I hated this word when I was a sophomore in high school and then again in college. However, when I was a junior and a senior…I thoroughly enjoyed using this word when the need arose. 
Sophomoric: immature, bombastic, shallow, and superficial.
“The junior scolded the tenth graders, calling their immature behavior sophomoric.”
This word is derived from Greek, “sophos” meaning wise and “moros” meaning moronic.
So, for all of you high school or college juniors and seniors, there you go. Consider yourself well armed for those moments when younger classmates are driving you nuts!
Gauche: awkward or clumsy, lacking social graces
“His attempts at humor weren’t funny; they were gauche.”
In modern French, the word gauche means “left” which derived indirectly from the Latin word “sinistra” meaning left-handed.
This is an intriguing word to me for several reasons:
- I’m left handed. I don’t think I’m awkward, clumsy, or lacking in social graces though.
- The negative historical implications of being left handed are very obvious by looking at the root words. Evidently the French didn’t (don’t?) appreciate those folks who are left handed.
- The Latin root “sinistra” is also the root for sinister. There is a clear association between being left handed and being looked upon as a sinister person.
Anyhow, it’s an interesting word with an interesting history! (He says with a sinister look in his eye while his left hand firmly grips a pencil.) Hehehe…
English is a quirky language. However, it often lends itself to interesting discoveries because of the diversity it contains. While I was in college, I took a course entitled, “The History of the English Language.” Yes, on the surface it may sound dull and boring but it was really quite the opposite. I enjoyed learning about our words. Etymology (the study of words and their origins) is really interesting at times. Plus, it gives you lots of good conversation material when you’re with your friends!
Have you ever wondered why we say some of the words and phrases used in modern English? Occasionally I want to feature a word or words that, at times, make us stop and wonder why we say them. I have a lengthy list of words that I can pull from over time and post here. However, I’d like to see if anyone has a certain word or phrase that they would like to offer up for consideration. Let me know!
