While writing about sem_open, I initially used the word performant, until spell check complained. The internet confirms it’s not a real word, despite being easily understood. Suggested replacements are fast or efficient, but neither captures the entire range of meaning that performant has. One could say fast and efficient, but that sounds redundant and wordy. Why use three words when one will suffice? (I settled on efficient.)

It’s like somebody revokes the word status from lanky and says to use tall or skinny. Or tall and skinny. How about using the word that means what I want?

Dictionary be damned, I’m going to start using performant. It’s a perfectly performant word.