Vote for the best verboticism.
DEFINITION: v. To unconsciously adopt the vocal mannerisms and linguistic stylings of the people with whom you are speaking. n. A speaker who adopts the vocal mannerisms of their audience.
Verboticisms
Click on each verboticism to read the sentences created by the Verbotomy writers, and to see your voting options...
You have two votes. Click on the words to read the details, then vote your favorite.
Vernacclimate
Created by: swallowedbyafish
Pronunciation:
Sentence: After a few months he found he had vernacclimated with the locals without even noticing.
Etymology: vernacular + acclimate
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COMMENTS:
I think there is a real use for this word - nice one. - petaj, 2007-03-20: 08:46:00
Oooh, I like that one. - jedijawa, 2007-03-20: 09:20:00
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Langslide
Created by: purpleartichokes
Pronunciation: lang-slide
Sentence: After interviewing the president, Bob recapped the discussion, and langslided when he talked about North Korea's "nucular" capabilities.
Etymology: language, slide
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COMMENTS:
excellent one! - toadstool57, 2007-03-20: 08:19:00
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Lingle
Created by: ErWenn
Pronunciation: /ˈlɪŋɡl/
Sentence: George had never heard a true French accent before, so when he started lingling on his visit to Paris, he sounded like Pepé Le Pew and got the snot beaten out of him at a café.
Etymology: From lingo + mingle
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COMMENTS:
nice word - wordmeister, 2007-03-20: 23:21:00
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Mimiclique
Created by: Mustang
Pronunciation: MIM-ih-clik
Sentence: Without realizing he was doing it, whenever he was around his group of friends Lamar would do his mimiclique routine, subconsciously trying to impress each of them by copying their style of speech.
Etymology: Blend of the words 'mimic' and 'clique'
Vernactitude
Created by: Nosila
Pronunciation: ver nakt itood
Sentence: My Mother has a vernactitude in communicating with others from different ethnic backgrounds. First of all she speaks slower and louder than normal (apparently in her mind this will help them understand her English words better). She uses far more hand language & gestures and throws in foreign words to better describe what she is trying to say. It matters not that the foreign words are not in the language of that person. She recently spoke to a Chinese waiter and after she slowly and loudly told him her order, ended it with "Capeesh,Garçon?"
Etymology: Vernacular (the everyday speech of the people (as distinguished from literary language);a characteristic language of a particular group) & Aptitude (inherent ability)
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COMMENTS:
Good for mum! - splendiction, 2009-10-06: 22:43:00
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Paraphonics
Created by: CharlieB
Pronunciation: para-fon-icks
Sentence: Scientists in the field of paraphonics have found the perfect example of manipulative parodiction: high-profile chef James Olivier and former Prime Minister Tommy Bleurgh both move easily between Estuary English and RP depending on their audience.
Etymology: parody (to imitate poorly or feebly) + phonic (of or pertaining to speech)
Copychat
Created by: libertybelle
Pronunciation: cop-ee-chat
Sentence: When I first met Floyd, I thought he was mocking my Jersey accent but I soon realized he was just a copychat when he picked up a Brogue when we visited Dublin.
Etymology: copy + chat and a play on the word copycat
Spongespeak
Created by: mplsbohemian
Pronunciation: SPUHNJ-speek
Sentence: After five minutes of conversation, the Cincinnatian already spongespoke his Atlanta friend's drawl.
Etymology: sponge (as in absorbancy) + speak
Mirrormate
Created by: chris
Pronunciation: mi-rerr-mayt
Sentence: Copying the accents and language of people he didn't even know usually ended up with him being thumped - but he couldn't help himself; his urge to mirrormate was totally out of control
Etymology: reflecting (mirror) the style of those around you (mates)
Comments:
Today's definition was suggested by Osomatic.
Thank you Osomatic! ~ James
Today's definition was suggested by Osomatic. Thank you Osomatic. ~ James