The Death of Fissiparous and Other Words: A Dictionary of Words & Phrases on the Verge of Extinction

zuppa

zhuh-puh

noun

Italian soup

1962Len DeightonThe Ipcress FileWe ordered the Zuppa di Lenticchie and Jean told me how this lentil soup reminded her of visits with her father to Sicily many years ago.1984Clive CusslerDeep SixI thought I'd try the zuppa di pesce.1994Patricia CornwellThe Body FarmI put on a pot of Zuppa di Aglio Fresco, a fresh garlic soup…2002Mercedes Lackey and Eric Flint and David FreerThe Shadow of the LionPeople who had saved all year for this time were stuffing themselves with fatty sausages, bread, rich bean soup, Salame, Mortadella, Cotechino, still-steaming loaves of ciabbata, thick fragrant zuppa di fagioli.

Labels: Clive Cussler, Len Deighton, Mercedes Lackey and Eric Flint and David Freer, Patricia Cornwell

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Entry By: CJ Cooney
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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.

Labels: Dick Francis, Laurence James, Patricia Cornwell

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Entry By: CJ Cooney
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ante bellum

an-ti BEL-luhm

adjective

period of American history before the Civil War (before 1866)

1938Robert E. HowardPigions from HellThe old deserted house stimulated their imagination with its suggestion of antebellum splendor and ultimate decay.1992Charles D. AndersonIntroduction to: Outlaws of the Old WestIn many respects the Old West is like the ante-bellum South. It is a civilization gone with the wind.1999Patricia CornwellSouthern CrossThe governor's antebellum mansion needed new plumbing and wiring.2002John GrishamThe SummonsThe house next door to the east was another relic occupied by a family of spinsters who'd been dying off for decades. It was also an antebellum but without the vines and weeds, and it was completely shadowed by five of the largest oak trees in Clanton.

Labels: Charles D. Anderson, John Grisham, Patricia Cornwell, Robert E. Howard

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Entry By: CJ Cooney
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