Today's Words: Helter-Skelter, Kafkaesque and Goad

Helter-Skelter

(hel-ter-skel-ter) Adverb

in a haphazard manner; without regard for order

More about Helter-Skelter

First recorded in 1585–95.

Rhyming compound, perhaps based on unattested skelt, Middle English skelten, “to hasten,” (further origin unknown); reduplication with initial h parallel to hubble-bubble, higgledy-piggledy, etc.

Examples of Helter-Skelter

The toys were left helter-skelter on the floor after the children’s playdate, creating a mess.

The sudden downpour sent people running helter-skelter to find cover from the rain.

Kafkaesque

(kahf-kuh-esk) Adjective

marked by a senseless, disorienting, often menacing complexity

More about Kafkaesque

First recorded in 1945–50.

Formed from Kafka (Franz Kafka) + -esque, suffix indicating style, manner, resemblance, or distinctive character.

Aside from the -esque suffix, common words/eponyms formed in this fashion include: Homeric, Platonic, Quixotic, Freudian, Orwellian, and Machiavellian.

Examples of Kafkaesque

The movie’s Kafkaesque plot, with its dark, surreal twists and an overwhelming sense of dread, left the audience unsettled.

The endless bureaucracy and confusing paperwork at the government office felt truly Kafkaesque.

Goad

(gohd) Verb

prod; incite

More about Goad

Recorded before 900.

From the Middle English gode, Old English gād; compare Langobardic gaida, “spearhead.”

Examples of Goad

The coach goaded the team into pushing harder by reminding them of last season’s disappointing finish.

The loud noise from the crowd seemed to goad the performer into delivering an even more energetic performance.

Inputs Courtesy: Dictionary.com

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