The Coolest Word in the English Language

Recently, we ran a poll on our Facebook page in order to determine what our community thought was the coolest English word. Here were the top ten results:

While you have probably heard many of these fun words, we wanted to make sure that you know how to use them correctly. Here are the definitions of these cool words:

1) discombobulate: v., upset, confuse.

2) plethora: n., excess, superfluity.

3) juxtaposition, n., the act or an instance of placing two or more things side by side; also, the state of being so placed.

4) serendipity, n., luck that takes the form of finding valuable or pleasant things that are not looked for.

5) shenanigan, n., 1. a devious trick used especially for an underhand purpose; 2. a : tricky or questionable practices or conduct—usually used in plural (shenanigans); b : high-spirited or mischievous activity—usually used in plural (shenanigans).

6) flabbergast, v., to overwhelm with shock, surprise, or wonder.

7) defenestration, n., 1. a throwing of a person or thing out of a window; 2. a usually swift dismissal or expulsion (as from a political party or office).

8) soliloquy, n., 1. the act of talking to oneself; 2. a dramatic monologue that represents a series of unspoken reflections.

9) ubiquitous, adj., existing or being everywhere at the same time; constantly encountered, widespread.

10) oxymoron, n., a combination of contradictory or incongruous words (as cruel kindness); broadly, something (as a concept) that is made up of contradictory or incongruous elements.

(Definitions from Merriam-Webster.)