Happy Thursday Word Day!

You've probably heard the phrase "bane of my existence" before, and likely in a dramatic moon-eyed, hand-wringing tone. Growing up, I heard the phrase so many times and in such affected tones of voice that I wrongfully assumed that being the bane of someone's existence was actually a good thing.

Although I had for years misinterpreted "bane" to mean "purpose" and "life-affirming reason," dictionary.com has quite the opposite to say:

bane: noun.
1) a person or thing that ruins or spoils.
2) a deadly poison (often used in combination, as in the names of poisonous plants): wolfsbane; henbane.
3) death; destruction; ruin.

Yeah, not so great after all. I definitely wouldn't want to be the bane of anyone's existence (except perhaps people who don't replace the roll of toilet paper when it's down to just a few sheets--I will come for you).

Join in the #thursdaywordday fun on Twitter! Tweet me your favorite word and let me know how you're going to use today's #thursdaywordday in the comments below.