Word for Wednesday: Embarrassment

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The word 'Embarrassment' appears in a list of 50 common words that Britons struggle to spell in a study commissioned by the TV channel Nick Jr UK to celebrate the launch of the children’s literacy show 'Wallykazam!'

Apparently more than half of British adults struggle to spell common words and 20% of the 2,000 questioned admitted to using Google to check correct spellings.

'Embarrassment' originates from the 1670's French 'embarrasser' (to block) and Italian 'imbarrazzo' (to bar). The use of the word to make someone feel awkward started in the 1820's.

To help save you from future embarrassing spelling moments, here are the 50 words for you to practice:


08 Oct 2014
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Sarah Taggart, Oasis Academy Lord's Hill