Brain Teasers
Darn that Major, Fancy Fly!
Language
Language brain teasers are those that involve the English language. You need to think about and manipulate words and letters.Language
What do the following four words have in common?
Darn
Fancy
Fly
Major
Darn
Fancy
Fly
Major
Hint
The following definition of fly may help:Fly (adj) Slang: fashionable, stylish.
Answer
Without undergoing any spelling changes, they can all be used as a noun, a verb, or an adjective.DARN
Noun: Something of little value. (His promise is not worth a darn; I don't give a darn)
Verb: To mend a garment, repair a hole. (Will you darn my socks?)
Adj: Looked upon negatively. (That darn dog just ate my dinner)
Bonus: Darn is also an interjection! (Darn! I can't believe I missed that shot!)
FANCY
Noun: A whim, a capricious liking. (It strikes my fancy)
Verb: To take a fancy to; like. (I'd fancy a cup of tea)
Adj: Highly decorated. (What a fancy rug!)
FLY
Noun: A two-winged insect. (That pesky fly keeps buzzing around my head)
Verb: To engage in flight through the air. (The birds look so graceful as they fly in their V formations)
Adj: Slang: fashionable, stylish. (I'm pretty fly for a white guy.)
Note: this sentence comes from the lyrics to the Offspring song Pretty Fly (For a White Guy).
MAJOR
Noun: A rank in the Army, Air Force, or Marine Corps. (Now that he's a Captain, his next goal is to become a Major)
Verb: To pursue academic studies in a major. (I want to major in economics)
Adj: Great in scope, effect, number, etc. (Her new haircut is a major improvement over her earlier style)
Note: For the purpose of this teaser, I have supplied only one definition for each part of speech; it goes without saying that there are many others.
P.S. If you can think of any other words that fit in with my list, leave a comment and tell me!
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