I love this word. The conceptual shape of the word and its parts is rich with texture and nuance that most words lack. It feels like there’s so much going on in there. The “sham” prefix makes me think of people deliberately trying to pass off or ignore the “shambles” alluded to by the word’s “shambol”. It’s also very nearly “symbolic”, with the “y” simply swapped out for “ha”, making the sham or shambles a sign of the times.

It’s not often I’m reminded of what wonders language can do, but it’s truly a wonder when a gem like this catches my attention and makes me marvel at the depth and complexity that can be embodied in a single word.

Tim: Yeah, turn off your cell phone!
Sangeeta: Refrain from talking.