E is for epiphanot

ephiphanot.words-deserve-to-be-in-the-english-dictionary
Apparently, epiphanot is a made-up word. By that, I mean not yet broadly accepted in dictionaries. But it is a good one, and used widely, though I hadn’t heard of it until Uthaclena shared it with me.

The Urban Dictionary cites the definition above, then uses a quote from the movie Animal House to make the point.

The Collins Dictionary has this definition pending: “[facetious] a false or underwhelming epiphany.” It seems in keeping with the generally agreed-upon meaning and shows its derivation, and by extension, its pronunciation, presumably with the emphasis on the second syllable.

Verbotomy has a somewhat different take: “n. An out-of-body, or out-of-brain, experience which occurs when faced with a demanding intellectual challenge. v. To lose your train of thought while trying to demonstrate your intellectual prowess.” I think this is less in keeping with my understanding of the word.

abc 17 (1)
ABC Wednesday – Round 17

Author: Roger

I'm a librarian. I hear music, even when it's not being played. I used to work at a comic book store, and it still informs my life. I won once on JEOPARDY! - ditto.

22 thoughts on “E is for epiphanot”

  1. I didn’t know the word but from now on i will remember it when i come in such a situation 😉

    A lovely post Roger, i’ve enjoyed it.

    Have a nice day!

  2. I hadn’t heard this word before, although my students have to write an essay during the year about a character in a short story having an epiphany.

    Leslie
    abcw team

  3. Well, whether it is epiphanot or epiphagot.. I’m really wondering how do you say the word…. is it ‘not’ or “no”… just sayin”
    But it is a very cool word that I will probably forget before I figure out how to use it is a sentence!

  4. I get exhausted trying to remember what words being coined now-a-days! So pardon me if I don’t worry about using this one, Roger.:) Nevertheless, I always enjoy visiting here.

  5. Where did you dig out this word ? I certainly didn’t learn it in my English lessons at school. I read as definition : “An idea that seems an amazing insight to the conceiver, but is in fact pointless, mundane, stupid or incorrect”

    Gattina
    ABC Wednesday

  6. LOL! I can see where it derives from the word epiphany, but I would say it’s actually more closely related to the term “brain-fart.” Happy ABC Wednesday! #46

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