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STOCK MONTAGE/GETTY IMAGES Yankee Doodle Diss? Written by a British army surgeon in 1755 and set to an existing tune, “Yankee Doodle” was meant to mock American colonists, with doodle meaning “fool” and dandy referring to a vain man. The British sang the song as they marched toward Lexington and Concord, battles they were stunned to lose. According to legend, the colonial militia sang “Yankee Doodle” back to the retreating British, and it became an unofficial American anthem. 1. perusal (B) inspection After a quick perusal of the spa’s menu, I decided on a hot stone massage. 2. crusade (A) fight Mr. Wu has long crusaded for an espresso machine in the teachers lounge. 3. espousal (C) adoption of a cause The governor’s espousal of a new sales tax has hurt her popularity. 4. accusatory (B) assigning blame If you’re not angry, then why are you shooting me that accusatory glare? 5. medusa (B) adult jellyfish Over its lifetime, a jelly- fish grows from an egg to a polyp to a medusa. 6. causative (B) bringing about Alcohol was a causative factor in the car crash. 7. sousaphone (C) circular tuba The sousaphone’s shape allows a player to “wear” it while marching. 8. thousandfold (A) multiplied by 1,000 My viral TikTok resulted in a thousandfold increase in followers. 9. docusate (B) digestive medicine Post-surgery, Matt had to take an antibiotic, a painkiller and a docusate. 10. pupusa (A) stuffed corn cake Pupusas can be filled with cheese, beans, meat and/or vegetables. 11. lazy Susan (C) revolving tray Javier keeps his spices on a lazy Susan by the stove. 12. recusant (B) disobedient As a teenager, Amber was recusant, rebellious and reckless. 13. crusado (C) old Portuguese coin Crusadoes were gold or silver coins with a cross on the back. 14. babirusa (A) wild pig Native to Indonesia, the babirusa is known for its large tusks. 15. spousal (A) related to marriage “The way my husband loads the dishwasher often causes spousal tension,” Amelia joked. Vocabulary Ratings 9 & below: excusable 10-12: good usage 13-15: batting a thousand Word Power ANSWERS reader ’ s digest 120 June/July 2026 WHERE, OH WHERE? (page 122) Tamworth, New South Wales BRAIN GAMES (pages 117-118) On Vacation Shara is going to Spain, David to Australia, Scarlett to Mexico, and Jackson to Italy. A Numbers Game 2, 4. The pattern is to divide by 3, then add 2, and repeat. Reflect on It D reads 5:05, B reads 5:15, A reads 5:35 and C reads 5:50. So you saw them in that order, and your fitness class ran from 5 to 6 o’clock. Shape Up 1, 4 and 6 Twisty Path ANSWERS 48 47 46 57 58 59 49 54 55 56 81 60 50 53 78 79 80 61 51 52 77 64 63 62 74 75 76 65 66 67 73 72 71 70 69 68 OUR PRIVACY STATEMENT Direct Publishing Pty Ltd collects your information to provide our products and services and may also use your information for the marketing purposes of RD and/or selected corporate partners. If the information is not provided you will be unable to access our products or services. Our Privacy Policy at readersdigest.com.au/privacy-policy contains full details on how your information is used (including how we may share your information with our affiliate companies in the US or other overseas entities), how you may access or correct information held and our privacy complaints process. Favorite Authors. Faster Reads. Reader’s Digest Fiction Favorites makes it easy to love reading. We take the best books from famous authors like Lee Child, Michael Connelly and Katherine Center (plus exciting new voices!) and tailor them for quicker, more enjoyable read- ing. With so many genres, there’s always something new to discover. Enjoy free shipping and a bonus puzzle book when you sign up today at fictionfavorites .com/2509EP . SPECIAL OFFER FREE GIFT! readersdigest.co.nz 121 Brain Games