Variety is the spice of life, as they say, and today we want to remind you that it’s important to learn vocabulary words from many different categories. When you expand your word lists, you’ll find that you don’t get bored as easily. Here’s another saying for you: a change is as good as a rest. If you’re feeling like you just don’t have the energy to sit down and work on your words, revive your interest in the vocabulary-improvement process by switching to a new type of word. For example, if you’ve been focused on stuffing your brain with terminology related to architecture in preparation for applying for a job in that field, take a break and watch some sports on television, and come up with a list of sports-related words to learn. You’ll be refreshed afterwards – and you’ll be able to talk about things other than architecture during office breaks!

Another excellent way to learn interesting and useful words is to read about cooking. Even better, find some recipes and head into the kitchen, adding a dictionary as one of your culinary tools along with the whisks and mixers. Or take a break from study and go out to eat at a new restaurant serving food you’ve never tried before. There will be delicious food as well as delightful new words for you on offer. In the most recent update to the Oxford English Dictionary, some globally-sourced food words have become official English words. Have you seen any of these words lately on a menu?

affineur (ah-fee-NUR)
A French term for someone whose skill and job it is to oversee the ripening (aging) of cheese and know when it is perfectly ready to eat.

saag aloo (sahg ah-LOO)
A traditional North Indian curry made from spinach (saag means “stewed greens”) and potatoes (aloo).

egerdouce / egredouce (eh-gur-DOOCE)
This is a sweet-and-sour sauce from the 14th century that was usually served with roasted meats. The traditional mixture of sugar, vinegar, spices, and breadcrumbs has been replaced with a milk, butter, spices, and breadcrumbs combination in modern England, but is still eaten with roasted meat (usually chicken). The French aigre-doux and Italian agrodolce sauces are still commonly found on the menu in those countries.

affogato (ah-foh-GAH-toh)
A sweet way to end a meal in Italy that will also wake you up, affogato is espresso poured over a scoop of ice cream or gelato.

If you’re hungry for more tasty words, read this post for some useful culinary terminology, or this one that describes some interesting regional dishes of the United States.