It's the Word of the Day podcast for September 15th.

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dot U.K. slash Wondery. That's audible.co.com.uk-woundary. Today's word is,

askance, spelled A-S-K-A-N-C-E. Ascance is an adverb. It means in a way that shows a lack of trust

or approval or with a side glance. Here's the word used in a sentence from the Times

Picayune. In other cultures, they might look askance at such a gnarly, leggy thing wedged into a loaf.

But we know that a whole-fried soft shell crab is one of the gifts of Southeast Louisiana's

robust seafood heritage.

As with the similar word side-eye, writers over the years have used askance, literally, when

someone is looking with a side glance, and figuratively, when such a glance is conveying

disapproval or distrust.

Back in the days of Middle English, you could use askance and askance and askances to mean in such a way that, as if to say, and artificially or deceptively.

It's likely that askance developed from these forms, with some help from asquent, meaning obliquely or askew.

Ascance was first used in the 16th century with the meaning sideways or with a sideways glance.

With your word of the day, I'm Peter Sokowoski.

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