Intermediate+ Word of the Day: gimmick

A gimmick is an ingenious or novel device or scheme designed to attract attention. It is also a concealed aspect or feature of a plan or deal. A gimmick is also a hidden mechanical device by which a magician works a trick or a gambler controls a game of chance. In US English, gimmick can also be used as a verb, often followed by up, meaning…

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Intermediate+ Word of the Day: whizz, whiz

To whizz means ‘to make a humming, buzzing, or hissing sound,’ as might be made by an object flying or moving quickly through air. To move or go quickly making that sound is also to whizz. As a noun, a whizz is both the sound of a whizzing object and a quick movement that produces that sound. Informally, a very skillful person in a particular field is…

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Intermediate+ Word of the Day: flay

To flay means ‘to strip the skin off an animal or a person’ or ‘to strip the outer covering off something.’ Figuratively, it can mean ‘to strip of money or property,’ although this sense is now rare. Flay can also mean ‘to criticize harshly’ or ‘to scold…

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Intermediate+ Word of the Day: whoop

A whoop is a loud shout or cry, usually indicating excitement, enthusiasm, or joy. As a verb, to whoop means ‘to make a loud cry or shout’ or ‘to utter something with a whoop.’ Owls and other birds also…

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