cheap, ornament; trinket; gewgaw. 2. a jester's scepter
I just like the way it rolls off your tongue and isn't spelled "bobble." It's just...cute.
bilious (BIL-yes) — 1. of, relating to, or containing bile. 2. characterized by an excess secretion of bile; of or relating to gastric distress caused by a disorder of the liver or gallbladder; sickly. 3. resembling bile, esp. in color. 4. having a peevish disposition; bad-tempered
boeotian (be-OH-shen) — stupid; dull
borborygmus (bor-bah-RIG-mes) — a rumbling noise produced by the movement of gas through the intestines
botryoidal (BOT-ree-oid-el) — shaped like a bunch of grapes
brouhaha (BROO-ha-ha) — an uproar; a hubbub
bumbledom (BUM-bel-dom) — 1. official pomposity and stupidity. 2. the dominion of an overbearing parish officer, the arrogance of parish authorities, the conceit of parish dignity
More than any other word I can think of off the top of my head, bumbledom sounds exactly like what it means. I also enjoy the fact that it is derogatory, albeit playfully, towards bureaucrats exclusively.
bungalow (BUNG-ah-low) — 1. A small house or cottage usually having a single story and sometimes an additional attic story. 2. a thatched or tiled one-story house in India surrounded by a wide verandah
Just say it slowly with the emphasis on the first syllable; if you don't giggle a little I don't know what to say.
Read more of the very best words here.
C
cachinnation (kak-ah-NA-shen) — a loud, hard, convulsive laugh; a guffaw
cacology (kah-KOL-ah-je) — bad choice or use of words
cacophony (kah-KOF-ah-nee) — 1. jarring, discordant sound; dissonance. 2. the use of harsh or discordant sounds in literary composition
callipygian (kal-ah-PIJ-ee-en) — having beautifully proportioned buttocks
catachresis (kat-ah-KRE-sis) — the incorrect use of a word or phrase
caterwaul (KAT-er-wol) — 1. to utter long wailing cries, as cats in rutting time. 2. to utter a similar sound; howl or screech. 3. to quarrel like cats
I love the sound of the word, as well as the emotional connotations ... it's haunting.
caustic (KOS-tik) — 1. capable of burning, corroding, dissolving, or eating away by chemical action. 2. corrosive and bitingly trenchant; cutting. 3. causing a burning or stinging sensation, as from intense emotion
I love the way this word sounds bitter and acidic just like its meaning.
chimera (ki-MIR-ah) — 1. an organism, organ, or part consisting of two or more tissues of different genetic composition, produced as a result of organ transplant, grafting, or genetic engineering; a substance, such as an antibody, created from the proteins or genes or two different species. 2. an individual who has received a transplant of genetically and immunologically different tissue. 3. a fanciful mental illusion or fabrication. 4. monstrous creature of Lycia in Asia Minor, which was made of the parts of multiple animals
An interesting word and sounds far better than nightmare etc. I also like the words legerdemain and otiose. The latter can be used to describe many people on this over crowded planet of ours
chthonic (THON-ik) — of or relating to the underworld
chuckle (CHUK-el) — 1. to laugh quietly or to oneself. 2. to cluck or chuck, as a hen
cicatrix (SIK-ah-triks) — a scar left by the formation of new connective tissue over a healing sore or wound
I love the sibilance of its sound ... its elegant yet fun.
clatterfart (KLAT-er-fart) — a chatterer; babbler
clishmaclaver (KLISH-mah-klay-ver) — casual chat or gossip
It sounds so much more interesting than "gossip" or "idle talk."
coccyx (KOK-siks) — a small triangular bone at the base of the spinal column in humans and tailless apes, consisting of several fused rudimentary vertebrae; tailbone
cockalorum (kok-ah-LOR-em) — 1. a little man with an unduly high opinion of himself. 2. boastful talk; braggadocio
conglomerate (kon-GLOM-ah-rat) — 1. a corporation made up of a number of different companies that operate in diversified fields. 2. a collected heterogeneous mass; a cluster. 3. a rock consisting of pebbles and gravel embedded in cement
I love it. It has a thick feel to the mouth.
connoisseur (kon-ah-SUR) — 1. a person with expert knowledge or training, especially in the fine arts. 2. a person of informed and discriminating taste.
It doesn't sound like what it means. .. It's cute!
consort (KON-sort) — 1. a husband or wife, esp. of a monarch. 2. a companion or partner. 3. a ship accompanying another in travel. 4. partnership; association. 5. a group; a company. 6. an instrumental ensemble
contumely (KON-too-mah-lee) — rudeness or contempt arising from haughtiness; insolence
conundrum (kah-NUN-drum) — 1. a riddle in which a fanciful question is answered by a pun. 2. a paradoxical, insoluble, or difficult problem; a dilemma
There's something about the sound of the word, and the simple meaning of an unsolvable riddle.
coprolalia (kop-rah-LA-lee-ah) — 1. the uncontrolled, often obsessive use of obscene or scatological language that may accompany certain mental disorders. 2. foul speech
coprolite (KOP-rah-lite) — fossilized excrement
cornucopia (kor-nah-KO-pee-ah) — 1. a goat's horn overflowing with fruit, flowers, and grain, signifying prosperity. 2. the horn of the goat that suckled Zeus, which broke off and became filled with fruit. In folklore, it became full of whatever its owner desired. 3. a cone-shaped ornament or receptacle. 4. an overflowing store; an abundance
corpulent (KOR-pyah-lent) — excessively fat
couth (kooth) refinement; sophistication
Feels regal when used correctly.
crepuscule (kri-PUS-kyool) — twilight; dusk
curl (CURL) — 1. something with a spiral or coiled shape. 2. a coil or ringlet of hair. 3. a treatment in which the hair is curled. 4. the act of curling; the state of being curled. 5. a weightlifting exercise using one or two hands, in which a weight held at the thigh or to the side of the body is raised to the chest or shoulder and then lowered without moving the upper arms, shoulders, or back. 6. any of various plant diseases in which the leaves roll up
It's as if the tongue fondly cradles this word and lets it roll over slowly. I am not surprised that Michael Ondaatje extolled it (calling it "such a slow word") in The English Patient. It's also vivid; it ladles out a feeling of well-being, comfort, and satiety.
