The Week in Vocab

Review the Biggest Buzzwords of the Week!

When you follow national and worldwide affairs, you get access to international disputes, diplomatic negotiations, swashbucklers, natural disasters and more. Each week, we’ll highlight the top buzzwords or terms that your students might not have known or even heard until now. All these words are featured in the most recent edition of The Week in Rap. And once students beef up their vocab, the news will make a lot more sense.

THIS WEEK

bluster (noun)– loud, aggressive or indignant talk with little effect.

Why it matters: In a speech on Sunday on the United States role in Iran’s possible creation of nuclear weapons, President Obama said, “Now is not the time for bluster. Now is the time to let our increased pressure sink in.”

diplomatic (adjective) — of or concerning the profession, activity or skill of managing international relations.

Why it matters: The US and its allies are attempting to find a diplomatic solution with Iran regarding their desire for nuclear weapons. Obama has strongly encouraged the use of diplomacy (related, noun) instead of military force to resolve this issue.

fraud (noun) — wrongful or criminal deception intended to result in financial, personal or political gain.

Why it matters: Vladimir Putin, recently reelected Prime Minister of Russia, has been accused of using fraud to win this election. This controversy has led to rallies and protests by Putin’s opposition.

colony (noun) — a country or area under the full or partial political control of another country, typically a distant one.

Why it matters: To celebrate their 50 year anniversary of independence, former British colony Jamaica seeks to sever ties completely. Learn more about colonialism and imperialism with songs from Flocabulary’s Modern World History series.

spate (noun) — a large number of similar things or events appearing or occurring in quick succession.

Why it matters: The South and the Midwest have been hit by a spate of violent tornados in recent days.

Did you hear any other big terms this week? Share them in the comments!

Learn all about these stories and more in The Week in Rap.