toupan
(Note: for lack of knowledge of a proper IPA font that every computer will be able to interpret without requiring each reader to install it, I shall resort to layman’s pronunciation methods for now. As soon as I figure out a universal solution, it will be used.)
toupan
/TOO-pan/
noun
DEFINITION
1 an occasionally birdlike apparition seen most often on windy days around unsuspecting suit-wearing crowds.
2 an occurrence that is usually only amusing to the observing parties, and quite the opposite to the involved party.
EXAMPLE SENTENCE
(We could not help but laugh as we saw the toupan riding the wind down the crowded city street; the man in pursuit did not seem at all amused.)
ORIGIN
French < Portuguese tucano < Tupi tucan [call imitation]
French (var. of toupet) < Old French to(u)p [tuft] + -et
I hope you find this trend enjoyable. Until next time,
Adrian
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