There's a(n Unfortunate) Word for It

I subscribe to the RSS feed for A Word a Day. I find that most of the words fall into one of two categories: "already knew that one" (e.g., neologist = person who coins new words) or "too obscure" (e.g., sounder = a group of wild boars). But it's always an interesting read. I thought today's word would be really useful, because it refers specifically to the cry of a newborn. Those of you who've heard a newborn wail know that it is a completely different sound than what comes out of even a slightly older infant. Problem is, there's just no way I'm going to exclaim—while in the pediatrician's waiting room, for instance—"Wow, that sure is some vagitus!" I think the other mom would be likely to discreetly slip me her OB/GYN's card. (From the Latin vagire, to wail.)

Comments

[scott]

I had a similar reaction when I saw it. I realized immediately that it was a bit of information that I would never reveal I was in possession of.