Word of the Day

It's always important to have an expanded vocabulary, so I present the Word of the Day: Haboob.

I wish I could use this word in some sort of Fictionary or Balderdash game, I really think I could come up with some convincing fake definitions. Of course, they would all play off its root word "boob" (Latin word meaning "a singular breast") but really there's no other direction to go with a word like haboob. For the record, a haboob is a type of intense sandstorm commonly observed in arid regions throughout the world, and there was one recently in Phoenix. It's actually quite impressive, I'd recommend giving it a hit or two on Youtube.

But another important reason I tell you this is because I probably won't have many opportunities to use this word in everyday conversation, yet I'm obviously not going to not use this word. All this means is that I may or may not stretch the definition a bit to facilitate my ability to use it here and there. After all, there's nothing worse than getting out of a great Abstract Algebra lecture only to be greeted by a cold, wintery haboob on South quad. Fun fact: the slang phrase "hubba hubba" actually comes from the Arabic word Haboob. Also, I'd like it known that I have never used the phrase hubba hubba in my life, nor do I ever intend to.

What's really great is that I'm still at a point in my life where I can enjoy this word. It wasn't long ago when my favorite lake was Lake Titicaca, for its serene beaches and deep blue, warm water of course. Some may call this immature, and I really don't care, because I pity the person who can't find humor in the simplest of things. Really, I just enjoy these words for how well they lend themselves to great puns. The trick is to keep a straight face when you drop these words into daily conversation. If you describe something as "titillating" in a workplace or casual conversation, you absolutely cannot start giggling. That will lose you a lot of respect, very quickly. It also may bring on a sexual harassment suit. However, if you hold your composure, avoid eye contact, and use it in a punny way (i.e. "yeah, I had a titillating conversation with Ms. Morgan") you will be seen as a connoisseur of conversation, a boss of banter, a chief of chitchat! You may even get a courtesy laugh.

Another great word on my horizon is girthy. Unfortunately, it's not technically a word, but it should be. It's just an adjective meaning "to have a lot of girth." It's more politically correct to call someone girthy than to call them fat anyway ("Mom, you're looking a little girthy, you sticking to your diet?"). Regardless, I just enjoy describing everyday objects around the house as girthy, mostly just for the strange reactions I get. As always, as long as you don't giggle after describing something as girthy, no one can possibly call you out as being inappropriate. Nor should they! People need a sense of humor these days, it's ridiculous.

Besides, it's better to use these words than to use the words that everyone uses, that's just boring! And if you don't really know how to use a word, just try to be close. Chances are, the people you are talking to don't know the word either. That being said, be creative with the word haboob! "I fell off my bike and now I have a habooboo!" (That is the minimum amount of creative you will have to be, I suggest you come up with something better than that for sure).

Score: 5 out 6. How can you not enjoy talking about haboobs! Seriously...