Vote for the best verboticism.
DEFINITION: v. To unconsciously adopt the vocal mannerisms and linguistic stylings of the people with whom you are speaking. n. A speaker who adopts the vocal mannerisms of their audience.
Verboticisms
Click on each verboticism to read the sentences created by the Verbotomy writers, and to see your voting options...
You have two votes. Click on the words to read the details, then vote your favorite.
Grammaeleon
Created by: artr
Pronunciation: gramēlyən
Sentence: Joe is what is referred to as a military brat. As he grew up his family changed homes as often as some people change their underwear. Everywhere they lived he adopted the regional vernacular complete with inflections and slang. He was a regular grammaeleon, changing to match his language the local background. From Texas to California to Jersey and many points between, he collected many colloquialisms. As an adult he seems confused at times spouting strangely mixed phrases like **Fugget abowt it Ya*all dudes**.
Etymology: grammar (the whole system and structure of a language or of languages in general, usually taken as consisting of syntax and morphology including inflections and sometimes also phonology and semantics) + chamaeleon (a small slow-moving Old World lizard with a highly developed ability to change color)
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COMMENTS:
I newt it would be a good word! - Nosila, 2009-10-07: 01:28:00
like it... - mweinmann, 2009-10-07: 07:52:00
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Langslide
Created by: purpleartichokes
Pronunciation: lang-slide
Sentence: After interviewing the president, Bob recapped the discussion, and langslided when he talked about North Korea's "nucular" capabilities.
Etymology: language, slide
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COMMENTS:
excellent one! - toadstool57, 2007-03-20: 08:19:00
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Paraphonics
Created by: CharlieB
Pronunciation: para-fon-icks
Sentence: Scientists in the field of paraphonics have found the perfect example of manipulative parodiction: high-profile chef James Olivier and former Prime Minister Tommy Bleurgh both move easily between Estuary English and RP depending on their audience.
Etymology: parody (to imitate poorly or feebly) + phonic (of or pertaining to speech)
Accslident
Created by: petaj
Pronunciation: ack-slide-ent
Sentence: Carrie was the laughing stock of her friends because working in the childcare centre had caused her to accslidently talk like a toddler.
Etymology: accent (vocal styling) + slide (movement) + accident (unplanned, unconscious action)
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COMMENTS:
I like it! - jedijawa, 2007-03-21: 00:31:00
thanks jedijawa - petaj, 2007-03-25: 04:14:00
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Peerbonics
Created by: toadstool57
Pronunciation: pEEr-bon-ics
Sentence: David aquired a severe case of peerbonics, taking on the speaking mannerisms he picked up in his group of friends.
Etymology: peer, as in friends/ebonics, black english
Mimaccent
Created by: erasmus
Pronunciation: mi mac sent
Sentence: Doris was terrible for putting on a mimaccent every time she spoke to someone. Even South Africans thought she was one of them until she said she came from Chawley.
Etymology: from mimic and accent
Vernacclimate
Created by: swallowedbyafish
Pronunciation:
Sentence: After a few months he found he had vernacclimated with the locals without even noticing.
Etymology: vernacular + acclimate
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COMMENTS:
I think there is a real use for this word - nice one. - petaj, 2007-03-20: 08:46:00
Oooh, I like that one. - jedijawa, 2007-03-20: 09:20:00
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Vernactitude
Created by: Nosila
Pronunciation: ver nakt itood
Sentence: My Mother has a vernactitude in communicating with others from different ethnic backgrounds. First of all she speaks slower and louder than normal (apparently in her mind this will help them understand her English words better). She uses far more hand language & gestures and throws in foreign words to better describe what she is trying to say. It matters not that the foreign words are not in the language of that person. She recently spoke to a Chinese waiter and after she slowly and loudly told him her order, ended it with "Capeesh,Garçon?"
Etymology: Vernacular (the everyday speech of the people (as distinguished from literary language);a characteristic language of a particular group) & Aptitude (inherent ability)
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COMMENTS:
Good for mum! - splendiction, 2009-10-06: 22:43:00
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Vomimical
Created by: ellianth
Pronunciation: Vo-mim-mic
Sentence: Before he knew it Mr. Teacher was vomimicing Susan's SMS lingo.
Etymology: Vomimmic
Imitalk
Created by: Discoveria
Pronunciation: Imm-me-tork
Sentence: The police officer did not take kindly to Simple Simon imitalking. It wasn't his fault that he had such a thick accent, was it guv'nor?
Etymology: Imitate + talk.
Comments:
Today's definition was suggested by Osomatic.
Thank you Osomatic! ~ James
Today's definition was suggested by Osomatic. Thank you Osomatic. ~ James