Merriam-Webster's Word of the Day: Bodacious

Episode Release Date: April 21, 2025
Host: Peter Sokolowski
Podcast: Merriam-Webster's Word of the Day
Episode Title: Bodacious

Introduction

In the April 21, 2025 episode of Merriam-Webster's Word of the Day, host Peter Sokolowski delves into the vibrant and multifaceted adjective "bodacious." This episode offers listeners an in-depth exploration of the word's meanings, usage, cultural significance, and historical origins, enriching their vocabulary and appreciation for the English language.

Definition and Meanings

At 00:41, Peter Sokolowski introduces "bodacious," detailing its spelling and classification:

Peter Sokolowski [00:41]: "Today's word is Bodacious. Spelled B-O-D-A-C-I-O-U-S, Bodacious is an adjective."

He elaborates on its informal synonyms, highlighting its versatility in everyday language:

Sokolowski [00:41]: "It's used as an informal synonym of the words remarkable and noteworthy as well as sexy and voluptuous."

Additionally, Sokolowski touches on regional variations in its usage:

Sokolowski [00:41]: "In some dialects of the Southern and Midland US, Bodacious is used by its oldest meaning, outright or unmistakable."

Usage in Context

To demonstrate "bodacious" in action, Sokolowski shares a sentence from Sunset Magazine authored by Kristen:

Kristen (as quoted by Sokolowski [00:41]): "There's no need to lug in a six-foot specimen tree to add bodacious botanicals into your home, because even the smallest planters can make a big impact when intentionally pairing striking foliage with a unique vessel."

This example underscores the word's connotation of something impressive and eye-catching.

Cultural References

Sokolowski explores the cultural footprint of "bodacious," noting its presence in both cinema and literature:

Sokolowski [00:59]: "Some of our readers may know the word bodacious as one that figured prominently in the lingo of the 1989 film Bill and Ted's Excellent Adventure. Others may recall the term's frequent use in the long-running Snuffy Smith comic strip."

He clarifies that while these sources popularized the term, they did not originate it:

Sokolowski [00:59]: "Neither the creators of the comic strip nor the movie can claim to have coined bodacious, which began appearing in print in the mid-1800s, but both surely contributed to its popularity."

Origins of "Bodacious"

Delving into the etymology of "bodacious," Sokolowski admits the exact origin remains uncertain but offers educated insights:

Sokolowski [01:40]: "The exact origin of the word is uncertain, but it is most likely a blend of the words bold and audacious, and it may be linked to boldacious, a now rare British dialect term meaning brazen or impudent."

This blending suggests a fusion of traits associated with boldness and audacity, aligning with the word's contemporary meanings.

Conclusion

Wrapping up the exploration of "bodacious," Peter Sokolowski reinforces its rich descriptive power and encourages listeners to incorporate it into their vocabulary. The episode not only defines the word but also situates it within cultural and historical contexts, offering a comprehensive understanding that enhances both language skills and cultural literacy.

Additional Resources

At the conclusion of the episode, a Merriam-Webster Representative invites listeners to further engage with their platform:

Merriam-Webster Representative [02:12]: "Visit Merriam-Webster.com today for definitions, wordplay and trending word lookups."

This serves as a prompt for continued learning and exploration of the English language.

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