Words have power; "The pen is mightier than the sword" still rings true today. Words can change how we see the world and impact our actions. Whether written or spoken, words can evoke a full spectrum of emotions. Words can be serious, demonstrative, playful; and, yes, even cringeworthy.
Welcome to a "fun-sized" book of cringeworthy words. This book is the culmination of a 10-plus-year quest to collect and showcase some of the most awkward and embarrassing words in the English language. While the primary meaning of these words may not make you think twice, over time they have taken on alternative meanings that, well, may make you wince. And, in many cases, it's not the meaning of the word, but how it sounds when spoken that causes you to squirm.