kibitz

(KIBB-its)

1. To look on and offer unsolicited, meddlesome advice.

2. To chat or make wisecracks (especially when others are trying to work or have a serious conversation).

This handy Yiddishism derives from a picturesque German source: In German, the verb kiebitzen means "to look on while other people are playing cards" (especially if it's done annoyingly, like standing too close). Even more picturesque, this verb derives from German Kiebitz, the name of a type of little bird that has a reputation for being particularly noisy and inquisitive.

"HEY!" Foster finally yelled, "It's hard enough trying to deal with a computer crash without all of you standing around to kibitz!"

kickshaw

(KICK-shaw)

1. A culinary delicacy.

2. A trinket or bauble.

Kickshaw is a corruption of the French quelque chose, which means "something."

When the English began using the word kickshaw around the beginning of the 17th century, they usually applied it contemptuously to fancy French food -- i.e., an insubstantial little "something" in contrast to simpler, heartier English fare. Today it also applies to anything dainty or elegant, but relatively worthless.

"Let's get going, dear -- we can always pick up a few kickshaws at the airport."

kudos

(KOO-dohss)

Glory; praise.

This word was imported whole from the ancient Greek, where kudos meant "magical glory." Technically, therefore, kudos is singular - which also means there 's no such thing as a kudo.

"By now, of course, Aunt Dorothy was used to accepting kudos for her judo."