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Word of the week: squirkle

January 26, 2016 at 6:53PM

Definition: "A square with rounded corners." (Merriam-Webster)

Sample usage: If you press your finger on the iPhone screen, eventually all the squirkles jiggle.

Popularity: It makes sense once you know what it means, but it's not obvious at first. It sounds more like a combination of "squirt" and "trickle," like something the dog would do on your best rug.

Chance of catching on: If you're in the business of making computer or phone applications, you'll find it handy. Otherwise, it's like those rounded tubs in which ice cream's sold — the term is scround, for square/round. No one uses it, even though everyone's bought one.

JAMES LILEKS

Heard a new word or phrase you want us to dissect? Let us know at word@startribune.com

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