I love words! And I love that the English language has so many from which to choose, and so many varieties. I can say "confused" and look up 10 other synonyms for that word. I have been told I have quite the extensive vocabulary. I don't use it to be arrogant or belittling, but I really do like to speak and write with strong words. I believe speaking or writing in a manner that conveys one's intelligence and education is something to show off and take pride in. In this time of "text" lingo, it seems to be a fading art. Kids no longer write letters to their friends and family; they e-mail, text, or Skype with them. What happened to a good old-fashioned letter? Did you know they are starting to do away with teaching how to write cursive in school? Not that cursive is a mandatory and necessary skill, but I would rather read that than chicken scratch. I feel it is just a tradition that should continue.
The dictionary cannot seem to keep up with our ever evolving and expanding language. I about fell over the day the word "bootylicious" was added to the dictionary. Really? What happens when future generations start dissecting the root and origin of words? Can you trace "bootylicous" to a Latin root? Hmmm. Boot is something worn on the foot, so we'll assume bottom. And clearly "licious" is Latin for ... delicious? So delicious bottom?
Text language is being added as well due to its popularity and frequent use. Heaven forbid The Pope doesn't know what LOL, IDK, or BRB means; he MAY like to know what OMG means though. I've seen it show up in student's papers as well. You is now "U", your is now "YER" or "UR", later is now "L8R." I know these are used out of convenience and space when IMing or typing a text, but how will those words look when one uses them on a job application or on a resume? I will vote for the kid that writes, "I would like to work for your company" versus the one that says, "I wud luv to wurk for yer company", but that's just me. Rest assured, my daughter will be the kid that gets the job over the latter. And if the Post Office is still in business when she learns how to write, she will be sending real letters via snail mail. I remember when I was young, I had a few pen pals and I wrote to my relatives. I absolutely LOVED getting mail back from them! It might take a week, but I looked forward to it. It was exciting to have a piece of mail with MY name on it. It made me feel so important and special. An e-mail just isn't the same.
Here are a few of my favorite words. And yes, I actually use them on a pretty regular basis. I love to spell them too; spelling was actually fun for me to learn and I'm pretty darn good at it most of the time. I get it from my mom. I call her the walking dictionary.
Vicariously: Felt or undergone as if one were taking part in the experience or feelings of another.
Capricious: Characterized by or subject to whim; impulsive and unpredictable.
Vernacular: The standard native language of a country or locality. (I used this one in a sentence when I lived in the panhandle of Florida. To which the man replied, "Vernacular? In't that a city in Rome?" I'm not even kidding! I don't speak Southern very well apparently.)
Impeccable: Having no flaws; perfect.
Decorum: dignified propriety of behavior, speech, dress, etc. Possessing politeness and good manners.
Proverbial: Of the nature of a proverb.
Gregarious: Seeking and enjoying the company of others; sociable.
Ostentatious: marked by or fond of conspicuous or vainglorious and sometimes pretentious display.
Needless to say, I did pretty well with words on my SATs. I'm a word nerd, and of that, I'm proud.
Keep writing alive! LOL. BRB. G2G. Luv u. Thx for reading.
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