When reading a review of the latest BBC Sherlock episode, I came across a new word: cabal. I’m sure Sherlock would know this word; I’ve gotta catch up!
If you like learning new words too, visit Kathy’s Wondrous Words Wednesday meme at Bermuda Onion. Bloggers share new and interesting words here; feel free to add your own post.
Here’s some context for cabal from the review:
It turns out the real culprit isn’t those meddling kids but instead a cabal with aims sympathetic to modern tastes.
Cabal \kǝ-’bal\ noun from French cabale, cabala meaning intrigue
- A number of persons secretly united to bring about an overturn or usurpation, especially in public affairs
- The intrigues of such a group
- Synonym: plot
- Verb: to unite into a cabal
Word Nerd Workout
Use cabal in a sentence. Here’s mine:
The reporter uncovered a cabal in the town council plotting to shift funds toward the development of a new shopping center that would benefit a local, politically connected businessman.
Gotta love small town politics. 😉
Thanks for getting nerdy with me today!
I love the word cabal!
There are so many cool words for villainous, secretive people and groups. It feels like they have more fun than the good guys!
Thank you! I remember seeing that word before, but I needed a refresher on the meaning.
Your sentence sounds like you live in my suburb! I love Sherlock. I’ve seen most episodes more than once, even though I rarely do that with other shows. It’s so smart that it takes me more than once to understand it!
I’ve heard the word cabal before, I to thought it had a religious meaning to it.
Thank you for teaching me a new word to use and definitely am going to try it out soon here now!! 🙂
I’m pretty sure I’ve heard the word cabal applied to a group before, but I don’t think I realized that it had the ‘evil’ part built into the definition.
I like this word though I had never heard it before that I can remember.
“I fear that there is a cabal forming in Washington DC to turn us against each other.”
Thanks for the new word, Julia!
I’ve seen that word plenty of times but thought it had a religious connotation for some reason.
The students caballed to plan Senior Skip Day.
Excellent sentence, Kathy!
Good one Sometimes I think my children have formed a cabal bent on stealing the leftover cake from the top of the fridge.
Haha! Jess, we have the same wicked cabals happening in our house… Good word, Julia. I don’t think I’ve ever heard it. I’m a little unclear on how to pronounce it – “Keh-ball” or Kah-ball?” I have not seen Sherlock but everyone keeps telling me it’s a MUST-SEE!
Good question, my friend. The accent is on the second syllable, so it’s kah-BALL.
Sherlock is much fun and very smart. I highly recommend.
Thank you!
Same shenanigans in our house! 😉