| Word | sockdolager |
|---|---|
| Date | September 20, 2009 |
| Type | noun |
| Syllables | sock-DAH-lih-jer |
| Etymology | The verb "sock" ("to punch") and the noun "doxology" ("a hymn of praise to God") may seem like an odd pairing, but it is a match that has been promoted by a few word mavens when discussing the origins of the Americanism "sockdolager." Don't be too quick to believe the hype, however. When a word's origin is simply unknown, as is the case with "sockdolager," there's a tendency for folks to fill in the gap with an interesting story, whether or not it can be verified. In the case of "sockdolager," the "sock" part is plausible but unproven, and the "doxology" to "dolager" suggestion is highly questionable. The theory continues to have many fans, but it can't deliver the knockout punch. |
| Examples | For a while I was completely stumped, but then, all of a sudden, I got a sockdolager of an idea. |
| Definition | 1 : something that settles a matter : a decisive blow or answer : finisher 2 : something outstanding or exceptional |
Tags: wordoftheday::noun
Learn with these flashcards. Click next, previous, or up to navigate to more flashcards for this subject.
Next card: Sternutation september noun ster-nyuh-tay-shun latin descendant verb sternuere
Previous card: Laodicean church september adjective lay-ah-duh-see-un english speakers owe
Up to card list: Word of the Day