Thursday, June 30, 2005

Higgledy-Piggledy

(1) In utter disorder or confusion: “There is something delightfully and liberatingly ludicrous about parading higgledy-piggledy in a line of walkers of all shapes and sizes”
(2) Topsy-turvy; jumbled.

Tuesday, June 28, 2005

Zeitgeist

The taste, outlook, and spirit characteristic of a period or generation.

Monday, June 27, 2005

Panoply

(1) A splendid or striking array: a panoply of colorful flags.
(2) Ceremonial attire with all accessories: a portrait of the general in full panoply.
(3) Something that covers and protects: a porcupine's panoply of quills.
(4) The complete arms and armor of a warrior.

Thursday, June 23, 2005

Draconian

Exceedingly harsh; very severe: a draconian legal code; draconian budget cuts.

[From the name Draco, an Athenian politician who codified the laws of Athens (c. 621). Lauded for its impartiality, his code was unpopular for its severity.]

Wednesday, June 22, 2005

Jamais vu

The experience of being unfamiliar with a person or situation that is actually very familiar. Antonym: deja vu

Fait accompli

An accomplished, presumably irreversible deed or fact.

Monday, June 06, 2005

Grok

To understand profoundly through intuition or empathy.

Friday, June 03, 2005

Logy

Characterized by lethargy; sluggish.