I had nearly drifted off - that’s what I’m telling myself, anyway - with no apparent thoughts still running amok in my head. Until suddenly, a word. Just one. It was as though someone put their face next to my ear and spoke. I heard it clearly.
I was wondering when the brick-to-head story might emerge on Chicken Scratch! Too funny...this may have been my favorite article thus far. I love words, meanings, history of words...all the things you talk about here. I have partaken in a few Schnapsidees in my life, usually with my friend Julie Paisant, including the time that she and I went sledding at Grandfather Mountain in bathrobes and foam curlers in our hair....luckily, we bounced!
Here you go: Cachinnating to the point of attracting the local quidnuncs, two women in questionable attire acted on their Schnapsidee by flinging themselves down the mountain. It ended better than expected, but it's a safe bet they will still be hungover overmorrow.
That's incredible! Mrs. Bonney would be proud...I love the part about being hungover overmorrow...going to use that phrase soon! Hopefully, I won't be though....lol!
Loved this and passed it on to my daughter, a Middle-School Reading Specialist who might be able to entertain her less enthusiastic readers. Bravissimo! (a real Italian word -- LOL)
Glad to know I am not alone. Words leap to my ear, unbidden, toward sleep all the time! There must be a word for that...
I was prompted by your article to find my copy of The Quintessential Dictionary (out of print) - which leaves out all the words we already know, and contains only words that one might go to the dictionary to find. For instance: Epigone (n. undistinguished imitator of an important writer); Meliorism (n. the doctrine that the world naturally tends to become better); Flummery (n. meaningless flattery; foolish humbug; oatmeal boiled with water until thick).
I'm interested in the expression "pear-shaped", as in something going ironically or hilariously wrong. Did I miss the memo?
Sounds like the kind of dictionary we all need! I learned of pear-shaped from another writer. Like you, I was a little late to the party. Thanks, Stew.
I LOVE words and try to keep a record of new ones that appeal.
Many years ago, I read a fantasy novel by writer Cecilia Dart Thornton and wrote every single word I didn't know down. I then trotted along with my list to our research library in the city and sat all afternoon with a massive OED and wrote down every meaning. To me, I was an archaeologist and every find was treasure or I was a miner and every word a diamond.
The Dictionary of Lost Words is on my list. As is the Dictionary of Obscure Sorrows. Currently I'm revisiting Landmarks by Robert Macfarlane which is filled with quaint colloquial words.
So appreciate the OED story, Prue, and the word-fest that comes with reading well crafted material. I'm fascinated by the adaptability of language and how words find their way into the lexicon whether or not they've been "sanctioned." Thanks for sharing these thoughts!
It's lovely to see another woman into wordplay. It must run in my family as my youngest son is the most prolific and comes up with amazing werds (weird words) all the time. Examples I wanted to share as I read your terrific and funny piece: fearway (freeway) As in, "please let's not drive on that fearway again, Mom". Modified pledge of allegiance: to the flag of the "United Snakes" of America. (Our entire family loved this so much we adopted it as our official family pledge and now recite the modified version proudly in public.). I specialize in humorous typos: Two favorites: A letter I typed to the President of a Corporation located in "Great Balls, Montana" and some copy for the commencement announcement that went all the way to the printer before it was noticed! This was for the graduating class of St. Mary's College, and listed 22 names of students receiving a Master's Degree in "Pubic" Administration. Thanks for the belly laugh, Marcia Bedard
Your son may have a future as snigleteer, Marcia! Intentionally created portmanteaus are delightful, but accidental word slips are often the funniest. Like one my daughter shared after this piece came out: Errogant -- "When you're complete wrong but totally certain about it." :) Glad you enjoyed the essay. Thanks for reading and commenting.
Hahahahahahaha 🤣. I hereby give you a word my father created: transmeridiandyschronesia … go
Love it! Sounds like doctor-speak for jet lag. :)
Oh you “word” person you…that’s it!
Crazy google skillz.
I was wondering when the brick-to-head story might emerge on Chicken Scratch! Too funny...this may have been my favorite article thus far. I love words, meanings, history of words...all the things you talk about here. I have partaken in a few Schnapsidees in my life, usually with my friend Julie Paisant, including the time that she and I went sledding at Grandfather Mountain in bathrobes and foam curlers in our hair....luckily, we bounced!
Ha!! The "brick-to-head story" -- !! :)
Here you go: Cachinnating to the point of attracting the local quidnuncs, two women in questionable attire acted on their Schnapsidee by flinging themselves down the mountain. It ended better than expected, but it's a safe bet they will still be hungover overmorrow.
