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A.Word.A.Day--spendthrift spendthrift (SPEND-thrift) noun One who spends money extravagantly or wastefully. adjective Wasteful with money. [A spendthrift is literally one who spends his or her wealth, from Middle English thrift (prosperity), from Old Norse thrifask (thrive).] Two colorful synonyms of today's word are dingthrift and scattergood. "Actress Reema says she would like to marry a man who is compassionate towards others, is neither a spendthrift nor a miser." Reema Searches 'Ideal'; Pakistan Times (Rawalpindi, Pakistan); Mar 17, 2004. "Quebec, the document points out, is both poorer and more spendthrift, which is a recipe for bankruptcy." Konrad Yakabuski; Charest Turns to the Public to Take on Fiscal Pickle; Globe and Mail (Toronto, Canada); Mar 26, 2004. This week's theme: Words that appear contradictory. X-Bonus The bicycle is the most civilized conveyance known to man. Other forms of transport grow daily more nightmarish. Only the bicycle remains pure in heart. -Iris Murdoch, writer (1919-1999)

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