Word Play Article

Try the Word Play @ Algonquin Challenge!

What is Word Play?
Participate in Word Play @ Algonquin Challenge

What is Word Play?

You have probably seen examples of word play.  You take a word from the dictionary and alter it by adding, subtracting, or changing one letter and then supplying a new definition.  The following examples are a few of this year’s winners from the Washington Post’s Mensa Invitational:

cartoon of dopeler effectDopeler Effect: The tendency of stupid ideas to seem smarter when they come at you rapidly.

Bozone (n.): The substance surrounding stupid people, that stops bright ideas from penetrating. The Bozone layer, unfortunately, shows little sign of breaking down in the near future.

Intaxication: Euphoria at getting a tax refund, which lasts until you realize it was your money to start with.

Giraffiti: Vandalism spray-painted very, very high.

Sarchasm: The gulf between the author of sarcastic wit and the person who doesn't get it.

Inoculatte: To take coffee intravenously when you are running late.

picture of caterpillarCaterpallor (n.): The color you turn after finding half a worm in the fruit you're eating.

Hipatitis: Terminal coolness.

Osteopornosis: A degenerate disease. (This one got extra credit.)

Karmageddon: It's like, when everybody is sending off all these really bad vibes, right? And then like, the Earth explodes and it's like, a serious bummer.

Decafalon (n.): The gruelling event of getting through the day consuming only things that are good for you.

Glibido: All talk and no action

Arachnoleptic Fit (n.): The frantic dance performed just after you've accidentally walked through a spider web.

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Participate in Word Play @ Algonquin Challenge

Here’s our challenge to you.  Can you come up with a new word? 

Special bonus points will be awarded to words that relate to college life! 

Send your new words to livelaughlearn@algonquincollege.com .  The favourite pick of the committee will be awarded a prize from Live, Laugh, Learn.