Definition: an at-home vacation, a vacation near by

Pronunciation: just like vacation, just starting with “stay”

Synonyms: daycation, nearcation

Origin:

This is a newly introduced word to the English language, some say coined in a 2003 article in The Sun News. In 2009, staycation was already featured in Merriam-Webster’s Collegiate Dictionary.

Why this word?

Well, the difference between staying at home and leaving on vacation is immense, but staycations teach us otherwise. I somewhere saw that the original coining of this word took place during the latest depression in the US, when people really wanted to go on vacation- but simply couldn’t afford it. Then, you’d say, they just stayed home- but, there is a big difference between staying home because you have no other options- and declaring that stay as a staycation! And this, to me, is the power of this word.

This is about decision making and how it affects our lives. Just returning from a long vacation (a real one, including a 10 hour flight and all), going back to work and living this gray office existence was very hard indeed- teaching me that each day spent at home is a vacation- and you should treat it as such, even if it is just ‘at home’!

Make the absolute best with what you can, when you can and however you can make the best out of it. As long as you make the very best out of it.

How to use the word staycation in a sentence?

Referring to any day or few days off you take to chill and enjoy, this is exactly how it is used.

“Dan called in sick today, but I know he’s taking one of his infamous staycation days! Oh I envy him badly”!

Pronunciation: a-tuh-RAK-see-a

Synonyms: Quietude, tranquility, serenity

Origin: It is derived from the Greek word ataraktos (not disturbed).

Why this word?

Such a coveted thing this “peace of mind” is. Who would know about its importance better than you! Everyone desires it badly, but those doggone responsibilities and unnecessary fretting take it away from you.  They, first, make you think, then throw you in swivet, leave you disconcerted, and eventually liquidate all those potential germs of tranquility.

Even if partially, our glowing rectangles (mobile, tablets, laptops et cetera) also impede our journey to attain ataraxia; we hate to admit it though. If you are having a hard time making yourself believe the aforementioned declaration made by me, just ask yourself this question: What do you resort to in your leisure? The word phubbing was even coined- I wonder where we are heading to! Give your brain some rest, people and look the word up- if you’re not yet familiar with it.

I am no preacher, but looking at monks and gurus, who have successfully attained ataraxia, it seems to me that sacrificing the hedonistic way of living and doing what you have predilection for are the only ways to attain that peace of mind.

How to use it in sentence?

That fidgeting in night was actually a fight for Ataraxia.

Martin experiences ataraxia when he paints

Pronunciation: FEE-nah-KIZZ-m

Origin:

Ancient Greek; coming directly from the naming of a glassy mineral which looks nearly identical to quartz, but has no “true” gemstone value, and is thus considered an “impostor”.

Why this word?

I’m not a dater. I think romance is baffling, dates are often understood to be pointed (and thus uncomfortable), and that the expectations of significant intimacy– no matter how generalized –are mostly exhausting and boring.

But, I’m still (somewhat) human. I get lonely, in spite of my better knowledge and judgment.

Though, when I actually do feel the rare desire to dabble in that weird, awkward dance called Courting, I think I deserve honesty coming from the current target of my affections– right? (The same sentiment applies, vice versa. I don’t like to lie to anyone.)

So, it boggles me how some charismatic phenakist ever thought I was fool enough to fall for their bullshit.

I know that I have always had a rich, satisfying internal life. It’s just the way I’m wired. I am, 95% of the time, quite happy being single, alone– however you wish to categorize. But all of that aside, I still don’t think my (rarely, if ever activated) standards for interpersonal attention are too cumbersome or rigorous to navigate. Don’t lie to me. Mirror the same patience that I offer to you. Be forward and up-front– I personally cannot operate on anything less. How can those be too difficult to comprehend? In which stipulation could someone read: “I know I said be honest with me, but I’ll definitely understand you’re just too much of a shining gem of a gift and forgive you when I find out your deception!”

I was born during the day, but I wasn’t born yesterday, dig?

Something I’ve never understood is the irrational, detrimental compulsion to continue either seeing or interacting with someone who strings along multiple potential suitors at once. Like, okay– I do understand that specialized attention is nice and makes people feel good, makes them feel important; but at what cost? If the one providing it treats you to your face like you’re #1, when really you’re their Backup-Plan Maybe #3 (if the one who’s totally out of their league doesn’t notice them, and the second-best step down whom they’re really aiming for decides to select better.) That doesn’t sound like they respect you very much. That doesn’t sound like they value your worth as an individual; as a person.

