Skip to content

The word for today is…

genteel (adjective):

1a : having an aristocratic quality or flavor : stylish
b : of or relating to the gentry or upper class
c : elegant or graceful in manner, appearance, or shape
d : free from vulgarity or rudeness : polite
2a : maintaining or striving to maintain the appearance of superior or middle-class social status or respectability
b(1) : marked by false delicacy, prudery, or affectation
(2) : conventionally or insipidly pretty

Source : Merriam -Webster

Etymology :The word genteel has some familiar English relatives, including gentle, gentrify, and gentility. All come from the Latin noun gens, used to refer to a group of related people. That word’s plural, gentes, was used in Roman times to classify the people of the world, particularly non-Romans. Similarly, the English gentile refers to people who are not Jewish, or who don’t follow other specific religions. Many non-English words come from gens as well, including the Spanish gente, meaning “people.”

If you enjoyed this BFD word of the day please consider sharing it with your friends and, especially, your children.

Latest

The Good Oil Daily Roundup

The Good Oil Daily Roundup

Just a brief note to readers who like to add their own contributions to Daily Roundup in the comments. This post is for family friendly humour ONLY thank you.

Members Public
Good Oil Backchat

Good Oil Backchat

Please read our rules before you start commenting on The Good Oil to avoid a temporary or permanent ban.

Members Public