Gold medals, chatty chickens, and going with the “floe”

News from February 21–February 27, 2026 Stories about gold medals, chatty chickens, and going with the "floe" all contributed to the vocabulary from this week's news. Each week, we scan the latest headlines to spot words in action. From major news stories to pop culture buzz, this feature highlights language as it's unfolding. See this week's words!

Don't Leave Home Without "Vade Mecum"

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February 28, 2026 Word of the Day vade mecum [vey-dee mee-kuhm] noun: something a person carries around for frequent or regular use Explanation A vade mecum is something you keep close because you rely on it. This Latinate phrase suggests usefulness earned through reliability rather than novelty. Whether it's a notebook, tool, or lucky charm, a vade mecum is defined by how faithfully it stays at your side. Example: The field guide was her trusted vade mecum on every hiking trip.

How We "Ascribe" Things

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February 27, 2026 Word of the Day ascribe [uh-skrahyb] verb: to attribute Explanation To ascribe is to assign a cause, quality, or origin to something. The word tends to show up when we're discussing why things happen or where ideas come from, especially when the connection isn't obvious. Keep ascribe handy for nuanced explanations. Example: We must not ascribe every success solely to luck, but acknowledge hard work.

Sit Down and "Epistolize"

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February 26, 2026 Word of the Day epistolize [ih-pis-tl-ahyz] verb: to write a letter Explanation To epistolize is to put your thoughts into a letter, more likely with intention and care rather than haste. The word has a formal air, evoking careful sentences and a measured tone. When an idea deserves more than a quick message, epistolize feels like the right choice. Example: She decided to epistolize rather than make a phone call about the complicated billing situation.

A "Mumpsimus" Digs Their Heels In

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February 25, 2026 Word of the Day mumpsimus [muhmp-suh-muhs] noun: a person who insists on doing things in an incorrect way Explanation A mumpsimus is someone who clings to a mistaken way of doing things, even after the error has been pointed out. This silly-sounding word comes from a story about a priest who kept saying the wrong word during Mass. When stubbornness stands in the way of change, you may be dealing with a true mumpsimus. Example: Even after being corrected, the mumpsimus continued to write "for all intensive purposes" instead of "for all intents and purposes."

Smile! It's "Odontoid"

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February 24, 2026 Word of the Day odontoid [oh-don-toid] adjective: of or resembling a tooth Explanation Odontoid describes something that resembles a tooth in shape or function. The word is most often used in anatomy and science, where form is carefully observed and named. When a structure narrows to a pointed, toothlike profile, odontoid fits cleanly. Example: The unusual bony structure had an odontoid appearance that puzzled the biologists.

From Insight to "Platitude"

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February 23, 2026 Word of the Day platitude [plat-i-tood] noun: a dull or trite remark Explanation A platitude is the kind of remark that sounds comforting but lands flat. These familiar phrases often aim for wisdom, yet repetition drains them of force or insight. When words feel recycled instead of revealing, a platitude is usually to blame. Example: His campaign speech was full of meaningless platitudes, boring nearly the entire audience.

Off the Path with "Yaw"

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February 22, 2026 Word of the Day yaw [yaw] verb: to deviate from a straight course, as a ship Explanation To yaw is to drift off course, especially when forward motion stays steady but direction does not. The word is most at home in nautical and aviation contexts, where even small deviations matter. When progress continues but alignment slips, yaw captures that sideways pull. Example: A sudden crosswind caused the small sailboat to yaw significantly off its intended path.

A civil rights titan, a pickleball brawl, and good news for coffee lovers

News from February 14–February 20, 2026 Stories about a civil rights titan, a pickleball brawl, and good news for coffee lovers all contributed to the vocabulary from this week's news. Each week, we scan the latest headlines to spot words in action. From major news stories to pop culture buzz, this feature highlights language as it's unfolding. See this week's words!