JANUARY 1 Razzmatazz raz-muh-TAZ noisy and exciting activity meant to attract attention noun Circus performers blend athletic skills with the razzmatazz of show business Dressed in colorful costumes they perform acrobatics and balancing routines under bright lights as music blares and fans watch in wonder 6
JANUARY 2 Hoodwink HOOD-wink to trick or deceive verb Frank Abagnale was an American con man in the 1960s who tricked banks businesses and people into giving him money and power At age 16 he hoodwinked an airline company into believing he was a pilot by wearing a pilot’s uniform and making a phony license 7
JANUARY 3 Proverbial pruh-VER-bee-ul of relating to or resembling a proverb adjective A proverb is a saying that offers advice or a common truth The proverb curiosity killed the cat suggests that too much curiosity could get a person into trouble Even without whiskers and a tail a curious person could be called the proverbial cat 8
JANUARY 4 Ovation oh-VAY-shun an expression of approval or enthusiasm made by clapping or cheering noun Born in a small town in the American South opera singer Leontyne Price was one of the most accomplished sopranos of her time In 1961 she performed the lead role in the opera Il Trovatore and received a 42-minute standing ovation one of the longest in history 9
