Word of the week

Published March 14, 2015

WORDS are very powerful — so become empowered by enhancing your vocabulary! Check out this week’s word ‘al desko’, a new entrant to the Oxford Dictionary

al desko

Line breaks: al desko

Origin: 1980s: on the pattern of al fresco.

Definition: (adverb & adjective), humorous; while working at one’s desk in an office (with reference to the consumption of food or meals)

(As adverb): limp sandwiches eaten al desko

(As adjective): an al-desko lunch

Usage: “Boredom was the most common excuse for ‘al desko’ snacking”; “Workers are skipping the midday meal in growing numbers and opting to eat ‘al desko’ and catch up on personal admin instead.”

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