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Nov 29, 2024
This week’s themeWords that sound dirty, but aren’t This week’s words autogamy nudifidian titman cocky pussivant A.Word.A.Day
with Anu Gargpussivant
PRONUNCIATION:
MEANING:
verb intr.: To meddle, fuss, to move around busily.
ETYMOLOGY:
Apparently a variant of pursuivant (follower), from French poursuivant
(pursuer). Earliest documented use: 1882.
NOTES:
Let’s not beat around the bush. Pussivanting has nothing to do
with gallivanting. Rather
it’s the perfect word for a friend who can’t stop pawing the
decorations at a party, or for a cat who keeps rubbing against your leg.
USAGE:
“Mother’ll be pussivanting round me, while I do all the chores!” Claire Collard; Footpaths on the Sea; Penwellard Press; 2015. A THOUGHT FOR TODAY:
If I can do no more, let my name stand among those who are willing to bear
ridicule and reproach for the truth's sake, and so earn some right to
rejoice when the victory is won. -Louisa May Alcott, writer and reformist
(29 Nov 1832-1888)
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