Double Header: New Words T, U, and Z, and Why Books Make Great Gifts!

Happy Holidays to All!

Here are some new words added to the English Oxford Dictionary recently that begin with T, U, and Z:

1. tabanca –  (n) A state or feeling of depression or melancholy, especially as a result of unrequited love or the end of a romantic relationship
2. tassa – (n) Usually referred to as tassa drum. A bowl-shaped goatskin drum of north Indian origin which is typically hung from the neck and played with two sticks
3. tifoso – (n) A fan or follower, especially an enthusiastic and committed supporter of a particular sport or team
4. too besides – (adv) In addition, as well, moreover, besides that (Ugh! I haven’t heard this one!)
5. trot – (n)  A genre of Korean popular music characterized by repetitive rhythms and emotional lyrics
6. unni – (n) In Korean-speaking contexts, a girl’s or woman’s elder sister
7. upful –  (adj) Inspiring happiness, optimism, or hope; cheerful or uplifting music
8. zami –   (n) A lesbian
9. zom-com – (n) A comedy film featuring zombie characters (Is there such a thing as a rom-zom-com??)

 

Here are some reasons why books make excellent holiday gifts and stocking stuffers:

1. Books are easy to get, even in a pandemic because you don’t have to leave the house.  You can get them in a store or online and you can have them delivered anywhere. You can even mail them book rate and save some money.
2. Books are easy to wrap! No weird shapes! That helps people who wrap the way I do! They also fit nicely in gift bags.
3. Books come in a huge variety of prices from the very inexpensive on up.
4. You can buy books for any age recipient, from an infant to a senior — and you can generally tell, or find out, the ages the book was intended for.
5. There are books for any gender of recipient.
6. Everyone is interested in something, and there is always a book for that “something.” If you don’t know what that something is, there are always bestsellers that interest almost everyone.
7. Books keep on giving. If you like a book, you can then share it with someone else, who can then share it with someone else. Then, you can donate it.
8. Books are entertaining. Books can take you into a new world — if even for just a little while.
9. Books are very portable. Especially ebooks. They travel well and fill time well.
10. Books are educational. Take grammar books, for example (hint, hint, shameless promotion). Perfect for a student or someone going off to college!