Snob Words: Making Sense of Words You Wish You Knew, But Don't



Snob words are lexical aristocrats, highfalutin' words and phrases--often derived from foreign languages--that never appear on sixth-grade spelling tests. They're words you don't know, but feel you should know.

And because you don't know them, you often feel excluded.

For example, when Architectural Digest reveals that the actress of the moment has just installed an étagère in her pied-á-terre--and you're left racing to find a French dictionary app--you're a victim of snob words. Those fortunate enough to know the terms are in on the secret, while you're left standing behind the red velvet rope.

This blog is an attempt to demystify snob words, which show up frequently in publications that cater to well educated, upscale readers.

Sunday, June 17, 2012

chiaroscuro (key-ah΄-roh-SKOO΄-roh)

  Chiaroscuro (from the Italian claro, light, and obscuro, dark), is the technique of juxtaposing bright and dark areas in a painting to create drama, tension, and/or three-dimensional effects.
     Paintings in the chiaroscuro style generally have dark, nearly black backgrounds, while the main subjects shine as if illuminated by spotlights.
Rembrandt's Night Watch
     Rembrandt’s Night Watch is frequently cited as a prime example of the chiaroscuro technique.

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