Brucker Bears 4-5: fiasco

Friday, April 12, 2013

fiasco

fiasco(n) - A fiasco is an event that is completely unsuccessful, in a way that is very embarrassing or disappointing.

Synonyms: catastrophe, debacle, embarassment, mess, failure
Antonyms: benefit, success, wonder, miracle
Etymology: 1855 French, theater slang for "a failure." By the year 1862, this word came to describe any kindof dismal flop, on or off the stage. Etymologists think this came from the French phrase fiare fiasco which means "turn out a failure," which came from Italian far fiasco meaning "suffer a complete breakdown in performance." This expression literally means "make a bottle," and comes from fiasco meaning "bottle," which comes from Late Latin flasco (where we get the word flask.
Example: I tried to jump into Grace's library wagon last week, but it ended up as a complete fiasco when I fell in the hallway in front of a throng of onlookers.

1 comment:

AnonymousApril 24, 2013 at 11:12 AM
Jordyn says, sometimes our class can cause a fiasco like being to load.
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Welcome! Let us cheer for you!

I am a big fan of vocabulary! Why should words be dull when they can be dazzling? It is my goal for your kids to learn at least 180 impressive words this year, not just so that they will recognize and understand them, but so that they will use them. When they hear, read or say one of the following words, you should expect to hear a little cheer--go ahead, test them out if you dare!

To the left, you will find the official list of our Words of the Day, complete with definitions, synonyms, etymology (origin), and examples. Clicking on the word will take you to the Longman Dictionary for more information, including pronunciation. In fact, you can click on any bold, colorful word or phrase to take a virtual excursion on the web.

If your child hears one of these words in conversation or on TV, have him log on and share what he heard by adding a "comment" below the word. AND, if you want to see your child flex her vocabulary muscle, have her add a comment and use the word in a great sentence of her own!