curple (KER-pul) — buttocks; rump
D
decadence (DEK-ah-dence) — 1. a process, condition, or period of deterioration or decline, as in morals or art; decay. 2. a literary movement especially of late 19th-century France and England characterized by refined aestheticism, artifice, and the quest for new sensations
The strength of this word is incredible as are the images it has the potential to conjur!
defenestrate (dee-FEN-i-strate) — to throw out of a window
defile (di-FILE) — 1. to make filthy or dirty; pollute. 2. to debase the pureness or excellence of; corrupt. 3. to profane or sully (a reputation, for example). 4. to make unclean or unfit for ceremonial use; desecrate. 5. to violate the chastity of
delicatessen (del-i-kah-TES-en) — 1. a shop that sells cooked or prepared foods ready for serving; 2. ready-to-serve foods such as cheeses, cold cooked meats, and salads
denouement (DAY-noo-man) — 1. the final resolution or clarification of a dramatic or narrative plot; the events following the climax of a drama or novel in which such a resolution or clarification takes place. 2. the outcome of a sequence of events; the end result
I remember first hearing this word in ninth grade. It seemed like such a lovely word to sum up what was a lovely story.
dicephalous (di-SEF-ah-les) — having two heads
discombobulate (dis-kom-BOB-yah-late) — to confuse or disconcert; upset; frustrate
dollop (DOL-op) — a shapeless mass or blob of something
doryphore (DOR-ee-phor) — one who draws attention to the minor errors made by others, esp. in a pestering manner; a pedantic gadfly
It fits a real need — and the etymology is delightful as well. From the OED: 1952 H. NICOLSON in Spectator 22 Aug. 238/1 Often have I tried to supplement my vocabulary by inventing words, such as 'couth', or 'doriphore', or 'hypoulic', feeling that it is the duty as well as the pastime of a professional writer to make two words bloom where only one bloomed before. in Ibid. 17 Oct. 500/1 The doriphore..is the type of questing prig, who derives intense satisfaction from pointing out the errors of others. 1960 Age of Reason xii. 223 Boileau was so hurt by this reproof on the part of a female doryphore that he never set foot in Reuilly again. 1960 Daily Tel. 9 Dec. 19/3 The idiomatic implications of such a word as doryphore in his [sc. Sir Harold Nicolson's] own text is left for the ignorant to guess. (It means a Colorado beetle and, hence, a pest.) 1970 Times Lit. Suppl. 4 June 615/3 The editor..must..shrug off the pricks of professional doryphores. 1989 New Yorker 3 Apr. 99/2 When [the editors]..took me to lunch, they were rigidly abstemious, lest they fuddle their minds and give hostages to subsequent doryphores on returning to work.
E
ecdysiast (ek-DEZ-ee-ast) — a striptease artist
ecstacy (EK-stah-see) — 1. intense joy or delight. 2. a state of emotion so intense that one is carried beyond rational thought and self-control. 3. the trance, frenzy, or rapture associated with mystic or prophetic exaltation
Dude, pick it. It's not the drug, man. It's the word.
efficacious (ef-i-KAY-shes) — producing or capable of producing a desired effect
effusive (i-FYOO-siv) — 1. unrestrained or excessive in emotional expression. 2. profuse; overflowing
egregious (i-GREE-jes) — conspicuously bad or offensive
eleemosynary (el-ah-MOS-ah-ner-ee) — of, relating to, or dependent on charity
empress (EM-pris) — 1. the woman ruler of an empire. 2. the wife or widow of an emperor
It's something I can't really explain; this word just says power. It makes me think of Cleopatra, the ultimate empress. And the word itself sounds great: Empress! (You should hear the word in Portuguese: Imperatriz. It's beautiful.)
ennui (on-WEE) — boredom; listlessness and dissatisfaction resulting from lack of interest
ensoul (en-SOL) — 1. to endow with a soul. 2. to place, receive, or cherish in the soul
ephemeral (i-FEM-er-al) — lasting for a markedly brief time. 2. lasting or living for only a day, as certain plants and insects do
epicaricacy (EP-i-kar-ik-i-see) — taking pleasure in other's misfortune; schadenfreude
This word has caused a lot of discussion of late on a couple of forums that discuss these sorts of things. It's an English word, albeit probably an inkhorn term, for a concept that isn't supposed to have a word in English. quoting Nathan Bailey's An Universal Etymological English Dictionary, which is a very olde dictionary indeed (1721): "Epicharikaky — from the Greek words or roots for 'upon', 'joy', and 'evil': 'A Joy at the Misfortunes of others'".
epiphany (i-PIF-ah-nee) — 1. a Christian feast celebrating the manifestation of the divine nature of Jesus to the Gentiles as represented by the Magi; January 6, on which this feast is traditionally observed. 2. a revelatory manifestation of a divine being. 3. a sudden manifestation of the essence or meaning of something; a comprehension or perception of reality by means of a sudden intuitive realization
equestrian (i-KWES-tree-an) — of or relating to horseback riding or horseback riders
I don't know why, but I've always loved the word equestrian. Denying its true meaning, it has always made me feel as though I were underwater.
equinox (EE-kwah-noks) 1. either of two points on the celestial sphere at which the ecliptic intersects the celestial equator. 2. either of the two times during a year when the sun crosses the celestial equator and when the length of day and night are approximately equal; the vernal equinox or the autumnal equinox
This word is one of my favourites because of the unique sound.
