While I can’t be sure that boustrophedon wasn’t the ancient equivalent of a modern-day party trick, I can tell you that its style was meant to emulate the pattern of an ox plowing a field, back and forth.

How might you use boustrophedon (boo-struh-FEED-n) in your daily life?

I have no idea.

No, wait, that’s not true …

How about: boost ruh feed ‘n then yer cows’ll be a whole lot better off’n …

Seriously now brown cow, that only helps you remember how to say it.

How about teaching it to a kid—kids get a kick out of writing secret codes to fool their friends.

What’s more, you can say “boustrophedon” while you’re vacuuming the carpet

or mowing the lawn,

and won’t you feel smart ‘n sassy?

Brag if you want to, girlfriend, because now you know a word that most people wouldn’t dare try to define.