That's incredible! Mrs. Bonney would be proud...I love the part about being hungover overmorrow...going to use that phrase soon! Hopefully, I won't be though....lol!
I thought about Mrs. Bonney as I wrote. You know I did!
Haha!
Thank You, thank You. I will remember and smile throughout the day.
Tom and Linda
delightful! and i am a Cachinnater.
I think this qualifies as an aubade: https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=RY6qYUoFmm0
It’s from Schubert’s song cycle, “Die Schöne Müllerin”
Beautiful, Darrell. "Guten morgan" was a hint, right? :) Thanks for sharing that.
Loved this and passed it on to my daughter, a Middle-School Reading Specialist who might be able to entertain her less enthusiastic readers. Bravissimo! (a real Italian word -- LOL)
Entertaining less enthusiastic readers -- wouldn't that be bellissima!? (Not actually sure I'm using that word in the right context.) Thanks, Deb
Sniglets need a comeback!!!!!!! LOVE this.
Agreed!
Glad to know I am not alone. Words leap to my ear, unbidden, toward sleep all the time! There must be a word for that...
I was prompted by your article to find my copy of The Quintessential Dictionary (out of print) - which leaves out all the words we already know, and contains only words that one might go to the dictionary to find. For instance: Epigone (n. undistinguished imitator of an important writer); Meliorism (n. the doctrine that the world naturally tends to become better); Flummery (n. meaningless flattery; foolish humbug; oatmeal boiled with water until thick).
I'm interested in the expression "pear-shaped", as in something going ironically or hilariously wrong. Did I miss the memo?
Got it. The word for words that you hear before sleep: relexation. Ha!
Hah!! Perfect!
Sounds like the kind of dictionary we all need! I learned of pear-shaped from another writer. Like you, I was a little late to the party. Thanks, Stew.
https://www.historyextra.com/period/second-world-war/why-do-we-say-its-all-gone-pear-shaped/
https://www.amazon.com/Quintessential-Dictionary-I-Moyer-Hunsberger/dp/0446324434/ref=tmm_pap_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8&qid=&sr=
Your comments made me laugh with almost "uncontrollability"
I think!
I'm taking that as a good sign, Barry! :) Always appreciate your comments.
Oh I love singlets!! How about potentater? Mashed, fried or simply baked, it’s the king’s favorite side dish. 😉
Haha! A bunch of wordies walked into a bar... (and now I want potatoes!). Thanks, Janet.
😉
Thank you for a wonderful post.
I LOVE words and try to keep a record of new ones that appeal.
Many years ago, I read a fantasy novel by writer Cecilia Dart Thornton and wrote every single word I didn't know down. I then trotted along with my list to our research library in the city and sat all afternoon with a massive OED and wrote down every meaning. To me, I was an archaeologist and every find was treasure or I was a miner and every word a diamond.
The Dictionary of Lost Words is on my list. As is the Dictionary of Obscure Sorrows. Currently I'm revisiting Landmarks by Robert Macfarlane which is filled with quaint colloquial words.
I'm in heaven.
Can't wait for your next essay...
So appreciate the OED story, Prue, and the word-fest that comes with reading well crafted material. I'm fascinated by the adaptability of language and how words find their way into the lexicon whether or not they've been "sanctioned." Thanks for sharing these thoughts!
It's lovely to see another woman into wordplay. It must run in my family as my youngest son is the most prolific and comes up with amazing werds (weird words) all the time. Examples I wanted to share as I read your terrific and funny piece: fearway (freeway) As in, "please let's not drive on that fearway again, Mom". Modified pledge of allegiance: to the flag of the "United Snakes" of America. (Our entire family loved this so much we adopted it as our official family pledge and now recite the modified version proudly in public.). I specialize in humorous typos: Two favorites: A letter I typed to the President of a Corporation located in "Great Balls, Montana" and some copy for the commencement announcement that went all the way to the printer before it was noticed! This was for the graduating class of St. Mary's College, and listed 22 names of students receiving a Master's Degree in "Pubic" Administration. Thanks for the belly laugh, Marcia Bedard
Your son may have a future as snigleteer, Marcia! Intentionally created portmanteaus are delightful, but accidental word slips are often the funniest. Like one my daughter shared after this piece came out: Errogant -- "When you're complete wrong but totally certain about it." :) Glad you enjoyed the essay. Thanks for reading and commenting.