Across the board, almost all people deserve to be treated better than getting relegated as a “backburner option”.

How do you use the word phenakism in a sentence?

Example: “Harvey had been suck in an intractible cycle of phenakism for quite some time. Deeply unhappy with his lack of personal accomplishments, he made up wild, exciting lies which he fed to his acquaintences– and, briefly, he would become satisfied. But, after a while, the same stories got stale, milked completely dry of any entertaining attention; their diamond veneer would fade, and Harvey would be left staring at the same old lump of worthless rock whenever he examined his life. The common, everyday little miracles– like being able to get out of bed, and progress from dawn to dusk without jumping in front of a bus –wouldn’t even register with him.”

Pronunciation: a-jer-Ay-zee-a

Origin:  This word is an amalgamation of a (without) and geras (old age), it has been taken into English from the Greek word agerasia, no changes applied. The common roots of ger-, geri-. gero- and, geronto- are widely seen in words where  age (usually old age) plays a role.

Why this word?

English has a word for this too; Pretty surprising, right? Doesn’t English seem boundless at times? This language doesn’t disappoint anyone. I believe that it has words for almost everything, for every time I presume something as unnamed; sooner or later, it eventuates with a name. But, like all the other languages, unfortunately/fortunately (depends upon your curiosity), it too has its limits.

This word brings four illustrious names to my mind: Tom Cruise, Keanu Reeves, Jenifer Aniston and George Clooney. I believe that these people have imbibed some sort of mysterious elixir that has stunted their pulchritude. Honestly, I wonder if there even exists anything like that. Because if it does, that is something highly craved for. Besides those personalities, it also reminds me of one of the best works of Oscar Wilde: The Picture of Dorian Grey. I don’t think recounting a single word about the book would be any good for an inquisitive reader; it’d be ripping you out of the suspense and fun. The book touches various realms like: The purpose of art; the supremacy of youth and beauty; the surface nature of society; the negative consequences of influence. A must-read book I would say.

How to use it in sentence?

His longing for Agerasia has gone so severe that he has started to mix different ointments before applying them.

Originating in late 14^th century French, mortgage comes from morgage, mort meaning ‘dead’ and gage meaning ‘pledge’. The word was chosen as during those times, the deal used to die when the payments were paid off, or when, let’s put it gently- the payments fail. For which ever reason.

Checkmate is originally a Persian game and so is its name: the Arabic shah means ‘king’ while mat means to be left astonished, helpless. Which is the purpose of the game, right?

The languages originally spoken on north American grounds in general, and on Canadian grounds in particular were Iroquoian- a group of native American languages that are known for not having labial consonants (b,m,p..) at all! But that’s not the issue here.

In Iroquoian cana’da meant village, and Canadians- villagers.

Originating in 16^th century France, Mrs. was the abbreviation of mistress and was considered a vulgar word in English until the 19^th century!

The sense of one’s wife was only attested in the 1920s.

Pronunciation: say it like you see it, with somewhat of a silent ‘t’- dan(t)s

Origin:

First know use of ‘dunce’ was recorded in the 1570s referring to Philosopher John Duns Scout’s disciples.

Why this word?

If the origin section left you slightly confused- you are right. How can it be that philosopher’s disciples were referred to slow-witted and somewhat stupid? Well, proportion is the name of the game here, and the reason to why I chose the word.

John Duns Scouts was one of the Middle Ages’ greatest scholars, bright to the extent to which he was named Doctor Subtillis, so humble and smart he was. Dealing with philosophy and theology, his teaching attracted a wide range of philosophers, students and admirers who were only willing to learn from him.

His writings were prominent all the way through the Renaissance when new theories swept through Europe. His students who, at earlier times, were called Dunsmen and Duncers for following his teachings, were later on referred to ‘dunce’, since they weren’t interested in learning newer philosophies.

Slow-witted? Stupid? Not so much. Only faithful and loyal. This is the first bit of proportion needed to understand this great word.

Want another bit for proportion? People with learning disabilities and\or dyslexia were once referred to as dunce. Its only now that we know it can be treated and overcome and those kids turned out being the smartest in class.

Yet- the meaning of the word stays intact.

How to use the word dunce in a sentence?

Dunce is an adjective referring to late bloomers and slow learners.

“Matt was slightly dunce in the first years to his schooling; it was only later on that we learned of the actual genius that he is”.