Vote for the best verboticism.
DEFINITION: n., A "talent" for which an individual takes a great deal of personal pride, even though it is just a common, mundane skill that almost everyone can do. v., To take pride in a special talent which in fact is not special at all.
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.
Insignifinesse
Created by: Tigger
Pronunciation: /in-sig-ni'-fi-ness/
Sentence: Shouts of "Watch this, Mom! Watch what I can do!" could be heard repeated for hours on end at the community swimming pool, as little Jerome practiced swimming underwater, although all he was really doing was putting his head under the water for a few seconds and wiggling convulsively. His mother, of course, saw this insignifinesse as the makings of a future Olypian.
Etymology: insignificance - lacking importance or consequence (from Latin, in- "non" significāre "signal") + finesse - skill in handling a difficult task; an artful maneuver (from Old French, fin "subtle, delicate")
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COMMENTS:
Great word! - Mustang, 2008-01-25: 16:58:00
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Pomproud
Created by: artr
Pronunciation: pämproud
Sentence: Bobby's parents were pomproud of every little thing he did. They would praise him when he tied his own shoes. They would laud his ability to fix his own breakfast. The fact that Bobby is a college graduate doesn't seem to deter their enthusiasm.
Etymology: pompous (affectedly and irritatingly grand, solemn, or self-important) + proud (feeling deep pleasure or satisfaction)
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COMMENTS:
Excellent word. Sad yet funny. - metrohumanx, 2008-11-21: 08:27:00
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Selfproclame
Created by: gemmgemms
Pronunciation: self-pro-klaim
Sentence: He thought that by constantly selfproclaming himself he would become cool but, it really did not help.
Etymology: selfproclaim+lame
Blovomatic
Created by: HerOralHighness
Pronunciation: bloh-voh-matic
Sentence: Rowland was blovomatic about his spud-munching abilities, to say the least.
Etymology: bloviate (To discourse at length in a pompous or boastful manner) and Automatic ( Acting or done without volition or conscious control; involuntary)
Vaptitude
Created by: ErWenn
Pronunciation: /ˈvæptəˌtud/ /VAPP-tuh-Tood/
Sentence: Occasionally someone comes along who can do something something ordinary with extraordinary elegance and effectiveness, but most of the time, it's just vaptitude.
Etymology: From vapid + aptitude
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COMMENTS:
sad but true - Jabberwocky, 2008-01-25: 15:23:00
Good word! - OZZIEBOB, 2008-01-25: 15:32:00
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Nilskill
Created by: Nosila
Pronunciation: nil skil
Sentence: Little Johnny's doting parents were so proud of his talents. His overeating was a particular nilskill that they had fed and nourished over the years. Being chubby and hungry themselves, they encouraged him to overeat at every opportunity. They did not realize that he had developed his nilskill so well that left alone for over an hour without food, he might even gnaw off his own foot!
Etymology: Nil (nothing, zero) & Skill (ability acquired by training, talent, aptitude)
Savaint
Created by: MsPettyAdams
Pronunciation: sav-aynt
Sentence: "Jeff can peel an orange in one whole strip! He's a genius!" "Yes, darling, lucky you, your husband is an absolute savain't."
Etymology: French term savant, meaning "learned person" combined with African American vernacular term ain't, meaning "is not"
Spannerism
Created by: Dougalistic
Pronunciation: Span-ner-is-ummm
Sentence: "Gareth, everyone can just pick up a pencil and chuck it across a room, that is not 'unique' or clever at all. Your a tool, in fact that spannerism you just did proves my point. You buffoon.
Etymology: Spanner - Has 2 meanings. Main name refers to a tool mechanics use that is big and heavy. Can also be used as a derogative term to describe a stupid or retarded person. If you add ism to the end you are stating it is a condition or illness.
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COMMENTS:
I think it has three meanings! Brings to mind a limerick about a young "lady". Interesting word. - OZZIEBOB, 2008-01-25: 15:45:00
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Nilskill
Created by: Nosila
Pronunciation: nil skil
Sentence: Johnny's parents were so proud of his nilskill...gorging himself on anything in sight. He'd honed his talents after years of training and practice.
Etymology: nil (nothing) & skill (talent or ability)
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COMMENTS:
Short, sharp and spot on. Excellent creation! - bananabender, 2008-01-25: 01:14:00
Cheers, bananabender...I'm glad it a-peel-ed to you! - Nosila, 2008-01-25: 19:23:00
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Comments:
Today's definition was suggested by zebrahdh. Thank you zebrahdh. ~ James
zebrahdh - 2008-01-25: 05:24:00
When I suggested this one, I just knew it was a winner! :)
Today's definition was suggested by zebrahdh. Thank you zebrahdh. ~ James