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.
Talkonalog
Created by: mana1066
Pronunciation: talk-on-a-log
Sentence: When hanging around Tyrone, Winston used his black talkonalog.
Etymology: talk + take on + dialog
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
Linguistricks
Created by: mrskellyscl
Pronunciation: ling-gwist-tricks
Sentence: Professor Jones was skilled at linguistricks; however he clearly had been spending too much time with his students when he was heard in the faculty room saying, "Dude...I was like...and she was like...and then we like.....ya, know?"
Etymology: linguistics: the study of the nature, structure and variation of languages; + tricks: particular trait or mannerism; special skill or knack
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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Hackcent
Created by: Osomatic
Pronunciation: hack + sent
Sentence: John picked up a brogue in Dublin, and we made fun of him mercilessly for his hackcent.
Etymology: hack + accent
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)
Lexidapt
Created by: ziggy41
Pronunciation: (lecks-uh-dapt)
Sentence: Musicians are somewhat known for the ability to lexidapt one's speech within minutes.
Etymology: From Greek "lexis-" (word) and Latin "adaptare" (to fit, to adjust).
Phoneticopy
Created by: mweinmann
Pronunciation: fone - et - eh - kopee
Sentence: Maurice continued to phoneticopy everything his students said, even when they showed their displeasure.
Etymology: phonetic (of or relating to speech sounds), copy
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COMMENTS:
Perfect word for the definition - splendiction, 2009-10-06: 22:41:00
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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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Comments:
Today's definition was suggested by Osomatic.
Thank you Osomatic! ~ James
Today's definition was suggested by Osomatic. Thank you Osomatic. ~ James