“ATM machine” is an example of a redundant acronym — the M already stands for machine, so this phrase means “automatic teller machine machine.” Other examples:

• PIN number = personal identification number number
• GUI interface = graphical user interface interface
• ISBN number = International Standard Book Number number
• SAM missile = surface-to-air missile missile
• LCD display = liquid crystal display display
• CRT tube = cathode-ray tube tube
• HIV virus = human immunodeficiency virus virus
• SCSI interface = Small Computer System Interface interface
• AC current = alternating current current
• RPG games = role-playing games games

This goes for people, too. Jeb Bush’s nickname derives from his initials (J.E.B., for John Ellis Bush). So “J.E.B. Bush” stands for “John Ellis Bush Bush”.

The most difficult word in the world to translate is ilunga, according to a 2004 survey of 1,000 linguists.

The word comes from the Tshiluba language spoken in the southeastern Congo. It means “a person who is ready to forgive any abuse for the first time and to tolerate it a second time, but never a third time.”

mulomedic
adj. relating to the medical care of mules

epalpebrate
adj. lacking eyebrows

jussulent
full of broth or soup

orgiophant
n. one who presides over orgies

snirtle
v. to attempt to suppress one’s laughter