Okay, I am a word nerd, and I'm not ashamed to admit it. In the course of our morning coffee and crossword puzzle ritual this morning, Gary and I learned what we agreed is one of favorite words in a long while:
philippic
Pronunciation: \fə-ˈli-pik\
Function: noun
Definition: a discourse or declamation full of bitter condemnation; a tirade
Etymology: Middle French philippique, from Latin & Greek; Latin philippica, orationes philippicae, speeches of Cicero against Mark Antony, translation of Greek philippikoi logoi, speeches of Demosthenes against Philip II of Macedon, literally, speeches relating to Philip
Date: 1592
Feel free to flip me a sentence using the word philippic, which seems particularly apt for election season. Or go hear to read The Philippics of Cisero.
1 comment:
Since I'm sick to death of this campaign season's philippics, I voted early so I go tune out the end-stage ugliness.
Great word!
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