floccinaucinihilipilification

Definition

The act or habit of estimating something as worthless; one of the longest words in English, used humorously to describe the act of dismissing or undervaluing something.

Example Usage

His floccinaucinihilipilification of modern art was surprising given his background in aesthetics.

Origin

Coined in the 18th century from Latin 'flocci,' 'nauci,' 'nihili,' and 'pili'—all meaning 'at nothing' or 'of no value'—plus the suffix '-fication.'

Fun Fact

This word appears in the Oxford English Dictionary and has been used in print since 1791, though it remains primarily a curiosity and conversation starter.

Source: Definition backfill (hailey)

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