Word of the Day: Uncanny

by Daniel Scocco

Uncanny (ŭn-kăn’ē) is an adjective used to describe things that are strange and disturbing, to the point that they appear to have a supernatural origin. One informal synonym is spooky.

Spinoza was uncanny, both personally and philosophically. He wore a signet ring reminding him to be cautious, in contrast to the flamboyant Shelley, whose own ring proclaimed that the good time would come. (NY Times)

Apple is at it again — making TV ads that bear an uncanny resemblance to music videos. (Wired.com)

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6 Responses to “Word of the Day: Uncanny”

  1. Matilda on May 17, 2008 6:59 pm

    The synonym ‘ spooky ‘ helped me understand it much better.
    I had been a bit confused between the ‘ uncanny’ and the ‘gothic, as I had read that both referred to the supernatural.
    Thanks! :)

    Mez

  2. Matilda on May 17, 2008 7:01 pm

    Can I say the difference then is that the ‘uncanny’ is ’spooky’, and the ‘gothic’ is dark and gloom, and that which signifies terror?

  3. Daniel Scocco on May 18, 2008 9:24 am

    @Matilda, we will cover Gothic next week :) .

  4. Matilda on May 18, 2008 6:51 pm

    Okie dokie :) I will be waiting…

  5. Queen B on October 20, 2008 3:57 pm

    Very familiar word. By

  6. Rod on July 2, 2009 6:04 pm

    I thought it was something weird with no precedent
    I had never related it with spooky good to know

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