1. sar·doo·dle·dom
In 2007, 11-year-old Kennyi Aouad of Terre Haute, Indiana lost his composure but won hearts during a giggling fit that was sparked by the word, “sardoodledom.”* Aouad went on to qualify for the National Bee again in 2008 and tied for fifth place in 2009.
*\sar-doo-dle-dom\ noun, mechanically contrived plot structure and stereotyped or unrealistic characterization in drama
2. num·nah
In 2008, eighth grader Sameer Mishra from West Lafayette, Indiana, gave a look of shock when the judges asked him to spell the word “numb nut.” At least, that’s what he heard them say. It took everyone a few seconds to iron out the grammatical misunderstanding (even the TV commentators seemed momentarily confused). The word was “numnah.”*
*\num-nah\ noun, a thick felt pad cut to the shape of a saddle and worn under it as protection for the horse’s back. Fitted with straps which fasten it to the saddle and prevent it moving
