Wednesday, November 24, 2010

The word of the day is moue:

[< French moue (see MOW n.2).  Not fully naturalized in English. Compare MOW n.2 for earlier borrowing of the corresponding Middle French word.
    A pouting expression, often conveying (mock) annoyance or distaste, or used flirtatiously. (OED)


"Nothing he says nourishes or illuminates, but the very speaking of words gives him confirmation that he exists.  (Silence represents an existential terror for him, a vacuum that Rylance immediately fills with Jerry Lewis-like spasms and tongue-wagging moues.)"

 - John Lahr, "Screaming Me-Mes: David Hirson and David Mamet on life in the theatre", 25 October 2010 The New Yorker

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