voluntourism

Pronounced: vah-luhn-TOOR-ih-zuhm, noun

Notes: I didn’t know this word, but you might be able to guess the definition

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Yesterday’s word

The word epigone means “a follower; a disciple – also an inferior imitator”

First usage

This word came into English in the 1800s

Background / Comments

Well, I was distantly correct as to Greek origins. The word came into English from German. The Germans got the word from the Latin word epigonus (successor). The Latin word came from the (here it is!) Greek word epigonus, usually used in the plural form to designate the sons of seven legendary Greek leaders who were defeated at Thebes. This Greek word came from the Greek word epigignesthai (to be born after), from epi- (after) and gignesthai (to be born).