This Week’s Fun & Fancy Word: Finifugal!
This Week’s Fun & Fancy Word Is:
Being finifugal means you’re averse to endings, so you try to avoid or delay the final moment of… well, anything. That’s pretty concise, but I just can’t bring myself to conclude this definition. And by that, I mean the semantic statement of the meaning of the term finifugal. Because definition can also mean the level of detail in a digital image or recording. But that’s not what it means in this instance. Defining something can also mean clarifying the details of a particular project. And then there’s… (insert play-off music here). [1]
Etymology:
Origin Of The Word Finifugal
The only evidence for finifugal is from the 1883 writings of L. A. Tollemache. And the etymology of this word is easy to wrap up. It comes from the Latin fini-s meaning “end” + fug-a meaning to fight+ -al. The end. [2]
Find A Caboodle
Of Fun & Fancy Words Here.
Endnotes:
[1] Fawcett, Bill. “11 Weird Words/Phrases You Should Be Using.” Huffington Post. Oct 1, 2023.
https://www.huffpost.com/entry/weird-phrases_b_4018105
[2] Dara Rochlin Book Doctor. https://dararochlinbookdoctor.com/2016/09/14/word-wednesday-finifugal/
Oxford English Dictionary. https://www.oed.com/dictionary/finifugal_adj?tl=true
Share This Post, Choose a Platform!
Stay in the know about what’s in our ever-growing treasure trove of literary goodness. And, get your free Discover Everything a Book Has to Offer packet.
Related Posts
It’s the perfect Fun & Fancy word for Banned Books Week. Don't worry, it's a treatable condition.... Read More
No, gobsmacked isn't a never-ending candy made by Willy Wonka. It's British slang. But, what is vernacular for? ... Read More
You could just say counter-clockwise. In a direction opposite to the usual. Or in a direction contrary to the apparent course of the sun. But that wouldn’t be nearly as much fun… now, would it? And not nearly as steeped in superstition. ... Read More
Abecedarian! Its modern definition is as simple as ABC, but it has a surprisingly contradictory history. Can you guess what it means? See if you’re right ... Read More