esoteric (es-ah-TER-ik) — 1. intended for or understood by only a particular group; of or relating to that which is known by a restricted number of people. 2. confined to a small group; not publicly disclosed; confidential
ethereal (i-THIR-ee-el) — 1. characterized by lightness and insubstantiality; intangible. 2. highly refined; delicate. 3. of the celestial spheres; heavenly; not of this world; spiritual. 4. of or relating to ether
I love the way it sounds, how it looks, and its connotations.
etiolate (EE-tee-i-late) — 1. to cause (a plant) to develop without chlorophyll by preventing exposure to sunlight. 2. to cause to appear pale and sickly; to make weak by stunting the growth or development of
euphony (YOO-fah-nee) — agreeable sound
euphoria (yoo-FOR-ee-ah) — a feeling of great happiness or well-being
eviscerate (i-VIS-ah-ate) — 1. to remove the entrails of; disembowel. 2. to take away a vital or essential part of. 3. to remove the contents of an organ. 4. to remove an organ from a patient
The shape of the word in my mouth is yummy.
exiguous (ig-ZIG-yoo-es) — quite scanty; meager
Read more of the very best words here.
F
facetious (fah-SEE-shes) — playfully jocular; humorous
1. I love this word because you rarely hear it, but it describes almost everything said by me and my friends.
2. You already have this word, but i like it because it has all the vowels in alphabetical order ... especially if written "facetiously."
fantastical (fan-TAS-ti-kel) — 1. quaint or strange in form, conception, or appearance. 2. unrestrainedly fanciful; extravagant; bizarre, as in form or appearance; strange; based on or existing only in fantasy; unreal. 3. wonderful or superb; remarkable
Love the sound and meaning of the word :)
fastidious (fah-STID-ee-es) — 1. possessing or displaying careful, meticulous attention to detail. 2. difficult to please; exacting. 3. excessively scrupulous or sensitive, especially in matters of taste or propriety
It's just so upper crust.
febrile (FEB-rel) of, relating to, or characterized by fever; feverish
flapdoodle (FLAP-dood-el) — foolish talk; nonsense
flibbertigibbet (FLIB-er-tee-jib-it) — a silly, scatterbrained, or garrulous person
fond (FOND) — 1. having a strong liking, inclination, or affection. 2. affectionate; tender. 3. immoderately affectionate or indulgent; doting. 4. cherished; dear
It is a sweet word.
foofaraw (FOO-fah-ro) — 1. unnecessary things added for ornamentation; excessive or flashy ornamentation; frills. 2. a fuss over a trifling matter
foppish (FOP-ish) — of, relating to, or characteristic of a fop; dandified
Its synonym, "dandified," is just as cool.
frangipani (fran-jah-PAN-ee) — 1. any of various tropical American deciduous shrubs or trees of the genus Plumeria, having milky sap and showy, fragrant, funnel-shaped, variously colored flowers. Also called temple tree. 2. a perfume derived from or similar in scent to the flowers of one of these shrubs or trees. 3. also fran·gi·pane (FRAN-jah-pan) a creamy pastry filling flavored with almonds
It's just so odd, but it does help conjure the fragrance and the foreigness of the flowers it denotes.
frippery (FRIP-i-ree) — 1. pretentious, showy finery. 2. pretentious elegance; ostentation. 3. something trivial or nonessential
fuliginous (fyoo-LIJ-i-nous) — 1. sooty. 2. dark; dusky
fulminate (FUL-mah-nate) — 1. to issue a thunderous verbal attack or denunciation. 2. to explode or detonate
Mordechai Richler used this word, and i like it a lot — the meaning especially.
funambulism (fyoo-NAM-byah-liz-em) — tightrope walking
fustigate (FUS-ti-gate) — 1. to beat with a club; cudgel. 2. to criticize harshly
G
gallivant (GAL-ah-vant) — to roam about in search of pleasure or amusement
garçonnière (gar-son-NYER) a bachelor's apartment or quarters
gesticulate (je-STIK-yah-late) — to make gestures especially while speaking, as for emphasis
gigglesome (GIG-el-sum) — prone to giggling
glisten (GLIS-en) — to shine by reflection with a sparkling luster
Doesn't the word just shine when you say it?
globule (GLOB-yool) — a small spherical mass, especially a small drop of liquid
I love the way it rolls off your tongue when pronouced -- try it!
Godspeed (GOD-speed) — success or good fortune
guacamole (gwah-kah-MO-lee) — a thick paste of mashed avocado, often combined with citrus juice, onion, and seasonings and usually served as a dip or in salads
Perhaps too common, but so much fun to say. If you do not have fun saying it, you are most likely mispronouncing it.
H
hebetudinous (heb-i-TOOD-i-nes) — dull-minded; mentally lethargic
heebie-jeebies (hee-bee-JEE-beez) — nervousness; jitters
hobbledehoy (HOB-el-dee-hoi) — a gawky adolescent boy
hoi polloi (hoi-pah-LOI) — the common people; the masses
Sounds delightful, yet its meaning is derogatory.
homeostasis (ho-mee-oh-STA-sis) — the ability or tendency of an organism or cell to maintain internal equilibrium by adjusting its physiological processes
It's just a calming word that means a peaceful, happy, yet intelligent state!
homologate (hah-MOL-ah-gate) — 1. to approve. 2. to confirm officially
hullabaloo (HUL-ah-bah-loo) — great noise or excitement; uproar
It rolls off the tongue and sounds like a jumble of voices.
