Hoi Polloi

Pronounced hoi puh-loi.  Hoi Polloi is a noun (Greek origin - 1825) that means the masses or common people.  Hoi means “the” and Polloi means “masses” in Greek.  It is often incorrectly used today to refer to the upper class or the elite, perhaps confusing the word with hoity-toity.  The term was used disparagingly by the wealthy about the lower class or commoners.  In a sentence: 

The young movie star had a private jet to avoid traveling with hoi polloi.

      

In 1935 the Three Stooges made a short film called Hoi Polloi. You remember the Three Stooges, don’t you?  The movie is about a professor who bets that he can turn the three stooges into gentlemen. After teaching them etiquette, the professor brings them to a fancy society party and well, you can  probably guess how that turns out.   

"The exchange of roles in "The Prince and the Pauper" suggests that a man of the people can be a benevolent ruler because of his humble roots, that a prince can become a better ruler through exposure to hoi polloi."

-- Michiko Kakutani, "In Classic Children's Books, Is a Witch Ever Just a Witch?", New York Times, December 22, 1992

If you want to learn more about how hoi polloi has been used in the 21st century you can check out this link at Wikipdia: 

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hoi_polloi#Appearances_in_the_twenty-first_century

Sanguine

The word Sanguine is an adjective with related yet different meanings.  The origin of the word is middle English from approximately 1325.  It describes: 

• Someone who is cheerfully optimistic, hopeful, or confident.  
• Something that is a healthy reddish color or ruddy; like someones complexion
• Bloody, blood-red or red

It is also a noun meaning a red iron-oxide crayon used in making drawings.

This word should not be confused with the word Sanguinary which means blood-thirsty.  We will save that one for another day.  Here are a few examples for how to use it in a sentence:

Her sanguine personality draws me in and makes me cheerful.

His complexion was sanguine after working out in the hot sun all day.

For more information this word, you can check out these links:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Four_Temperaments

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sanguine

Chocolate Love  by Emily Rose

In youth, there was hope.
When the footprints in the sand did not clear so easily with the tide.
If you built a sand-castle and promised forever,
The wind would kiss your cheeks and vow the same, taking your
Optimism to the
Sanguine, pink sky.

Thirty years later,
When people and promises are severed,
The wind returns.
What does it carry?
Sorrow, pity or joy—
At the hints of love realized in precious fleeting moments…
Like chocolate—so sweet,
That melts, too quickly, on your tongue.

Panoply

Panoply is a noun (1570-80 Greek) which means a wide-ranging, magnificent and impressive display.  It is also a complete suit of armor or full ceremonial attire or paraphernalia and/or something with a protective coating or covering. Today's word is brought to you compliments of Grandma Clifford.  She has been doing the crossword's everyday for the last 50 years and came across this word in a recent puzzle.   Here is an example of how the word is used in a sentence:

"You know that you have reached the embassy when you see the panoply of colorful flags" 

"The internet is filled with a panoply of famous quotes" 

"At the Marine Corp ball everyone is dressed in full panoply for the occasion"

"The porcupine has a panoply of quills" 

Finally, a short poem by the Irish writer Ormond:  

The Kestrel (Ormond) 

Flies in the haze morning sputter and splay.
Water drops from leaves rolling with the blown
Blades. The windy whoo of the owls fade,
Blue buried eyes cradled in the hollow
Trees, the swamps seeker is quietly rustled,
Wings of panoply, spangle-speckle the wind,
Over the flames of autumn, talons thistle,
Crown the dominion of the fall, fade in
Sporting meadows colour, till the dive,
Balm of field, marsh, all ignites. Lever pale
Winds finger through the leaves gravely
And rake as you raid, shoulders that burning vale,
Casualties of insect, the lemming song sings
Mouse and vole flash, dark, sparkles the clearing.

Ensconce

Ensconce is a verb, which means to establish or settle firmly or comfortably for a long period of time.  It also means to conceal or shelter in a safe place.  Not to be confused with a Sconce which refers to a wall lamp. We can have some fun with this one. It is an easy word to ensconce into your vocabulary, with practice. Here are some examples for how it can be used in a sentence. 

He ensconced himself in his recliner to watch the football game.  

We ensconced the spare house key in a location where no intruder would think to look.  

"Happy is the person who not only sings, but feels God's eye is on the sparrow, and knows He watches over me. To be simply ensconced in God is true joy."  Alfred A. Montapert