Verboticisms

Created by: kashman

Pronunciation: pomp-a-lishius

Sentence: Listening to the office manager's pompalicious description of simple office tasks depicts how much time she had on her hands.

Etymology: Pompous (excessive display of self-importance) + (a)licious [from lacere meaning deceive or lure; used in words like delicious (de =away) and bootylicious ;)].

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Created by: Mustang

Pronunciation: GOB-uhl-dee-gush

Sentence: Samantha had a smattering of technical knowledge regarding electronic, photographic and surveillance systems but she had a vast vocabulary and would ramble on with enthusiastic gobbledegush not realizing that most folks knew she was talking nonsense.

Etymology: Blend of 'gobbledygook' (language characterized by circumlocution and jargon, usually hard to understand) and 'gush' (to express oneself extravagantly or emotionally; talk effusively)

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Created by: artr

Pronunciation: baloōnē

Sentence: The missives that descended from the corporate office were so much balloony that it was a wonder they didn't just float away.

Etymology: Balloon (a large bag filled with hot air or gas to make it rise in the air) + Loony (a crazy or silly person) Also Baloney (foolish or deceptive talk)

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COMMENTS:

I wonder if ya could make a baloony sammich out of that stuff? - Mustang, 2008-12-31: 23:53:00

Great combination. - OZZIEBOB, 2009-01-01: 00:00:00

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Created by: Tigger

Pronunciation: /jahr-gon-TIF-i-keyt/

Sentence: All of Ken's employees and co-workers wondered how he had gotten his job, as an Information Technology Manager, since he was practically computer-illiterate and he could barely turn a computer on without help. He was a charismatic talker though, so even though he went around using inappropriate techno-terms and unrelated buzzwords, and he would jargontificate endlessly, he only sounded convincing to other computer-illiterate people. Then he mentioned his background as a Car Salesman, and it all started to make sense.

Etymology: Jargon - language characterized pretentious vocabulary and convoluted syntax, often vague in meaning (from Old French, gargon "a chattering" [of birds]) + Pontificate - to speak in a pompous or dogmatic manner (from Latin, pontifex "bridge-maker")

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COMMENTS:

Great last line in your sentence! Well selected etymology. Good word! - silveryaspen, 2008-03-06: 10:55:00

So many good submissions today picking was tough. But this one's a peach, so I picked it. - stache, 2008-03-06: 15:13:00

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Created by: artr

Pronunciation: jabərtôkē

Sentence: Lewis loved to talk with Carrol. She, for the most part, was unimpressed with his jabbertalky.

Etymology: jabber (talk rapidly and excitedly but with little sense) + talk (speak in order to give information or express ideas or feelings) play on jabberwocky from the title of a nonsense poem in Lewis Carroll’s Through the Looking Glass (1871)

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COMMENTS:

I LOVE JABBERWOKY! This is so funny, ARTR. - XMbIPb, 2010-05-17: 20:08:00

"Beware the Jabberwock, my son! The jaws that bite, the claws that catch! Beware the Jubjub bird, and shun The frumious Bandersnatch!" - XMbIPb, 2010-05-17: 20:08:00

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Created by: Banky

Pronunciation: ack-ro-nimm-rohd

Sentence: "Joe, on the DL, the entire PTC committee needs those TPS reports PDQ. GBTW and, get `em to me ASAP, or I'll tell HR or your GM that you're in AA and are faking being sick instead of using PTO hours. Then it'll be RIP for your career. - Rob Gathers" Joe deleted the acronimrod's email just as Anna Gathers emerged from the hotel room's bathroom in a schoolgirl outfit. "You know, Joe, if I wanted a workaholic ass, I'd be banging my husband," she sneered. Joe closed the laptop and placed it gently beside the bed.

Etymology: acronym + nimrod

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COMMENTS:

Good one, Banky,your STAT response encapsulates this scenario and empowers the disenfranchised to become key stakeholders in this etymological challenge! - Nosila, 2008-03-06: 01:07:00

So... Did those TPS reports ever get submitted? I'm dying to know! Lol. Love you mini-stories. - Tigger, 2008-03-06: 10:30:00

Superlative story and word! - silveryaspen, 2008-03-06: 11:14:00

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Created by: Nosila

Pronunciation: mal a prop por ter

Sentence: When Christine was in charge of giving instructions, she was a malaproporter. Her big, convaluting words and writing, often left the office staff with confusing instructions. When she ran for the office of Safety and Evacuation Officer, she was voted out, due to her unclear and head-spinning guidance!

Etymology: Malapropism (A malapropism is the production of an incorrect word in place of a word with a similar sound, resulting in a nonsensical, often humorous utterance & Purporter (the intended meaning of a communication have the often specious appearance of being, intending, or claiming)

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Created by: Jabberwocky

Pronunciation: trans/sen/ten/see

Sentence: The prof always lectured with such transentency that it was difficult to make notes about his lecture. Mine usually read "what the ....?"

Etymology: transcendency + sentence

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COMMENTS:

from pronounciation thru to etymology and word ... A cut above the usual! Superb! - silveryaspen, 2008-03-06: 10:58:00

...Luck!... be a Lady toniiiiiiiiight! (Gawd, I hate Sinatra.) - purpleartichokes, 2008-03-06: 18:27:00

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Created by: kateinkorea

Pronunciation: OS ten DIC shus

Sentence: I think my ostendictious co-worker has swallowed a dictionary and wants us all to know.

Etymology: ostentatious:expensive or noticeable in a way that is intended to impress people. and dictionary

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COMMENTS:

This is a clever combination of impressive overinflation....like it. - mweinmann, 2008-12-31: 09:10:00

Like it alot. - OZZIEBOB, 2009-01-01: 00:20:00

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Created by: artr

Pronunciation: bləstərbleðər

Sentence: After years as a spokesperson for the utility company, Jill is so versed in blusterblather that she has trouble understanding her own twaddle.

Etymology: bluster (talk in a loud, aggressive, or indignant way with little effect) + blather (talk long-windedly without making very much sense)

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