This week's theme
Words that appear to have been coined after the 2012 US presidential candidates

This week's words
obambulate
bidentate
mitty
pauldron
barrack

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Next week's theme
Words to describe people

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A.Word.A.Day

PRONUNCIATION:

(BAR-uhk, the first syllable is the same as in barrel)

MEANING:

verb tr., intr.:	1. To shout in support: to cheer.
verb tr., intr.:	2. To shout against: to jeer.
noun:	3. A building used to house soldiers.
verb tr., intr.:	4. To provide with accommodation.

ETYMOLOGY:

For 1 & 2: Perhaps from Northern Ireland dialectal barrack (to brag). Earliest documented use: 1885.
For 2 & 3: From French baraque, from Italian baracca or Spanish barraca (hut, tent). Earliest documented use: 1686.

USAGE:

"Raphael Clarke said: Every kid wants to play for the team they barrack for."
Lyall Johnson; Clarkes Praise the Saints; The Age (Melbourne, Australia); Nov 23, 2003.

"During the debate, then Socred leader Rita Johnston and NDP leader Mike Harcourt were barracking away at each other about corruption."
Ross Howard; TV Debate; The Globe and Mail (Toronto, Canada); May 16, 1996.

A THOUGHT FOR TODAY: