Monday word: dégringolade

[ersatz-read.livejournal.com]

dégringolade  (deɡrɛ̃ɡɔlad)

Noun;
A quick deterioration or breakdown, as of a situation or circumstance.

Verb
1. To descend rapidly.
2. To deteriorate rapidly.

Etymology:  from French dégringoler, to tumble down.  In use in English since mid-1800s, I think -  but probably safe to say its use is rare these days.