I don’t typically expect to learn new vocabulary when listening to the podcast Smartless. But the latest episode I listened to featured John Oliver, a comedian I learn all kinds of things from on his weekly show, Last Week Tonight. I found it amusing to learn two new words from the Englishman that are very French (or Latin if you want to get technical) in origin. I was able to figure out the first word using context clues and my limited learning of French in high school and college. I could’ve figured out the second word with context clues, but they went on to explain the meaning on the show.
Here are the words and definitions from the Dictionary app on my laptop:
bonhomie: noun. cheerful friendliness; geniality.
compère: noun. a person who introduces the performers or contestants in a variety show; host.
I think I can I try to incorporate bonhomie, but I think compère might be more of a challenge. Are either of those words part of your every day lexicon?
Learn With Vivian 
Leave a comment