Friday, March 8, 2013

Word of the Day: March 8

Regalia: an insignia of royalty, or attire worn for formal occasions to define status

This word should be written in gold leaf, I think. It sounds utterly snooty and overly concerned with Keeping Up with the Joneses. It can be used to describe items like a crown or a scepter, which are very much royal, but it can also simply describe gaudily expensive jewelry.

Here is an example of how to use our royal friend:

The duchess sat poised  in front of the vanity mirror as she decorated herself with radiant regalia, one piece's price tag requiring a significant reach into the taxpayers' purse.

This is the type of word that will require you to read Emily Post's Etiquette before a strut about town. You better have deep pockets, too, because it looks like this one has an eye for the finer things in life.

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