For today’s Weird Word Wednesday, let’s look at three words related to international relations: Weltpolitik, tranche and thalassocracy. Here’s what www.merriam-webster says about these words:
Pronunciation: [ ˈveltˌpōləˈtēk ]
Part of speech: Noun
Definition: Participation in the discussion and decision of international problems.
Language origin: German and French
“Weltpolitik.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/weltpolitik. Accessed 6 Dec. 2021.
Pronunciation: [ ˈträⁿsh ]
Part of speech: Noun
Definition: A division or portion of a pool or whole, specifically dealing with the issuing of bonds.
Language origin: French
“Tranche.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/tranche. Accessed 6 Dec. 2021.
Pronunciation: [ tha-lə-ˈsä-krə-sē ]
Part of speech: Noun
Definition: Maritime supremacy.
Language origin: Greek
“Thalassocracy.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/thalassocracy. Accessed 6 Dec. 2021.