Wednesday, April 25, 2012

Word of the Day 4-25-12

Barnburner: noun;
1. Something that is highly exciting or impressive.
2. Chiefly Pennsylvania.  A wooden friction match.
3. (Initial capital letter) A member of the progressive faction in the Democratic party in New York State 1845–52
 
Origin: Barnburner  is an Americanism that was first observed in the 1830s. It referred to the practice of burning down a barn to get rid of rats.

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