All kinds of words. Writing words, reading words, speaking words and even inventing words.
Although, one need not invent too many new words because there are plethora of very suitable and attractive words that rarely get used.
Using alliteration--even saying the word itself-- makes for a merry mouth matched only by the frivolous frolic of oenomatopia--which is better as a process than in pronunciation.
According to the Oxford Dictionary, the word onomatopoeia originates from the Greek word onomatopoiia meaning 'word-making'. The Merriam-Webster Dictionary reports the onomatopoiia is derived from the Greek onoma 'name' and poiein 'to make'. Onomatopoeia is the formation of a word from a sound associated with what is named (e.g., squeak, cuckoo, sizzle). However the word onomatopoeia can also be used to describe the use of such words for rhetorical effect.
I love dictionaries, too.
Words I Love To Say:
(not necessarily their meanings)
--efficacy
--acquiesce
--mellifluous
--esthetics
--malevolent
--Starbucks
Words That Piss Me Off:
(they don't sound like what they mean)
--hyperbole
--penultimate
--antediluvian
--regurgitate
Words That Used To Be Fun:
(they mean things differently now)
--gay
-- shrink
Words That Are Antiquated:
(they should find new space in our lives)
--antimacassar
--chiffonier and chifforobe
--divan (without the chicken)
(Hmmm. Seems I only found furniture words)
Words That Are Hard To Pronounce Or Use:
--omphaloskepsis
--ubiquitous
--inveterate
Words I Have Made Up:
(they should be in dictionaries...)
--synchrodippity
--songolio
--schnoogle
--snuffle snouts
(gee, do I only make up 's' words?)
--hysteroonies
(guess not..)
--compatience
(oh wait, that is in the Merriam-Webster Open Dictionary)
Well, this is a work in progress because I hear, read, write and say words all day long so I can keep adding to my list.
In perfect James Lipton fashion, what is your least favorite word; what is your favorite?
8 comments:
YOU LEFT OUT MY FAV........WASBAND
GO STEELERS!! :)
Like: voluminous, encyclopedia, converse
Dislike: consternation, sewage, gastronomy
Unguent - so nice to say.
Favorite: luscious
Least Favorite: blah
Thank you, James Lipton!
my fav word is demertable for a wonderful meal
A very intriguing post. Makes one wonder about the beauty of words rather than just using them for speaking without a second thought.
Yes,Kavya, you 'got' my inherent message about words. It would give me great pleasure if people did give words a second or sometimes, even a third thought about how words are used. Many of us still repeat words or phrases that we hear or grew up hearing and don't really pay attention to the impact those words carry. Use words for their efficacy, their power and their beauty. Thanks for your post.
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