The word is "effleurage."
Forest Hills fifth-grader Arvind Mahankali was able to spell that word, which means a delicate stroking motion in massage, without hesitation at the 2010 Scripps National Spelling Bee Friday.
He was confident, cool, and courteous after zipping through the word. Maybe it was the Queens in him.
The young Mahankali, who goes to Forest Hills Montessori School, was one of only two 10-year-old among 48 total students in the Semi-Finals.
Local
His mom, Bhavani Mahankali, told The Daily News that her son “couldn’t wait to get started” before the competition. His excitement was shared with his parents and competitors as he high-fived them on stage.
The finals take place Friday night.
