Make Your Point > Archived Issues > DIABLERIE

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connect today's word to others: Let's take a close look inside the word diablerie, starting with the "-erie" part at the end. When we see the suffix "-ery" or "-erie," as in drapery, tomfoolery, lingerie, and rotisserie, we recognize almost without thinking that it means "a type of action or a type of stuff." (For example, what type of stuff or action is camaraderie? And what type of stuff or action is gaucherie? Hint: the first is warm and wonderful, and the second is awkward and awful.) That takes care of diablerie's suffix; now let's look at the base. We already know that something diabolical is devilish, right? And "Diablo" is a devilish, demonic game. So, the word diablerie should be instantly understood. Devilish behavior is diablerie. It's a rare word and a fun one; let's use it more. make your point with... "DIABLERIE" Diablerie, it its more literal senses, means "dealings with the devil" or "art or literature that focuses on devils or witches and so on." More generally, diablerie is wild mischief or devilish behavior, or wild playfulness. Pronunciation: dee OBB luh ree Part of speech: Usually an uncountable noun. (Like "milk," "rice," and "education," uncountable nouns are words for stuff that can’t be broken into exact units. You talk about "some milk," "the rice," and "a lot of education," but you don’t say "a milk," "three rices," or "many educations." Likewise, talk about "the diablerie," "this diablerie," "her diablerie," "such diablerie," "no diablerie," and so on.) Sometimes, a countable noun: "these diableries," "his diableries," "such diableries;" "it was a diablerie," "that one diablerie went too far." Other forms: none How to use it: We'll stick to the more general meaning of this word: use "diablerie" as a lighthearted, colorful synonym for "mischief" or even "artistry." That is, when music critics write about "keyboard diablerie" and "the diablerie of the central movement," they don't mean "devilish behavior" but rather "wild, talented, whirlwind playing." Talk about someone's diablerie (or the diablerie of someone), or make it plural if you prefer: "her diableries," "the diableries of this musician." Although "diablerie" often means "devilish, dangerous, wild actions or behavior," we can loosen up that meaning even further and use "diablerie" to mean "a devilish, dangerous, or wild appearance:" "His towering height alone lends him a distinct diablerie." examples: If I'd had no roommates in college, I probably would have studied a lot more but missed out on all the diablerie. Don't be fooled by Chloe's marble-like eyes, steady purr, and soft white fur. Her diablerie is unbounded. study it now: Look away from the screen to explain the definition in your own words. You’ll know you understand what "diablerie" means when you can explain it without saying "devilishness" or "shenanigans." try it out: Fill in the blanks: "(Someone) isn't just a/an (type of skilled person). He/she is capable of (that same skill) diablerie." Example 1: "Steinbeck wasn't just a writer. He was capable of literary diablerie." Example 2: "Emily isn't just a good cook. She is capable of biscuit diablerie." before you review: Spend at least 20 seconds occupying your mind with the game below. Then try the review questions. Don’t go straight to the review now—let your working memory empty out first. Our game this month is called Felicitous Names.  A felicitous name for a fictional character is a highly appropriate name, a name that fits that character so perfectly that you just know the writer picked it on purpose. This month, draw on your knowledge of both vocabulary and fiction to pick out the right name for the character described. Enjoy! From our previous issue: Your main character loves rocket ships and astronomy but struggles to keep his grip on reality. You need a supporting character who brings him back down to earth. Is the most felicitous name for her Tamara, Theresa, or Terra? Why? Answer: Terra. It's Latin for "earth" or "land," the source of words like terrain, terra incognita, and terra firma. In See You in the Cosmos by Jack Cheng, Terra helps Alex, the off-in-space narrator, to keep his feet on the ground. Try this today: There's a fictional ballet dancer with a felicitous name. She's graceful and talented, but timid and dependent like a child. Is she called Nora, Nina, or Natalie? Why? review today's word: 1. A close opposite of DIABLERIE is A. UGLINESS B. RESTRAINT C. PHILOSOPHY 2. In "The Devil Went Down to Georgia," the real diablerie is _____. A. when the lyrics can't appear fast enough on the karaoke screen B. that the judge is one of the contestants and admits his own loss C. in the swift, nimble fiddle-playing Answers are below. a final word: Make Your Point is crafted with love and brought to you each weekday morning by Liesl Johnson, a reading and writing tutor on a mission to explore, illuminate, and celebrate words. From Liesl's blog:    36 ways to study words.    Why we forget words, & how to remember them.    How to use sophisticated words without being awkward. To be a sponsor and include your ad in an issue, please contact me at Liesl@HiloTutor.com. Disclaimer: When I write definitions, I use plain language and stick to the words' common, useful applications. If you're interested in authoritative and multiple definitions of words, I encourage you to check a dictionary. Also, because I'm American, I stick to American English when I share words' meanings, usage, and pronunciations; these elements sometimes vary across world Englishes. Answers to review questions: 1. B 2. C