Author Archives: Abegail Pascuhin

The word limerence was coined only recently, in the 1970’s by psychologist Dorothy Tenov. It can be defined as an involuntary state of mind resulting from a romantic attraction to another person combined with an overwhelming, obsessive need to have one’s feelings reciprocated. E.g. Eva wasn’t sure how to shake her recent feelings of limerence

An adjective to describe something that is excessively harsh and severe. Derives from Draco, a 7th-century Athenian law scribe under whom small offenses had heavy punishments; prescribing death for almost every offence. E.g. The new parking fines are positively draconian.

A cacophony is a harsh mixture of sounds. It descends from the Greek word phōnē which means sound or voice, and is joined with the Greek prefix kak-, meaning bad; creating the meaning bad sound. In a similar way, the word symphony (which means a harmonious arrangement of instruments) traces to phōnē and the GreekContinue reading “Cacophony”

A form of irony in which someone feigns indifference to something he or she desires. Aesop’s fable The Fox and the Grapes illustrates accismus when the fox dismisses some grapes he is unable to reach, stating that he is sure they are sour anyway. E.g. “Oh I couldn’t possibly accept…” Exclaimed Veronica upon being presentedContinue reading “Accismus”

An anachronism is something (or someone) that is out of place in terms of time or chronology. This is most common with old-fashioned items in a modern setting, but can also occur with futuristic items in period pieces. Most anachronisms are there by mistake, especially within movies and television shows. E.g. Showing the Pharaoh wearingContinue reading “Anachronism”

Something that merely seems to be true or real. Many writers or filmmakers try for some kind of verisimilitude in their stories, to make them believable. Including a great many details in a novel, for example, adds to its verisimilitude. E.g. She was experiencing a nightmare of the most extraordinary verisimilitude. For some general tipsContinue reading “Verisimilitude”

The act of finding something valuable or interesting when you are not looking for it. Coined by English author Horace Walpole in the mid-1700s, crediting it to a fairy tale he read called The Three Princes of Serendip. In the tale, three Persian princes sail to an island called Serendip (today known as Sri Lanka)Continue reading “Serendipity”

During my Christmas break, I had the opportunity to relax and recharge after a busy and productive year. I spent time with my family and friends, and we enjoyed a variety of activities together. One of the things I enjoyed most during my Christmas break was spending time at home with my family. We cookedContinue reading “MY CHRISTMAS BREAK EXPERIENCE”

Pretend or hypocritical religious devotion or righteousness. Someone who is sanctimonious will preach about the evils of drug use whilst drinking a beer, for example. Associated with a holier-than-thou attitude. E.g. There was an air of sanctimony in the way he detailed his charity work

Riposte A quick or witty retaliatory reply. In the context of the sport of fencing, a riposte means a counterattack that is made after successfully fending off one’s opponent. E.g. Cora was known for having an excellent riposte to any insult.