I
ichthyophagous (ik-the-OFF-ah-ges) — feeding on fish
idiosyncrasy (id-ee-oh-SING-krah-see) — a peculiarity of physical or mental constitution or temperament; a characteristic belonging to, and distinguishing, an individual
impervious (im-PUR-vee-es) — 1. incapable of being penetrated. 2. incapable of being affected
How much more confidence would we have in Superman if he changed his name to Impervious Jackson?
incognito (in-kog-NEE-toe) — with one's identity disguised or concealed
incondite (in-KON-dit) — 1. poorly constructed. 2. lacking finish or refinement; crude
incongruous (in-KONG-groo-es) — 1. lacking in harmony; incompatible. 2. not in agreement, as with principles; inconsistent. 3. not in keeping with what is correct, proper, or logical; inappropriate
indubitably (in-DOO-bi-tah-blee) — unquestionably; without doubt
The consonant combination is so fun to say!
ineluctable (in-i-LUK-tah-ble) — unable to be resisted or avoided; inevitable
infelicitous (in-fi-LIS-i-tes) — 1. inappropriate; ill-chosen. 2. not happy; unfortunate
It relates to anything which fails to do what it intends to do, such as a sentence without any purpose. I have no idea how it is actually meant to be pronounced, but I say it 'in-fel-i-SEE-shus'. It is amusing to ask people to try and say it. They normally pronounce it infelicitiously.
insatiable (in-SA-sha-ble) — impossible to satiate or satisfy
isocheim (I-so-kime) — a line connecting places on the earth having the same mean winter temperature
I've always liked the way "isocheim" sounds.
isthmus (IS-mes) — 1. a narrow strip of land connecting two larger masses of land. 2. a narrow strip of tissue joining two larger organs or parts of an organ; a narrow passage connecting two larger cavities
Read more of the very best words here.
J
jejune (je-JOON) — not interesting, dull, empty; childish; lacking in nutrition
jocularity (JOK-yah-lar-i-tee) — joking speech or behavior
juvenescent (joo-vah-NES-ent) — becoming young or youthful
K
kakistocracy (kak-i-STOK-rah-see) — government by the worst or least qualified citizens
kerfuffle (ker-FUF-el) — a disorderly outburst or tumult
kismet (KIZ-met) — fate; fortune
L
lackadaisical (lak-ah-DA-zi-kel) — lacking spirit, liveliness, or interest; languid
lambent (LAM-bent) — 1. flickering lightly over or on a surface. 2. effortlessly light or brilliant. 3. having a gentle glow; luminous
I love the "softly glowing" sound of this word and all it evokes.
lascivious (lah-SIV-ee-es) — 1. given to or expressing lust; lecherous. 2. exciting sexual desires; salacious
Shakespeare used the word like punctuation in "Othello."
lethologica (lee-tho-LO-gi-ca) — 1. the inability to remember the right word. 2. a psychological disorder that inhibits an individual's ability to articulate thoughts by temporarily forgetting key words, phrases, or names in conversation
It's that state of being where you can't remember the word you're looking for. I find it tremendously interesting that I can remember the name for the situation that I'd be in, but not the simple word I'd be looking for.
lissome (LIS-em) 1. easily bent; supple. 2. having the ability to move with ease; limber
A simply beautiful and mellifluous word.
loam (LOM) 1. soil composed of a mixture of sand, clay, silt, and organic matter. 2. a mixture of moist clay and sand, and often straw, used especially in making bricks and foundry molds
Something about the sound of it is oddly comforting.
loathsome (LOTH-sum) arousing loathing; abhorrent
Saying this word slowly really gets the message across. Love it.
logorrhea (log-ah-REE-ah) — excessive, incoherent talkativeness
lollop (LOL-op) — to move with a bobbing motion
loquacious (lo-KWA-shes) — very talkative; garrulous
I have loved it since I was a child and my teacher wrote it in my school report. The word sounds as if only the well spoken would be loquacious. The rest of us poor plebs would merely be chatty.
louche (LOOSH) — of questionable taste or morality; decadent
The very sound of it conjures decadence.
lucubrate (loo-KYOO-brate) — to study diligently; to write in a scholarly way
lugubrious (loo-GOO-bree-es) — mournful, dismal, or gloomy, especially to an exaggerated or ludicrous degree
Just say it; hear it in your ears. It's luscious.
lumpenproletariat (lum-pen-proh-li-TAR-ee-it) — 1. the lowest, most degraded stratum of the proletariat. Used originally in Marxist theory to describe those members of the proletariat, especially criminals, vagrants, and the unemployed, who lacked class consciousness. 2. the underclass of a human population
M
machination (mak-ah-NA-shen) — 1. the act of plotting. 2. a crafty scheme or cunning design for the accomplishment of a sinister end
malacophonous (mal-ah-KOF-i-nus) — having a soft voice
mammiferous (mah-MIF-er-es) — having mammary glands
masticate (MAS-ti-kate) — 1. to chew (food). 2. to grind and knead (rubber, for example) into a pulp
Because it sounds like masturbate and everyone thinks it is a dirty word.
matutinal (mah-TOOT-en-el) — of, relating to, or occurring in the morning; early
This word has a French root, which to me seems rare. The only time I have ever seen it used was in The Glass Bead Game by Herman Hesse.
megalomaniac (meg-ah-lo-MAN-ee-ak) — 1. a person with a psychopathological condition characterized by delusional fantasies of wealth, power, or omnipotence. 2. a person who has an obsession with grandiose or extravagant things or actions
melancholy (MEL-an-kol-ee) — 1. a gloomy state of mind, esp. when habitual or prolonged; depression. 2. sober thoughtfulness; pensiveness. 3. the condition of having too much black bile, considered in ancient and medieval medicine to cause gloominess and depression; black bile
mellifluous (mah-LIF-loo-es) — sweetly flowing; smooth and sweet
mendacity (men-DAS-i-tee) — a lie; falsehood
meretricious (mer-i-TRISH-es) — 1. attracting attention in a vulgar manner; plausible but false or insincere; specious. 2. of or relating to prostitutes or prostitution.
