A Six Syllable Word
When I was younger, I remember my Aunt Trudy using the word "discombobulated". I knew the meaning had something to do with a state of confusion. I did not recognize this as a real word, however, as I have never heard anyone ever having used that word before except for Aunt Trudy. Then just a short while ago when I was watching a rerun of the Match Game. Tom Bosley had said that he felt discombobulated and it sparked a memory. I think the word itself is funny to hear as it sounds as if it was just made up by one in a "discombobulated" state. Research tells me that the word has been around since the late 19th century. Aunt Gertrude was born just 21 years after the start of the 20th century. She obviously knew people who had been born in the 19th century who were still using that word. I have been curious to know about where it had come from or why it was said. From one site ( here ) I learned that it is sugg...