I think I have a fairly broad vocabulary. So I was rather surprised, while reading two articles today, to come across four completely unfamiliar words:

canard (n) - a false, unfounded, and misleading story

fungible (adj) - (esp. of goods) being of such nature or kind as to be freely exchangeable or replaceable, in whole or in part, for another of like nature or kind

stultifying (adj) - (1) to make, or cause to appear, foolish or ridiculous; (2) to render absurdly or wholly futile or ineffectual, esp. by degrading or frustrating means

vituperative (adj) - using, containing, or marked by harshly abusive censure

Unfortunately, each of these new words were used to describe either the current state of affairs in my office or a situation in my field that could impact me in a few weeks.

So for anyone who's recently asked, "How's work?" please allow the above quartet to stand as your answer.