This word is both fun to say and interesting in meaning: although it sounds complimentary, it in fact tawdry or prostitute-like, from the Latin meretrix, which means whore.
merkin (MUR-kin) — a pubic wig for women
miasma (mi-AZ-mah) — 1. a noxious atmosphere or influence. 2. a poisonous atmosphere formerly thought to rise from swamps and putrid matter and cause disease; a thick vaporous atmosphere or emanation
micturate (MIK-cha-rate) — to eliminate urine; to pee
Solves the problem of a polite way to describe "making water."
milquetoast (MILK-toast) — one who has a meek, timid, unassertive nature
A humorous word I've seen used by George Saunders in CivilWarLand in Bad Decline. The word "milquetoast" is a testament to how popular culture affects our language given that it is supposedly derived from a comic strip.
misanthropy (mis-AN-thra-pee) — hatred or mistrust of humankind
moist (MOIST) — 1. slightly wet; damp or humid. 2. filled with or characterized by moisture. 3. tearful
I love the way it rolls out of the mouth, across the lips round and full, and with a crisp ending. It is a luxuriant, sensuous word.
monophagous (moh-NAF-ah-ges) — eating only one kind of food
mulct (MULKT) — 1. to penalize by fining or demanding forfeiture. 2. to acquire by trickery or deception. 3. to swindle or defraud
myriad (MIR-ee-ed) — a vast number; originally, ten thousand
Originally Greek for 10,000 (one hundred hundred; Remember that one million can be expressed as one hundred hundred hundred), the word now pracctically synonymous with "plethora."
myrmidon (MUR-mi-don) — 1. a member of a warlike Thessalian people who were ruled by Achilles and followed him on the expedition against Troy. 2. a faithful follower who carries out orders without question
I've always liked this word: It's mellifluous — even somewhat onomatopoeic — and it's always relevant.
mythomania (mith-oh-MAY-nee-ah) — a compulsion to exaggerate or tell lies
N
nadir (NA-dir) — 1. a point on the celestial sphere directly below the observer, diametrically opposite the zenith. 2. the lowest point
nebulous (NEB-yah-les) — 1. cloudy, misty, or hazy. 2. lacking definite form or limits; vague. 3. of, relating to, or characteristic of a nebula
Nebulous is an intriguing word that adds excitement in conversation and in text.
necromancy (NEK-roh-man-see) — 1. the practice of supposedly communicating with the spirits of the dead in order to predict the future. 2. black magic; sorcery. 3. magic qualities
The "necro" words seem all to lead into the ultimate ending: necrobiosis, necrolatry, necrology, necrophobia, etc. But this one has a special feel to it because it relates to the future as well as the past.
nefarious (nah-FAR-ee-es) — infamous by way of being extremely wicked
It gives me a thrill whenever I say it, and makes me think of a dashingly dark and wicked man with a waxed mustache and black cape.
nepenthe (ni-PEN-thee) — 1. a drug mentioned in the Odyssey as a remedy for grief. 2. something that induces forgetfulness of sorrow or eases pain
nihilistic (ni-ah-LIS-tik) — 1. believing all values are baseless and that nothing can be known or communicated. 2. rejecting all distinctions in moral or religious value and repudiating all previous theories of morality or religious belief. 3. believing that destruction of existing political or social institutions is necessary for future improvement. 4. having the delusion that the world or one's mind, body, or self does not exist
nuance (NOO-ans) — 1. a subtle or slight degree of difference, as in meaning, feeling, or tone; a gradation. 2. expression or appreciation of subtle shades of meaning, feeling, or tone
A unique and highly descriptive word.
nullipara (nah-LIP-er-ah) — a woman who has never given birth
Read more of the very best words here.
O
obfuscate (ob-fah-SKAT) — 1. to make so confused or opaque as to be difficult to perceive or understand. 2. to render indistinct or dim; darken
oblivion (ah-BLIV-ee-on) — 1. the condition or quality of being completely forgotten. 2. the act or an instance of forgetting; total forgetfulness. 3. official overlooking of offenses; amnesty.
obloquy (OB-lah-kwee) — verbal abuse of a person or thing
obsequious (ob-SEE-kwee-es) full of or exhibiting servile compliance; fawning
obstreperous (ob-STREP-er-es) — noisily defiant; aggressively boisterous.
odious (OH-dee-es) — repugnant; hateful
officious (ah-FISH-es) — meddlesome; unnecessarily or obtrusively ready to offer advice or services
olecranon (oh-LEK-rah-non) — The large process on the upper end of the ulna that projects behind the elbow joint and forms the point of the elbow
omphaloskepsis (om-fah-loh-SKEP-sis) — contemplation of one's navel
oniochalasia (oh-nee-oh-cha-LAY-see-ah) — buying as a means of mental relaxation
otiose (OH-she-os) — lazy, indolent; useless; ineffective, futile
oxymoron (ok-see-MOR-on) — a rhetorical figure in which incongruous or contradictory terms are combined, as in "a deafening silence" and "a mournful optimist"
P
panacea (pan-ah-SEE-ah) — a remedy for all diseases, evils, or difficulties; a cure-all
paraphernalia (par-ah-fer-NAL-yah) — 1. personal belongings. 2. the articles used in a particular activity; equipment. 3. a married woman's personal property exclusive of her dowry, according to common law.
parsimonious (par-si-MO-nee-es) — excessively sparing or frugal
A seemingly nice way to call someone a cheapskate or a tightwad.
paucity (PAU-si-tee) — 1. smallness in number; fewness. 2. scarcity; dearth
peculiar (pi-KYOOL-yer) — 1. unusual or eccentric; odd. 2. distinct from all others. 3. belonging distinctively or primarily to one person, group, or kind; special or unique
It's not long or uncommon, but just listen to it: "Peculiar." Isn't that such a peculiar word? I just love it.
penchant (PEN-chant) — a definite liking; a strong inclination
Just use it a sentence and you'll know why. Not a very uncommon word, yet still exclusive. It really sends the message in a graceful way. (I can't possibly praise a word more than this, its embarassing.)
penultimate (pi-NUL-tah-mit) — next to last
perambulate (pe-RAM-byah-late) — walk through, about, or over; stroll
perseverate (per-SEV-er-ate) to manifest or experience perseveration: uncontrollable repetition of a particular response, such as a word, phrase, or gesture, despite the absence or cessation of a stimulus, usually caused by brain injury or other organic disorder; the tendency to continue or repeat an act or activity after the cessation of the original stimulus
This word specifically refers to the act of repeating an action or word beyond its usefulness. A child who perseverates, for instance, will draw a line from one edge of the paper to the other, and go on drawing past the edge of the paper.
