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I'm CJ Cooney, a writer on communication, ideas, culture and history. This blog is a chronicle of my adventures in lexicography.

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If reading were a sin, the average person today would be a saint.  And this dictionary in progress would be blasphemy. More...

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nonplus
sycophantic
riposte

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REFERENCEER
REF-ren-sear. Noun. 1. Anyone who enjoys reading or browsing dictionaries, thesauri, encyclopedias, and other sundry reference materials. 2. A publisher of reference material. 3. CJ's book blog adventure.

nonplus
nawn-PLUHS
noun, verb
to be baffled or confused; to be rendered speechless or puzzled
1922I. A. R. WylieThe Dark HouseHe wanted to nonplus and disconcert her, if such a thing were possible.1969George MacDonald FraserFlashman'With poor Sir William gone, we are at a nonplus here,' he kept repeating, looking around dolefully for someone to agree with him.1972Dick FrancisSmokescreenEvan only knew how to deal with girls that young if he could bully them in front of a camera: and the idea that animals could be sweet instead of symbolic seemed to nonplus him.

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sycophantic
SIK-uh-fant-ik
adjective
the use of flattery to win favor from influential or prominent people
1992Laurence JamesChill FactorFace after sullen face, with an occasional worker attempting a scared, sycophantic smile.1995Dick FrancisCome to GriefA few sycophantic hands shot out to make contact with her as we followed a lisping young greeter to a central, noteworthy table.1999Patricia CornwellSouthern CrossShe thought of her wealthy dentist husband with all his radio ads and strip mall offices and sycophantic employees.

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riposte
ri-POST
noun, verb
a verbal retort; a returning thrust in fencing; a response
1888G. A. HentyBonnie Prince Charlie I tell you I have work to hold my own with him; he knows every trick and turn as well as I do, and is quicker with his lunge and riposte. 1938William FaulknerThe Unvanquished...and this no poste and riposte of sweat-reeking cavalry which all war-telling is full of…1988Fritz LeiberIll Met in LankhmarThe Mouser made a very small parry in carte so that the thrust of the bravo from the east went past his left side by only a hair's breadth. He instantly riposted. His adversary, desperately springing back, parried in turn in carte.1998Dick FrancisField of 13'Sandy Nutbridge,' the mediator riposted, 'is paying to her what she advanced to free him…'

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