Although this word isn’t defined in the dictionary yet, it is in Wikipedia. According to Wikipedia, a staycation is a period of time in which an individual or family stays at home and relaxes at home or takes day trips from their home to area attractions. This word has become increasingly popular over the summer as gas prices hit record levels. During a staycation, most people become tourists in their own city. They may visit local museums, check out nearby amusement parks and go out to eat. While they are still spending money, they are saving on the big ticket items such as gas and lodging. A staycation can also be less stressful than a traditional vacation because it doesn’t require packing, extensive driving or waiting at the airport. Maybe you can even put some of the money you save from your staycation into a vacation fund for when the economy and gas prices start to turn around.

By: Jessica McGrail

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According to Wikipedia, hypermilers are drivers who exceed the United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) estimated fuel efficiency on their vehicles by modifying their driving habits.

The energy in fuel consumed in driving is lost in many ways, including engine inefficiency, aerodynamic drag, rolling friction, and kinetic energy lost to braking. Driver behavior can influence all of these factors to reduce fuel consumption. WIRED magazine discusses the subject at length.

Related terms:

Nempimania (also Nenpimania) is an obsession with getting the best fuel economy possible from a hybrid car. It is derived from the Japanese “nempi” meaning fuel economy, and “mania”.

Ecodriving is a term used in Europe to name initiatives which support energy efficient use of vehicles. Check out this site for golden rules on ecodriving.

Contributed by: Maghan Cook

antonomasia (an-tihn-uh-MAY-zha)
noun
Latin word, from the Greek antonomazein, meaning “to name instead”
anti- {instead of} + onomazein{to name (from onoma, name)}

1. The substitution of a title or epithet for a proper name, as in calling a judge “Your Honor.”
2. The substitution of a personal name for a common noun to designate a member of a group or class, as in calling a traitor a “Benedict Arnold.”
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