There will be almost 1,000 words offered up to contestants during this week’s 2019 Scripps National Spelling Bee.
Sure, you know such words as “crucible” and “progression.” But how about “mot juste” and “ennui” — not exactly words you’d use in conversation with the clerk at 7-Eleven.
Here is a collection odd words presented to spellers so far at the Bee. How many do you know?
Obtruncate: To cut the head or top from. Uncommon word, but common narrative device in “Game of Thrones.”
Gizzard: Referring to the muscular enlargement of the digestive tract of birds that usually has thick muscular walls and a tough horny lining for grinding the food and when the crop is present follows it and the proventriculus. As a young speller, Col. Sanders surely nailed this one.
Iconoclast: A person who attacks settled beliefs or institutions or a person who destroys religious images or opposes their veneration. Or someone who hates spelling bees.
Castigate: To subject to severe punishment, reproof, or criticism. Good parents don’t castigate spellers for missing a word here and there.
Rictus: The gape of a bird’s mouth. Not to be confused with actor Rick Rust or rapper Rick Ross.
Areology: The scientific study of the planet Mars. Just ask Matt Damon.
Cantankerous: Difficult or irritating to deal with. A good way to describe grumpy old spellers.
Ranine: Relating to frogs or relating to the region beneath the tip of the tongue. Incorrect: “Hallelujah, It’s Ranine Men.”
Duodenum: The first part of the small intestine extending from the pylorus to the jejunum. “Ouch,” he urped, “my duodenum is all gnarly today.”
Hexafoos: A three-toed or triangular mark put on some Pennsylvania barns to keep evil spirits from the cattle or for decoration. What, there’s no haxafoos on your barn?
ESPN is streaming the competition this week. Finalists are expected to be announced Wednesday around 4:45 p.m. Eastern time.
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