Funky

Funky (adjective)
Pronunciation: ['fung-kee]
Definition: (1) Cowardly (1837 Dickens), (2) depressed, or (3) smelling of old and moldy cheese. The November 1954 issue of Time Magazine referred to “Funky, authentic, swinging blues, down to earth, smelling of earth.” Today its meaning is very diffuse but is, roughly: authentic, less than fresh, earthy, in the broadest senses of [...]

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Hyperbole

Hyperbole (noun)
Pronunciation: [hI-'pêr-bê-lee]
Definition: Overstatement; a figure of speech that uses exaggeration for effect, without intending to be taken literally.
Usage: There must be a thousand forms of this word: hyperbolism “the use of hyperbole” is the noun, “hyperbolize” is the verb, and “hyperbolic” [hI-pêr-'bah-lik] is the adjective. When using “hyperbole” in writing or speaking, one must [...]

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Debacle

Debacle (noun)
Pronunciation: [di-'bah-kl]
Definition: A sudden rush of water and debris such as results from dam failure or the breaking up of river ice in the spring; any sudden, total collapse or rout.
Usage: The problem with today’s word is that no one knows how to pronounce it. Most dictionaries now concede three acceptable pronunciations: [di-'bah-kl], [di-'bæ-kl] [...]

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Boogie

Boogie (verb)

Pronunciation: ['bu-gee]
Definition: (Humorous slang) To dance in a fast and unrestrained fashion; to move quickly, hurry; to leave or get moving.
Usage: The term is used humorously in North America as a term meaning “let’s party” (also slang) or “let’s get moving.” Other than the expectable “boogying,” it is an orphan that has not gained [...]

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Nonplus

Nonplus (verb)
Pronunciation: [nahn-'plês]
Definition: To place someone at a loss as to what to say, do, or think.
Usage: The state of being at a complete loss for a response is also called “nonplus,” so one can be at a nonplus or be brought to one by the actions of someone else. We also often say that [...]

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