funambulism means the art of walking on a tightrope or a slack-rope.
Among words judged in Lexicurio's Arena, funambulism ranks #10 of 12,955 for Most Whimsical Words, #12 of 12,835 for Most Satisfying to Say, #108 of 12,955 for Most Elegant Words, #333 of 12,835 for Funniest Words.
Why “funambulism” is a great word
The art or skill of walking on a tensioned wire or slack rope. From Latin fūnambulus ('ropedancer'), from fūnis ('rope, line') + ambulāre ('to walk'), with the English suffix -ism. Unlike 'equilibrist,' which broadens to any act of precarious balance, or 'aerialism,' which emphasizes flight and acrobatic sweep, funambulism is a strict, linear discipline. It is the singular wire humming underfoot, the intimate burn of the braided cord through a thin sole, and the performer's unwavering gaze fixed on the far platform amidst a vertiginous void. This is the art of the in-between, a visible argument against the chaos of a falling world.
Etymology
From Latin funambulis.
noun
- The art of walking on a tightrope or a slack-rope.
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