Summary of Merriam-Webster's Word of the Day: "Askew" Episode Release Date: March 5, 2025

Merriam-Webster's Word of the Day episode released on March 5, 2025, delves into the word "askew," offering listeners a comprehensive understanding of its definition, usage, and etymological roots. Hosted by Merriam-Webster expert Peter Sokolowski, the episode provides insightful discussions aimed at enhancing listeners' vocabulary and appreciation for the nuances of the English language.

Introduction to "Askew"

At the onset of the episode, Peter Sokolowski introduces the word of the day, "askew," emphasizing its spelling and pronunciation.

Notable Quote:

"Today's word is askew. Spelled A-S-K-E-W, askew is an adjective. It means not straight or at an angle, and can also be used as both an adjective and an adverb."
— [00:42]

Definition and Detailed Explanation

Sokolowski elaborates on the primary meaning of "askew," highlighting its versatility in usage as both an adjective and an adverb. He explains that "askew" describes something that is slightly off-center, tilted, or not aligned correctly.

Example in Literature: To illustrate the word's application, Sokolowski references a sentence from The New Yorker by Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie:

"The printing is uneven, the pages slightly askew, but I feel a euphoric rush of gratitude to the authors."
— [00:50]

This example underscores how "askew" can convey subtle imperfections that contribute to the overall sentiment of a narrative.

Etymology and Historical Context

Delving into the origins of "askew," Sokolowski traces the word back to Middle English, where "skew" meant to escape or avoid. The term evolved from the Anglo-French word "eschiv," carrying the dual meanings of taking an oblique course or evading something.

Notable Quote:

"In Middle English, prey outmaneuvering a predator in this way might be said to be skewing. Skew means both to take an oblique course, as it does in Modern English, as well as to escape, and comes from the Anglo-French word eschiv, meaning to escape or avoid."
— [01:30]

He further explains that while the original sense of "skew" implied escape, the contemporary usage of "askew" focuses more on the physical state of being crooked or off-center.

Usage in Modern Contexts

Sokolowski provides contemporary examples to demonstrate the practical application of "askew." He compares the movement of gazelles evading cheetahs by zigzagging across the savanna to the concept of "skewing," thereby connecting the word to natural behaviors and strategic maneuvers.

Notable Quote:

"If you watch enough nature documentaries, you may notice that gazelles are able to escape the claws and subsequently jaws of cheetahs when they zigzag across the savanna, rather than simply run in a straight line in Middle English, prey outmaneuvering a predator in this way might be said to be skewing."
— [01:15]

This analogy not only reinforces the meaning of "askew" but also enriches listeners' understanding by linking linguistic concepts to observable phenomena.

Metaphorical Applications

Sokolowski extends the metaphorical use of "askew" by suggesting that a painting hanging askew on a wall could be metaphorically attempting to "escape" from the surrounding decor. This interpretation invites listeners to think creatively about how the word can be applied beyond its literal meaning.

Notable Quote:

"The escape sense of the Middle English skew isn't so much implied by askew, but we suppose that a painting hanging askew on one's wall could be, metaphorically speaking, attempting to escape from the rest of the decor with your word of the day."
— [01:45]

Conclusion and Further Engagement

As the episode draws to a close, Sokolowski encourages listeners to continue expanding their vocabulary and exploring the depths of the English language through Merriam-Webster's resources.

Notable Quote:

"Visit merriamwebster.com today for definitions, wordplay and trending word lookups."
— [02:51]

This invitation serves as a gateway for listeners to further engage with language learning tools and stay informed about new and trending words.

Final Thoughts This episode of Merriam-Webster's Word of the Day effectively breaks down the word "askew," providing a multi-faceted exploration that covers its definition, usage in literature and nature, historical roots, and metaphorical applications. Through clear explanations and relatable examples, Peter Sokolowski ensures that listeners gain a thorough understanding of "askew" and are inspired to incorporate it into their own vocabulary.