Merriam-Webster?s
Word of the Day
September 20
sockdolager \sock-DAH-lih-jer\ noun
Meaning: 1 : something that settles a matter : a decisive blow or answer : finisher | *2 : something outstanding or exceptional
Example Sentence: For a while I was completely stumped, but then, all of a sudden, I got a sockdolager of an idea.
Did you know? The verb “sock” (“to punch”) and the noun “doxology” (“a hymn of praise to God”) may seem like an odd pairing, but it is a match that has been promoted by a few word mavens when discussing the origins of the Americanism “sockdolager.” Don’t be too quick to believe the hype, however. When a word’s origin is simply unknown, as is the case with “sockdolager,” there’s a tendency for folks to fill in the gap with an interesting story, whether or not it can be verified. In the case of “sockdolager,” the “sock” part is plausible but unproven, and the “doxology” to “dolager” suggestion is highly questionable. The theory continues to have many fans, but it can’t deliver the knockout punch.
This word of the day, once more, is a very interesting word. I was particularly intrigued by the fact that its origins, much like those of “fatuous” are kind of hazy. So here is what I found about its etymology from online sources:
Image via CrunchBase
Localizing Windows Phone apps: New terminology and Style Guides posted
Another 15 localization style guides for developing international Windows Phone apps have just been made available by the Windows Phone team.
Style guides provide instructions to help ensure that your app speaks to the user in the same tone, style and level of formality as Windows Phone itself. For example, should you say please or address the user as you and what level of formality is appropriate; should you use Sie or du in German? And how do you abbreviate words for a smartphone screen?
Translations of the individual terms and phrases, such as live tile, hub, pinch or stretch are also available through the Microsoft Language Portal online search.