Photo: thebarrowboy
The game of Scrabble can be played in many languages, but English probably offers the most entertainment as it is known for having an awful lot of words.
And as Travis M. Andrews notes at the Washington Post, the number of words keeps growing.
“The Oxford English Dictionary, considered by many as the standard-bearer of dictionaries, … just announced several new additions to its vast pages, including … ‘Zyzzyva,’ which now has the unique distinction of being the OED’s last word.
“It’s a noun, pronounced ‘zih-zih-vah and defined as ‘a genus of tropical weevils (family Curculionidae) native to South America and typically found on or near palm trees.’ …
“The insect was discovered in Brazil in 1922 by Irish entomologist Thomas Lincoln Casey, who gave it the strange name. The origin of the word is unknown, and it seemingly has no etymology. Many different theories exist, however, which the OED listed in its blog.
“Some think Casey was attempting to create a word that, when spoken aloud, mimicked the sound made by these insects. …
“Others, however, think Casey was merely having a laugh and came up with the strange combination of letters — so many z’s! — as a practical joke, knowing it would then be the final word in most English dictionaries. …
“If nothing else, Scrabble players should take note. The word, with no special boosters, is worth 23 points.” More here.
By the way, did you know this spelling of the life force chi — “qi” — is permissible in Scrabble? So many options! Remember this on your next rainy day at the shore.
I need to tell mom about this one! She loves word games.
Oh, another smart woman in your family!