Wordsmith.org: the magic of words


A.Word.A.Day

 About | Media | Search | Contact  


Home

Today's Word

Subscribe

Archives
Apr 21, 2016
This week’s theme
Words coined by Lewis Carroll

This week’s words
galumph
slithy
chortle
bandersnatch
frabjous

Alice in Wonderland by André Jourcin
Art: André Jourcin, 1948
Bookmark and Share Facebook Twitter Digg MySpace Bookmark and Share
A.Word.A.Day
with Anu Garg

bandersnatch

PRONUNCIATION:
(BAN-duhr-snach)

MEANING:
noun: 1. A fast and ferocious wild creature. 2. An uncouth or bizarre person.

ETYMOLOGY:
Coined by Lewis Carroll in his 1871 novel Through the Looking-Glass. The name of a fictional creature.

USAGE:
“A momma-bear-sized bandersnatch was lumbering toward them, drool oozing out of her spiky-toothed jaw.”
Shannon Hale; Ever After High; Little, Brown; 2014.

A THOUGHT FOR TODAY:
As scarce as truth is, the supply has always been in excess of the demand. -Josh Billings, columnist and humorist (21 Apr 1818-1885)

We need your help

Help us continue to spread the magic of words to readers everywhere

Donate

Subscriber Services
Awards | Stats | Links | Privacy Policy
Contribute | Advertise

© 1994-2025 Wordsmith