Stuart's Daily Word Spot: Wad

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Wad: noun - a small bundle of soft, loose, material used as a plug, pad, or to keep things apart; plug of paper or cloth to keep the powder and shot in position in a gun; something rolled tightly, a bankroll; a lot of something, especially money; a mass, a heap; bun, cake, sandwich: verb - place a wad in a gun, plug a hole with a wad; to force soft, or fibrous material into a small space; to form into a wad.

'The kidnapper forced open her mouth and stuffed a wad of bank notes in to keep her silent.'

'Jane formed a plug from discarded clothing and used it to wad the hole in the dyke, thereby saving the city from a disastrous flood.'

Whether to use Compliment or Complement

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Away from the computer, so I’ve scheduled blogs dealing with the language we use as writers. I hope you’ll forgive me if I don’t reply to any comments for the time being, but I’m having a very well-earned (I think so, anyway) rest for a couple of weeks.

Whether to use Compliment or Complement 

compliment: to praise, express admiration.  ‘When Jane Fonda thanked him for his compliment, Jason told her it was simply the truth that she was beautiful.’

complement: to make complete, to supply what is wanted.  ‘The fresh salmon steak needed a tossed salad to complement it.’