A reader wants to know if he can use the word “bdelloid” in ordinary
conversation. Depends what you mean by “can.” On matters of etiquette and
usage, I defer to our Grand Wordmaster ; but in my state, at
least, there is no statute prohibiting you.
The adjective “bdelloid” means “like a leech in form or function.” Possible
constructions would therefore be:
[At the deli counter] “I’d like one of those pastries, please. No, not the
square one — that one there — the bdelloid one.”
[To a significant other] “I DO love you, honey. I just wish you were a
little less… bdelloid.”