Comedy Vocab – Review
By App Type: Uncategorized
Our rating: 
By: Learning is Funny
Version #: 1.0
Date Released: 2010-01-03
Developer:
Price: 0.00
User Rating:
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When I first found out about ComedyVocab, I was immediately reminded of one of the sites that I am subscribed to. The site in question is a no-frills blog that offers up an uncommon word every day then goes on to use it in a sentence that, let’s just say, you wouldn’t want your mother to read over your shoulder. As much as I like to name the site here so you can see it for yourself, I’m afraid its R-rated title, which is reinforced by its tagline, "It’s easier to learn with sex, drugs, and [censored] swearing," would be inappropriate. But anyway, you get the picture. Besides, I’m here to talk about ComedyVocab, an iPhone app that sets out to basically do the same thing, with just about the same amount of gusto but with considerably less vulgarity.
When you launch ComedyVocab, you are greeted by the Word of the Day, showing its definition, its derivatives and a sentence using the word in an often clever and humorous manner. For example, the word ‘nadir,’ meaning "the lowest point of something," is used as follows: "The moment he dropped the soap in the prison shower, the handsome new inmate realized his life would soon reach its nadir." The sentence is ironically funny, and it might just help a lot in remembering the meaning of the word. So, the next time you find yourself jogging your memory for a word that’s synonymous to ‘all-time low’ or ‘rock-bottom,’ you’ll perhaps think of a narcissistic and slightly effeminate Michael Scofield from Prison Break dropping his moisturizing soap and suddenly looking anxious, and the word nadir will soon pop like a neon sign in your mind’s eye.
Charles Horn, the creator of ComedyVocab, believes that learning shouldn’t have to be boring. I concur. Expanding my vocabulary is one of my favorite things to do, and learning new words in a fun way is something I’d gladly jump into at the drop of a hat. ComedyVocab has a database of a hundred uncommon words that you can browse alphabetically or search through via the app’s dictionary section. This database is where the Word of the Day is pulled from, and it is further integrated into flash cards and a variety of word games (multiple choice, matching type) to facilitate learning. Each word in the database, of course, comes with its own funny sample sentence, thought up by the author who happens to have a Princeton PhD and an Emmy nomination under his belt. So you need not wonder whether the sentences are all clever and funny or not.
It can’t be all praises, though. While the content of this app is beyond good, I’m afraid I can’t say the same about the execution. The design of the app needs more spunk and, more importantly, the navigation needs improvement because, as it stands, it’s not what I’d call easy breezy. For instance, navigation buttons must be placed within the flash card itself so the user wouldn’t have to go back to the previous menu to go to the next flash card.
If, like me, you’re an aspiring walking dictionary, or you just want a fun way to learn new words on your iPhone, then by all means get this app. A hundred handpicked words are waiting to be mastered, and it is my fervent hope that future app updates will bring hundreds more.
Quick Take
Value:Medium
Would I Buy Again:Yes
Learning Curve:Low, but some of the word games could use a set of instructions.
Who Is It For:People who like me are in love with words.
What I Like:The select group of words and their accompanying sentences reflect the app developer's impressive credentials.
What I Don't Like:There's certainly room for improvement in the areas of design and navigation.
Final Statement:Learning is fun, and this app is proof of that.
