Special note, the word selected for this installment of “Etymology rocks” comes from DavidGorcey.com reader, subscriber, and frequent commenter, Jenn.

Troika has a few different meanings and derives from Russian (1835-45). Yes, Russian speakers, I know it’s primary definition is “a carriage, wagon, or sleigh (laden completely with Vodka and AK-47s most likely)  drawn by three horses/babushkas abreast.”

The most usable definition for those of us who were happy to see Ivan Drago go down, however, is as follows:

Troika
troi·ka [troi-kuh]
-noun 

any group of three persons, nations, etc., acting equally in unison to exert influence, control, or the like.
At first glance I was reminded of perestroika, the Gorbachev program of economic and political reform in the Soviet Union dating to the mid 80’s. At second glance, I thought it would make a great name for a Hungarian candy bar…imagine yourself in Budapest…”Uh, hello there, I’d like a Fanta, a pack of Lucky Strikes, and a troika, please.”

Anyway, I say we bring this one into the fold of the popular English vernacular. Try to find new ways to use troika in normal conversations by using it to describe your crew, group of friends, or similar assemblage of people with it:

• “Yo, my troika and I are getting out of here, see you later”
• “I’d love to, but I’m making rice crispy treats with the troika tonight”
• “Dude, there was a troika of hot girls in that place”

I eagerly await your additions to this list.