Socialism is a word that came into the news both with analysis of government bailout measures and criticism of President-elect Barack Obama's proposed tax and health care policies. Curiosity about the real meaning of the term put it at the top of the list this month and we take a closer look at it in this month's Word History section.

Maverick moved up to #5 from #17 last month, with both Sarah Palin and John McCain not only using it but also being referred to by that eponym. Words such as apathetic, quixotic, and albeit are perennials near the top of the list, but this month is notable for the absence of both affect and effect (although effect just missed, coming in at #21).

Finally, it appears that many dictionary users were stirred (but not shaken) by the imminent release of the latest James Bond film, Quantum of Solace: solace made it to number 10 on the list.