Tappen

[sakai-yukari.livejournal.com]

Tappen [tæp-pən]
noun

Definition:
A plug of indigestible materials that forms in a bear's anus during hibernation.

Etymology:
From the Swedish/Norwegian, tapp-en, 'the plug'.

Usage:
That cork is stuck in that wine bottle tighter than a tappen in a bear's behind.

Notes/Additional Info:
And now it's possible that you all hate me for that mental image. You are welcome. There are many theories as to why a tappen forms, including that it prevents insects from entering the bear's digestive tract or prevents the bear from defecating and attracting scavengers or predators. Apparently passing the tappen post-hibernation is quite painful, although I am unsure as to how we know this. Most useless word ever, woo hoo!

Comments

[wildflower399.livejournal.com]

Thank you - this one made me laugh out loud, especially your example of usage.
Who says new words are all you ever learn on 1word1day !

[sakai-yukari.livejournal.com]

I'm glad it made you laugh! I had the whole entry thought out and could not figure out how to incorporate tappen into a sentence. And then my brain went to that example and I couldn't stop laughing at myself so I went with it.

[xvampiratex.livejournal.com]

This was actually pretty interesting. Thanks!