persiflage (PUR-sah-flazh) — banter; light, good-natured talk
perspicacious (pur-spi-KAY-shes) — having keen judgment or understanding; acutely perceptive
phalanges (pha-LAN-jeez) — a bone of a finger or toe
phalanx (FA-langks) — a compact group of people
phantasmagoria (fan-taz-mah-GOR-ee-ah) 1. a fantastic sequence of haphazardly associative imagery, as seen in dreams or fever; a constantly changing scene composed of numerous elements. 2. fantastic imagery as represented in art
philippic (fi-LIP-ik) — 1. any of the orations of Demosthenes against Philip of Macedon in the fourth century BC. 2. any of the orations of Cicero against Antony in 44 BC. 3. a verbal denunciation characterized by harsh, often insulting language; a tirade.
Simply said, I love this word and its meaning. Just say it then read the meaning. I also love the interesting history behind the word as well.
phobophobia (fo-bah-FO-bee-ah) — a morbid dread or fear of developing a phobia
pilgarlic (pil-GAR-lik) — a bald-headed man
plausible (PLAU-zi-ble) — 1. seemingly or apparently valid, likely, or acceptable; credible. 2. giving a deceptive impression of truth or reliability. 3. disingenuously smooth; fast-talking
pleonasm (PLEE-ah-naz-em) 1. the use of more words than are required to express an idea; redundancy. 2. a superfluous word or phrase
plethora (PLETH-er-ah) — 1. a superabundance; an excess. 2. an excess of blood in the circulatory system or in one organ or area
pogonip (PO-go-nip)
I just learned this word the other day. It's a form of precipitation/fog that only happens if the temperature is at or below 0° C and the humidity is near 100% It's a midwestern U.S. type of precip. The word comes from a Native American term (cannot remember the tribe!) and means "white death."
poltergeist (POL-ter-gist) — a ghost that manifests itself by noises, rappings, and the creation of disorder
A fun word seen more and more in newspapers and magazines.
poltroon (pol-TROON) — a contemptible coward
polymath (POL-ee-math) — a person of great or varied learning
porphyrophobia (por-fi-ROH-foh-bee-ah) — fear of the color purple
prandial (PRAN-dee-al) — relating to a meal, esp. dinner
prelapsarian (pre-lap-SAR-ee-an) — of or relating to the period before the fall of Adam and Eve
Hey, this is a great word. It means since the fall of man going back to Adam and Eve. We have an excuse for all our failures! Blame Adam and Eve!
propinquity (prah-PING-kwi-tee) — proximity; nearness
puerile (PYOOR-ile) — 1. belonging to childhood; juvenile. 2. immature; childish
pulchritudinous (pul-kri-TOOD-en-es) — having great physical beauty or appeal
It sounds like something that is the opposite of what it means.
pusillanimous (pyoo-sah-LAN-ah-mes) — timid or cowardly; fainthearted
Read more of the very best words here.
Q
quatopygia (kwah-tah-PIJ-ee-ah) — the shaking of the buttocks while walking
quiddity (KWID-i-tee) — 1. the real nature of a thing; the essence. 2. a hairsplitting distinction; a quibble
The word has such a fluid sound. It easily slides into place with its definition.
quidnunc (KWID-nungk) — a busybody; a nosy person
quiescent (kwi-ES-ent) — being quiet, still, or at rest; inactive
quintessential (kwin-tuh-SEN-shel) — of, relating to, or having the nature of a quintessence; being the most typical
It's the best of the best by definition, and it rolls off the tongue, and indeed the pen with ease and distinction.
quixotic (kwik-SOT-ik) — extravagantly chivalrous or romantic
quotidian (kwo-TID-ee-an) — daily; everyday; commonplace
R
ragpicker (RAG-pik-er) — one who makes a living scavenging rags and other refuse
rambunctious (ram-BUNGK-shes) boisterous and disorderly
rapscallion (rap-SKAL-yen) a rascal; a scamp
Like hip hop mixed with green onions, it just sounds delightful.
ravenous (RAV-ah-nes) — 1. extremely hungry; voracious. 2. rapacious; predatory. 3. greedy for gratification
If you say it fast, it sounds as if the word is mad and hungry.
recherche (rah-sher-SHAY) — 1. uncommon; rare. 2. exquisite; choice. 3. overrefined; forced. 4. pretentious; overblown
reconnoiter (ree-kah-NOI-ter) — to make a preliminary inspection; to look around
repellant (ri-PEL-ent) — 1. serving or tending to repel; able to repel. 2. inspiring aversion or distaste; repulsive. 3. resistant or impervious to a substance
It's elegant, avoiding the guttural sound of "disgusting" while preserving the meaning.
resplendent (ri-SPLEN-dent) — splendid or dazzling in appearance; brilliant
An excellent response to, "How are you?" and "How do I look?"
reticulate (ri-TIK-yah-lat) — resembling or forming a net or network
reverie (REV-ah-ree) — 1. a state of abstracted musing; daydreaming. 2. a daydream
rhomboidal (rom-BOID-el) — shaped like a rhomboid or rhombus
ribaldry (RI-bal-dree) — coarse language or humor
ricochet (RIC-ah-shay) — to rebound
rive (RIVE) — 1. to rend or tear apart. 2. to break into pieces; cleave or split asunder. 3. to break or distress (the spirit, for example).
