Vocabulary Mnemonics Episode 94: meldrop, desiderata, ichthyology, and more
Nov 29, 2025
Join Matt and Mom as they explore quirky vocabulary with a playful twist! Discover the study of fishes—ichthyology—and delve into the realm of cavil, where trivial objections reign. Learn to efface the E from 'face' and trace the origins of cheeseparing from Shakespeare to thrift. Delight in the antics of meldrop, a mucus drop that smells, and ponder the essentials of desiderata. They even tie it all together with a fun recap. It's an entertaining journey through words and mnemonics!
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Fish Theology Mnemonic
- Ichthyology is the study of fish and ichthyologist is a fish scientist.
- Matt links the word to “fish theology” as a mnemonic for obsessive fish lovers.
Remember Cavil With A Gavel
- Cavil means to raise trivial, frivolous objections and often describes nitpicking.
- Matt suggests picturing a "cavil gavel" to recall petty objections.
Efface Equals Erase
- Efface means to wear away or erase a surface and can mean to cause to vanish.
- Mom links efface to erasing a big E painted on a face as a memorable image.