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yen

[ yen ] [ yɛn ] Show IPA Phonetic Respelling

noun

a desire or craving

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Why Dictionary.com chose yen

More about yen

  • First recorded in 1905–10.
  • Likely from Chinese (Cantonese) ²âá³ó²Ô, meaning “craving, addiction.”

EXAMPLES OF YEN

  • Never staying put, Charlie had a yen to see the whole world.
  • The professor’s yen for uncovering lost voices led her to study dead languages.
20240103
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51³Ô¹Ï of the Day Calendar

51³Ô¹Ï of the day

scrimshank

[ skrim-shangk ] [ ˈskrɪmˌʃæŋk ] Show IPA Phonetic Respelling

verb

to avoid one's obligations or share of work

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Why Dictionary.com chose scrimshank

More about scrimshank

  • First recorded in 1885–90.
  • Of obscure origin; possibly related to scrimshaw, meaning “to carve bone or ivory,” an activity one might do to avoid other work.
  • Possibly related to scrimp, meaning “to be sparing.”

EXAMPLES OF SCRIMSHANK

  • He tried to scrimshank his way out of morning drills, but the sergeant noticed.
  • Swamped with messages, the overwhelmed employee chose to scrimshank in the breakroom instead of diving in.
20240103
51³Ô¹Ï of the Day Calendar

51³Ô¹Ï of the day

tagliatelle

[ tahl-yuh-tel-ee ] [ ˌtɑl yəˈtɛl i ] Show IPA Phonetic Respelling

noun

egg noodles cut in long, flat pieces

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Why Dictionary.com chose tagliatelle

More about tagliatelle

  • First recorded in English in 1895–1900.
  • From the Italian verb tagliare, meaning “to cut or slash,” + the diminutive suffix -elle.

EXAMPLES OF TAGLIATELLE

  • The market stall sold bundles of handmade tagliatelle.
  • The chef tossed the fresh tagliatelle with wild mushroom sauce.
20240103
51³Ô¹Ï of the Day Calendar
51³Ô¹Ï of the Day Calendar