rivulet (RIV-yah-lit) — a small brook or stream; a streamlet
rodomontade (rod-ah-mon-TADE) — pretentious boasting or bragging; bluster
S
salubrious (sah-LOO-bree-es) — conducive to health or well-being
sanctimonious (sangk-tah-MOH-nee-es) — feigning piety or righteousness
It is rather effective and tends to stop people speaking if you use it in reference to what they are saying, and it just generally rolls off the tongue quite nicely
sarcophagus (sar-KOF-ah-ges) — an above-ground stone coffin, often inscribed or decorated with sculpture
scalawag (SKAL-ah-wag) — scamp; rascal; reprobate
schadenfreude (SHAD-en-froi-dah) — pleasure derived from another's misfortune
schlong (SCHLONG) — a sizeable penis
schussboomer (SHUS-boo-mer) a fast downhill skier; someone who skis down a mountain very quickly and skillfully
The pronunciation is similar to the sound of skis slicing through snow.
scintilla (sin-TIL-ah) — 1. a minute amount; an iota or trace. 2. a spark; a flash
scintillation (sin-til-LAY-shen) — 1. the act of scintillating; sparkling 2. a spark; flash; twinkling. 3. a brilliant display of wit. 4. the twinkling of the stars caused by turbulence in the Earth's atmosphere
It sounds like it glitters; it's almost onomatopoeia.
scree (SKREE) — 1. loose rock debris covering a slope. 2. a slope of loose rock debris at the base of a steep incline or cliff
scuppernong (SKUP-er-nong) — 1. muscadine. 2. a cultivated variety of the muscadine grape with sweet yellowish fruit; a wine made from this grape
It just sounds like it's from the American south, doesn't it?
scurrilous — (SKUR-ah-les) 1. given to the use of vulgar, coarse, or abusive language. 2. expressed in vulgar, coarse, or abusive language
senescence (si-NES-sence) — growing old; aging
serendipity (ser-en-DIP-i-tee) — 1. the faculty of making fortunate discoveries by accident. 2. the fact or occurrence of such discoveries. 3. an instance of making such a discovery
The shape of the word in your mouth makes you believe everything will come out okay.
sesquipedalian (ses-kwi-pi-DAY-lee-en) — 1. given to using long words. 2. (of a word) containing many syllables
shibboleth (SHIB-ah-lith) — 1. a word or pronunciation that distinguishes people of one group or class from those of another. 2. a word or phrase identified with a particular group or cause; a catchword; a commonplace saying or idea. 3. a custom or practice that betrays one as an outsider
sialic (sigh-AL-ik) — having or having the characteristics of saliva
siderodromophobia (si-der-oh-droh-moh-PHO-bee-ah) — fear of trains, railroads, or train travel
sluice (SLOOS) — n. 1. an artificial channel for conducting water, with a valve or gate to regulate the flow; a valve or gate used in such a channel; a floodgate. 2. a body of water impounded behind a floodgate. 3. a sluiceway. 4. a long inclined trough, as for carrying logs or separating gold ore
v. 1. to flood or drench with or as if with a flow of released water. 2. to wash with water flowing in a sluice. 3. to draw off or let out by a sluice. 4. to send (logs, for example) down a sluice
I think it's among some of the best words because if you were to "sluice" anything the sound would be the same as pronouncing the word. It just has such a mouthsome taste! (And I know mouthsome's not a word, but it fits. :)
smorgasbord (SMOR-gus-bord) — 1. a buffet meal featuring a varied number of dishes. 2. a varied collection
soigné (swan-YA) — 1. showing sophisticated elegance; fashionable. 2. well-groomed; polished
soliloquy (sah-LIL-ah-kwee) — 1. a dramatic or literary form of discourse in which a character talks to himself or herself or reveals his or her thoughts without addressing a listener; a specific speech or piece of writing in this form of discourse. 2. the act of speaking to oneself
It fits into your mouth and has a fun, quirky meaning.
solipsism (SOL-ip-siz-em) — the belief that the self is the only reality
somnambulism (som-NAM-byah-liz-em) sleepwalking
somnambulist (som-NAM-byah-list) sleepwalker
splenetic (spli-NET-ik) — 1. of or relating to the spleen. 2. affected or marked by ill humor or irritability
sprocket (SPROK-it) — 1. any of various toothlike projections arranged on a wheel rim to engage the links of a chain. 2. a cylinder with a toothed rim that engages in the perforations of photographic or movie film to pull it through a camera or projector
steatopygian (stee-at-oh-PIJ-ee-ah) — having an excess accumulation of fat on the buttocks
stentorian (sten-TOR-ee-en) — very loud
struthious (STROO-thee-es) — of, relating to, or resembling an ostrich or a related bird; ratite
succumb (sah-KUM) — 1. to submit to an overpowering force or yield to an overwhelming desire; give up or give in. 2. to die
supercilious (soo-per-SIL-ee-es) — feeling or showing haughty disdain
It's awesome! If someone is supercilious, they are full of contempt, arrogance and pride. Just rolls off your tongue...right?
superfluous (soo-PUR-floo-es) — being beyond what is required or sufficient
synecdoche (si-NEK-dah-kee) — A figure of speech in which a part is used for the whole (as hand for sailor), the whole for a part (as the law for police officer), the specific for the general (as cutthroat for assassin), the general for the specific (as thief for pickpocket), or the material for the thing made from it (as steel for sword)
It's just cool that there's a word for this.
syzygy (SIZ-ah-jee) — 1. either of two points in the orbit of a celestial body where the body is in opposition to or in conjunction with the sun. 2. either of two points in the orbit of the moon when the moon lies in a straight line with the sun and Earth. 3. the configuration of the sun, the moon, and Earth lying in a straight line. 4. the combining of two feet into a single metrical unit in classical prosody
T
taciturn (TAS-i-turn) — habitually untalkative; silent
taint (TAINT) — 1. to affect with or as if with a disease. 2. to affect with decay or putrefaction; spoil. 3. to corrupt morally. 4. to affect with a tinge of something reprehensible
tarradiddle (TAR-ah-did-el) — 1. a petty falsehood; a fib. 2. silly pretentious speech or writing; twaddle
tatterdemalion (tat-er-di-MAL-yen) — a ragamuffin
tergiversate (ter-JIV-er-sate) — to equivocate; to change sides
tintinnabulation (tin-ti-nab-yah-LA-shen) — the ringing or sounding of bells
tintinnabulum (tin-ti-NAB-yah-lum) — a small, tinkling bell
The word is rhythmic and naturally descends in pitch as you say it. It's a musical word.
titillating (TIT-i-layt-ing) 1. stimulating from light touching; tickling. 2. pleasurably, superficially, or erotically exciting
Most people understand what this word means, even if they have never heard it before. It's a word of strength.
tmesis (TME-sis) — separation of the parts of a compound word by one or more intervening words; for example, where I go ever instead of wherever I go.
