1. IMPAVID
(im-PAV-id): adj. from Latin impravidus, from in- (not) and pavidus (fearful): not afraid; fearless.
It's natural to have some fear, like the type of fear that protects you from touching a hot stove or playing in traffic. But if you find that fear consumes you or even stops you from pursuing what's in your heart, then that fear needs to be escorted to the closest exit door. Impavid is probably my favorite word because it's a great approach to life. It also doesn't sound too weird so you can incorporate it in your everyday vocab and not sound too stuffy.
2. AGATHIST
(AG-uh-thist): n. from Greek-derived agath- (good): a person who believes all things tend toward ultimate good.
Sometimes I memorize new words by remembering clues. When I first came across this word I thought of Agatha Christie. If you don't know who Agatha Christie is, you should. Anyway, then I thought, "It's good to solve crimes. Therefore Agatha = Agathist". My next thought was Agathist reminds me of Optimist, and they have similar meaning. If that doesn't work, think of one bubbly hopeful person you know in your life and repeat. "_________ is such an agathist" 10x.
3. BELGARD
(bel-GAHRD): n. from Italian bel guardo (lovely look): a kind or loving look.
It's not unusual for a person to give a belgard when they plan to bogart you. Then again, there are some genuinely kind and loving people in this world and it shines through their eyes. Honestly, I hadn't heard of this word before but I could see how easy it would be to incorporate into my daily vocab and even become common between my friends and me. "Stop belgarding me, you know I can't say no to those eyes!"
4. COLLOCATE
(KAHL-uh-KAYT): v. from Latin collocare, from com-, cum (together, with) and locate (to place): i. to set or place together in proper order, ii. to arrange side by side.
When I first saw the movie Clueless, I was forever changed. How, you might ask? It was the way Cher decided to collocate her closet by color. I had never seen a rainbow in a closet before and it stuck with me forever. Today my closet is not only collocated by color, but also type of clothing (i.e. shirts, dresses, etc.). Is there something in your life that you have to collocate?
5. DUENDE
(doo-EN-DAY): n. from Spanish dialectal (charm), from Spanish (ghost): the ability to attract others through personal magnetism and charm.
Before I even read the meaning of this word, I was drawn to it. It's not only fun to say but you kind of have to pucker your lips to say it correctly. So, it makes sense that it means magnetism and charm. Instead of saying swag (if you even use that word), try using the word duende for a week just for fun. I can see your duende multiplying already girl.
6. ENOLOGY
(ee-NAHL-uh-jee) n. from Greek oinks: the science of wine or winemaking, viticulture.
If you have ever gone wine tasting, you know that there is a certain air about wine culture. There is a lot to learn about the process, the grapes, the regions, and more. There really is a science behind making amazing wine. Next time you find yourself having a conversation with a sommelier, drop enology into a sentence. Or even better, you can learn more about enology through sites like www.winespectator.com so you can come with questions for the next time you go wine tasting.
7. FARD
(FAHRD): v. from Middle English farden, from Middle French farder, of Germanic origin; akin to Old High German faro (colored): to paint the face with cosmetics.
Fard is a word that we all can use because we all paint our face at least a little. Don't we ladies? I personally don't think it's the most lovely sounding of words, but I found it interesting and thought that maybe you would too. Do you have a favorite professional fard artist? My personal favorite is www.bebebooth.com. If you don't have a favorite fard artist, what's your favorite cosmetic line?
8. GAMMER
(GAM-ur): n. from probably a contraction of godmother: an old woman.
This word should be easy enough to remember and incorporate into your daily vocal because gammer sounds a lot like grandma. I found it interesting that this was an alteration of godmother. It's another word that can easily slip into Rolodex of words although I don't think it sounds too flattering. "Hey, check out that gammer over there." What do you think ladies? Would you want to be called a gammer when you are a silver fox one day?
9. HYPERGAMY
(hy-PUR-guh-mee): n. from Greek hyper- (beyond, over, above) and gamos (marriage): marrying someone at or above one's social station.
I think most of us marry at least at our social station in life. Some of my friends have married above the station they were born into. I can't think of many women who have married beneath the station they were born into, though I have read many stories about women falling for a man who can only offer them love. Hypergamy sounds pretty cool when you say it, though I probably won't add it to my daily vocab.
10. JEJUNATOR
(JEE-joo-nay-tur): n. from Latin jejunus (hungry) and English -tor (signifying an agent): a person who fasts.
Of all of the words on this list, I love saying this word the most. It sounds like terminator with juice in the beginning. It's a funny sounding word that can easily slip into our daily vocab. Even if you don't personally fast, there is always some celebrity fasting that this can apply to. Also, juicing is growing in popularity and this term only seems appropriate for those who choose to juice. I'm surprised a health coach hasn't grabbed this term and ran with it yet.
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