Make Your Point > Archived Issues > FAROUCHE

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"FAROUCHE" Meaning: First, someone or something farouche is shy and sullen, without social skills. Second, someone or something farouche is fierce and wild. Pronunciation: fuh ROOSH Note: The second meaning above isn't recognized by the Oxford English Dictionary. So if you're a language purist, stick to the first meaning, but know that other people are using the second meaning anyway. Part of speech: Adjective. (Adjectives are describing words, like “large” or “late.” They can be used in two ways: 1. Right before a noun, as in “a farouche neighbor.” 2. After a linking verb, as in "Their neighbor was farouche.”) Other forms: farouchely How to use it: The two meanings are very different, obviously, but your context and tone will reveal which one you intend. For the first meaning ("socially awkward and shy,") talk about farouche people, farouche manners, farouche glances, farouche evasions, and so on. You might soften up your meaning by saying someone is a little farouche, or some action was a tad farouche or a bit on the farouche side. People do things farouchely: "She sat slouched over at the dinner table, farouchely fiddling with her phone."  For the second meaning ("fierce and wild,") talk about farouche animals, a farouche style, farouche music, and so on. One of my most beloved students started out as a farouche little thing who ran to hide behind his couch the first few times I came over for lessons. Mia's days as a farouche kitten have never ended; she still chases whatever moves and meows like a lion cub. Look away from the screen to explain the definition in your own words. You’ll know you understand what "farouche" means when you can explain it without saying "sullen" or "ferocious." Think of a time you felt awkward, and fill in the blanks: "As/When _____, all I could do was _____ farouchely." Example: "When my friends got into a long, detailed discussion about a class they took together, all I could do was sit there and smile farouchely." Spend at least 20 seconds occupying your mind with the game and quote below. Then try the review questions. Don’t go straight to the review now—let your working memory empty out first. Playing With Words: Our October game references some material that may be protected by copyright. I appreciate your understanding as I err on the side of caution by not publishing it here! A Point Well Made: Parker Palmer: “Offer yourself to the world – your energies, your gifts, your visions, your heart – with open-hearted generosity. But understand that when you live that way you will soon learn how little you know and how easy it is to fail.” 1. The opposite of FAROUCHE is A. APPROXIMATE B. AFFABLE C. ABLE 2. With a farouche style that you either love or hate, the singer seems to _____ each note. A. emphasize B. warble on C. roar out Answers are below. To be a sponsor and send your own message to readers of this list, please contact Liesl at Liesl@HiloTutor.com. Make Your Point is crafted with love and brought to you each day for free by Mrs. Liesl Johnson, M.Ed., a word lover, learning enthusiast, and private tutor of reading and writing in the verdant little town of Hilo, Hawaii. For writing tips, online learning, essay guidance, and more, please visit www.HiloTutor.com. Disclaimer: Word meanings presented here are expressed in plain language and are limited to common, useful applications only. Readers interested in authoritative and multiple definitions of words are encouraged to check a dictionary. Likewise, word meanings, usage, and pronunciations are limited to American English; these elements may vary across world Englishes. Answers to review questions: 1. B 2. C Exploring the archives: Today's word has two meanings that are very different from each other. What gives? Well, a while ago we looked at jejune, focusing on its older and more accepted meaning of "lacking creativity; devoid of excitement." But some people also say "jejune" when they mean "juvenile," probably because they sound similar. So, my best guess is that the same thing happened with today's word, "farouche." That is, the older and more accepted meaning aside, people say "farouche" when they mean "ferocious" probably because they sound alike. Something similar definitely happened to the word effete. (That link leads to the blog.)