The interjection of one word inside another, for example, absobloominglutely.
tramontane (trah-MON-tane) — 1. a person who lives beyond the mountains. 2. A foreigner; a stranger. 3. A cold north wind in Italy
triskaidekaphobia (tris-ki-dek-ah-FO-bee-ah) — an abnormal fear of the number 13
troglodyte (TROG-lah-dite) — a cave dweller; recluse
tuxedo (tuk-SEE-doe) — a man's dress jacket, usually black with satin and grosgrain lapels, worn for formal or semiformal occasions
I really like the sound of this word!
U
ubiquitous (yoo-BIK-wi-tes) — being or seeming to be everywhere at the same time; omnipresent
ululate (UL-ya-late) — to howl, wail, or lament loudly
Cats are not the only things that wail.
unctuous (UNGK-choo-es) — 1. characterized by affected, exaggerated, or insincere earnestness. 2. having the quality or characteristics of oil or ointment; slippery. 3. containing or composed of oil or fat. 4. abundant in organic materials; soft and rich
It's slick, oily (like a used car salesman).
usurp (yoo-SURP) — 1. to seize and hold (the power or rights of another, for example) by force and without legal authority. 2. to take over or occupy without right
undulation (un-jah-LAY-shen) — movement in waves; a wavy, curving form or outline
uxorious (uk-SOR-ee-es) — excessively fond or submissive to one's wife
Read more of the very best words here.
V
valley (VAL-ee) — 1. an elongated lowland between ranges of mountains, hills, or other uplands, often having a river or stream running along the bottom. 2. an extensive area of land drained or irrigated by a river system. 3. a depression or hollow resembling or suggesting a valley, as the point at which the two slopes of a roof meet
A sweet word, one that hints of greenness, beauty, and rest.
vertigo (VUR-ti-go) — 1. the sensation of dizziness; an instance of such a sensation. 2. a confused, disoriented state of mind
virago (vi-RA-go) — A loud-voiced, ill-tempered, scolding woman
What a fantastic insult!
vitiate (VISH-ee-ate) — 1. to reduce the value or impair the quality of. 2. to corrupt morally; debase. 3. to make ineffective; invalidate
voluptuous (vah-LUP-choo-es) — 1. giving, characterized by, or suggesting ample, unrestrained pleasure to the senses. 2. devoted to or indulging in sensual pleasures; directed toward or anticipating sensual pleasure; arising from or contributing to the satisfaction of sensuous or sensual desires
W
weanling (WEEN-ling) — a child or animal newly weaned
willow (WIL-oh) — any of various deciduous trees or shrubs of the genus Salix, having usually narrow leaves, unisexual flowers borne in catkins, and strong lightweight wood; the wood of any of these trees
"O, willow willow willow willow..." Simply lovely.
X
xanthippe (zan-THIP-ee) — 1. the wife of Socrates: the prototype of the quarrelsome, scolding wife. 2. a shrewish, nagging wife.
Y
yesternight (YES-ter-nite) — last night
I love this word because it follows seamlessly from "yesterday." I first heard the word from my daughter Kathy when when she was about 4 years old. In her mind the transition was a natural flow from "yesterday."
Z
zany (ZA-nee) — 1. one who plays the clown or fool in order to amuse others. 2. a comically wild or eccentric person. 3. a secondary stock character in old comedies who mimicked his master. 4. a professional buffoon; clown. 5. a silly person; simpleton. 6. a slavish attendant or follower
Zeitgeist (ZIT-gist) — the spirit of the time; the taste and outlook characteristic of a period or generation
zephyr (ZEF-er) — the west wind; a gentle breeze; something that is airy or insubstantial
Read more of the very best words here.
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Rejected Best Words
segue (which obviously belongs in the Worst Words list)
drismal (occasionally useful but hardly worthy of the "Best" designation)
food (among the starving, perhaps so; otherwise, no)
leet (slang for "good" or "great," apparently, and idiotic, certainly)
procrastinate (which has nothing whatever, neither meaning nor music, to recommend it — only a procrastinator could love procrastinate)
C.H.O.G.M. ("Commonwealth Heads Of Government Meeting" or CHO-gum. "I know, it's an acronym, but say it. Go on, it's the most fun word to say. I nearly named my first born CHOGM. CHOGM, CHOGM, CHOGM")
constantinople (proper names are no more welcome than acronyms, "cool to say" though Constantinople may be)
cuntiferous (swear words and scatology belong in a Worst of the Worst Words list; only people as offensive, as humorless, as this word would ever use it)
diarrhea (or "diharrea," as the nominator spells it, does not "sound pretty")
and/or (whether you believe this expression is useful or distasteful, in no circumstances is it a Best Word)
putz and schmuck (derivations aside, both words are insulting, mean-spirited, and slangy)
floccinaucinihilipilification (though, as its nominator says, this is supposedly the longest word in the English language, it has nothing else — scarcely even its length — to support its being a Best Word)
fracas (too dreadfully common to be justly regarded as a Best Word)
cafeteria (no one who has eaten in a cafeteria could possibly consider this a Best Word)
metamorphis (metamorphosis is certainly a good word, perhaps even a Best Word, but metamorphis, as the nominator spells it, is not)
chocolate (taste, some people have yet to learn, differs from sound or sense)
snarky (only the hopelessly inarticulate could ever consider snarky a Best Word)
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Since July 2007
A Dictionary of American-English Usage by Margaret Nicholson
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