Have you ever heard the word supercalifragilisticexpialidocious? It’s a mouthful! This word became famous in the Disney movie Mary Poppins. But is it a real word in the Oxford Dictionary? Let’s find out!
Where Did This Word Come From?
The word was first used in a song from the 1964 movie Mary Poppins. In the song, Mary Poppins says that it’s something to say when you don’t know what to say! It sounds magical and fun.
But actually, similar long words existed before the movie. Some reports say versions of this word had been around in the 1930s. Still, Disney made it famous.
Is It in the Oxford Dictionary?
Yes, it is! The word supercalifragilisticexpialidocious appears in the Oxford English Dictionary (OED). But it is listed as a fantasy word. That means it’s not commonly used in everyday speech, but it is still recognized as a real word.
What Does It Mean?
According to the Oxford Dictionary, the word means “extremely fantastic” or “something wonderful”. It doesn’t have a deep meaning, but it sounds fun to say!
How Do You Say It?
Pronouncing this word can be tricky. Here’s a simple way to break it down:
- su-per-cali-frag-ilis-tic-ex-pi-ali-do-cious
Take it slow, and you’ll get it!
Should You Use It?
Well, why not? It’s fun and playful. You might not use it in a school essay, but it can be great for jokes and conversations. People will recognize it from Mary Poppins.
Other Fun Long Words
If you like long words, here are some more:
- Pneumonoultramicroscopicsilicovolcanoconiosis – A lung disease caused by volcanic dust.
- Hippopotomonstrosesquipedaliophobia – The fear of long words (oh, the irony!).
- Antidisestablishmentarianism – A historical political term.
Final Thoughts
So, is supercalifragilisticexpialidocious a real word? Yes! It’s in the Oxford Dictionary, though as a lighthearted, playful word. It may not be useful in daily life, but it sure is fun to say!
Next time you’re stuck in a conversation, remember this word. Say it with confidence, and you might just make someone smile!