SWIVET

TileHead’s Word of the Day for 26 September 2011

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SWIVET  (n. pl. -S)

Definition(s):

1. (n.) a state of nervous excitement, distress, or panic
2. (n.) a hurry

Useful information for game players:

• Front hooks: (none)
• Back hooks: -S
• Anagrams: (none)
• Longer extensions: (none)
• Wraparounds: (none)
• Other Spellings: (none)
• Related Forms: (none)

Epilogue:
The origin of this word is completely unknown.  It began popping up in American publications in the late 1800s and early 1900s, with various spellings and usually in the phrase “in a swivet,” as in “Hilda... was in quite a swivit over the prospect of being interviewed again” (1933).  Over time the spelling has settled down on SWIVET, and it still receives occasional use.

The sheer superfluity of S words is enough to send one into a swivet — so many wondrous and unusual words!  Fear not: this week we shall simply set our sights on a small number of superb words starting with the letter S.

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