September 22, 2006
palliable
palliable [pal-lahy-uh-buhl] –adjective 1. acceptable or agreeable to the mind because of its flexibility.
2. acceptable or agreeable because of its ability to be easily influenced or persuaded.
Coined by Dorian Speed on her blog Scrutinies.
June 02, 2006
snarkasm
Coined by Fr. Rob Johansen, snarkasm combines snark and sarcasm to describe the use of snide remarks in an especially sarcastic or satirical way. Used in a sentence it might work something like this: “A diminutive and unattractive man, James’ chief weapon against his persecutors was his keen sense of snarkasm.”
September 14, 2005
anominous
Originating as a brain stutter this metaplastic word seems to be a combination of anonymous and ominous. A possible definition could be: of menacing and unknown authorship.
September 13, 2005
obsequiesce
Submitted by Susan Piver Browne this word, a combination of obsequious and acquiesce, began life during a conversation about apologizing anyway for something she didn’t do: “He’s so upset, I just decided to obsequiesce to the charge.”
September 21, 2004
schadenfreund
Inspired by schadenfreude – a malicious satisfaction in the misfortunes of others – schadenfreund is the only metaplastic word the metaplasm staff has coined in a foreign language. From the german schaden (damage, harm) and freund (friend), a schadenfreund is a loser of a friend you keep hanging around because his/her life is so miserable it makes you feel good about your life.
September 02, 2004
disingenerous
A combination of disingenuous and generous, this metaplastic word describes one’s actions when dining out with friends at a posh restaurant and one makes sure to be too slow in the grab for the bill and then “generously” offers to cover the tip.
August 13, 2004
emblemishment
This word was heard on NPR during an interview with a violinist who is known for taking liberties with the classical pieces he performs. He says the trick is to make sure his embellishments don’t turn into “emblemishments”.
July 08, 2004
somewon
Beginning its life as a typo, this new word can be used to refer to a person who won a lottery, raffle or other contest and due to the fact that they aren’t you, deserves only passing acknowledgement.
Q: “Hey, who won the door prize?”
A: “I don’t know, somewon.”
May 01, 2004
squirmish
Heard as a mispronounciation of skirmish. Possible definitions:
1) A minor battle fought between small gangs of worms.
2) Relating to or feeling/exhibiting signs of humiliation or embarrassment. As in “A squirmish feeling washed over James the moment the reporter asked him about the incriminating video from the hidden cameras.”
spleasure
Heard on NPR by an interviewee, this metaplastic contraction appears to be a severe shortening of “it has been my pleasure” and is used as an alternate response to “You’re welcome” when presented with the phrase “Thank you”.