One of my favorite podcasts is Note to Self (formerly known as New Tech City), a show that explores how technology affects our lives. In a recent episode, host Manoush Zomorodi used a recipe generator app to cook lunch with random items from her kitchen. The app suggested that she saute brussels sprouts with avocado. (Have you ever COOKED avocado before? Me either!) With heating, the avocado covered the brussels sprouts with a coating described as “unctuous”.
I had to look that one up!
To learn more interesting words, join in the Wondrous Words Wednesday meme, hosted by Kathy at Bermuda Onion.
Unctuous is an interesting word with multiple meanings.
Unctuous \’ǝn(k)-chǝ-wǝs\ adjective from Latin unctus, “act of anointing”
- Fatty, oily
- Smooth and greasy in texture
- Plastic
- Revealing or marked by a smug, ingratiating, and false earnestness
In Note to Self, the fatty or smooth and greasy meaning was implied. However, I know I’ve heard the “smug” connotation of the word as well.
Word Nerd Workout
Think of a synonym for unctuous. I’m going with insincere.
Don’t forget to visit Kathy’s site to learn more interesting words.
Nooks and Crannies Giveaway Winner!
Thanks to everyone who stopped by the blog to enter the giveaway for Jessica Lawson’s new kidlit novel, Nooks and Crannies. I have to tell you, I got this for my 11-year-old son to read for a road trip, and he loved this mystery.
And the winner is…
Debbie Rodgers
Debbie, Jessica will be in touch soon to get details for mailing your copy of Nooks and Crannies.
Thanks for getting nerdy with me today! Come back on Friday to learn more about Note to Self and my other favorite podcasts.
Julia
I think of oily when I think of unctuous, both literally and figuratively -as in food or a car salesman.
Congratulations to Debbie!
I knew that unctuous was an adjective for someone unpleasant, sycophantic and insincere. “Oily” is a good word to describe such a person, but I didn’t know that unctuous could literally mean oily, too!
Oh, wow – I’m so pleased to have won Nooks and Crannies and am looking forward to reading it with my grandson. 😉 🙂
As for unctuous, I did know what it meant but when you started talking about cooking brussel sprouts & avocados, I could only guess at the result. It’s not a word I would use if I was pleased with the results of the recipe.
How about smarmy for a synonym?