A.W.A.D. - Americanisms

This week we feature five Americanisms. Some of these are words from the American West. Others were popularized there even though coined elsewhere. For most, the origin remains obscure. Many of these are pseudo-Latin words, fanciful formations that may sound highfalutin today. Use these words to bring a certain earthy flavor to your discourse. But like spices in a preparation, a little goes a long way. Use them judiciously.

skedaddle
PRONUNCIATION: (ski-DAD-l)
MEANING: verb intr.: To leave hurriedly.

ETYMOLOGY: First noticed during the American Civil War in 1861. Perhaps from northern England dialect.

absquatulate
PRONUNCIATION: (ab-SKWOCH-uh-layt)
MEANING: verb intr.: To leave in a hurry; to flee.

ETYMOLOGY: A Mock-Latinate formation, from ab- (away) + squat + -ulate (as in congratulate). First cited from the late 1830s.

discombobulate
PRONUNCIATION: (dis-kuhm-BOB-yuh-layt)
MEANING: verb tr.: To disconcert or confuse.

ETYMOLOGY: Probably from fanciful alteration of discompose or discomfit.

flummadiddle or flumadiddle
PRONUNCIATION: (flum-uh-DID-l)
MEANING: noun:
1. Nonsense
2. Something worthless

ETYMOLOGY: Of uncertain origin, apparently from flummery (a dessert; nonsense).

hornswoggle
PRONUNCIATION: (HORN-swog-uhl)
MEANING: verb tr.: To cheat, hoax, or deceive someone

ETYMOLOGY: Of unknown origin.

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