A.Word.A.Day -- fustilugs

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May 23, 2005

This week's theme
Insults

This week's words
fustilugs
rampallion
effete
sudoriferous
scut

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A.Word.A.Day

with Anu Garg

Mark Twain once said, "When angry, count to four; when very angry, swear." While swearing is considered uncouth and vulgar, it has its place and purpose. It helps provide an emotional release and clears the system. Isn't a verbal venting of emotions better than a physical manifestation?

You don't have to rely on those worn-out four-letter terms to inflict rude remarks on the offending party. With careful selection of words, it's possible to elevate insults to an art form. Why not use this week's exquisite words for one of those times when nothing less will do?

But remember, everything in moderation.

fustilugs

(FUS-ti-lugs)

noun: A fat and slovenly person.

[From Middle English fusty (smelly, moldy) + lug (to carry something heavy).]

"'Come on, you old fustilugs,' he called, for she wheezed and blew and mounted with difficulty."
Julian Rathbone; Joseph; Little Brown; 2001.

X-Bonus

A vigorous five-mile walk will do more good for an unhappy but otherwise healthy adult than all the medicine and psychology in the world. -Paul Dudley White, physician (1886-1973)

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