Jan
2
Wonky
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This word came about because an acquaintance had some sort of eye disorder. I guess cockeyed would have been the most appropriate description, but since we only saw him late at night in bars (he never made it to our 8am class),and was kind of a goober, he became affectionately known as Wonky.
Haven’t seen him in years, but we now use wonky to describe almost everything, from something looking a little tilted and off kilter to having a bad feeling about something. I just can’t figure out what is wrong with my car, it’s driving kinda wonky today.
ECC
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Jan
2
Insouciant
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In high school, a girlfriend and I would take the word on her word of the day calendar and try to use it in conversation during class as much as possible.
When I told one of my teachers after they asked me a question that her class inspired nothing but insouciance, I got detention for misbehaving and it’s been a favorite word of mine ever since.
gen
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Jan
2
Dichotomy
Filed Under D | Leave a Comment
The first time I heard this word used, I thought the speaker sounded so intelligent. I like the way it sounds with the hard consonants. Most of the time when I use this word, I’m arguing passionately about something.
Amy
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Jan
2
Scraunched
Filed Under S | Leave a Comment
At ten letters long, this pseudo-onomatopoeic synonym for crunched is the longest monosyllabic word in the English language. All six of its closest rivals — scratched, screeched, scrounged, squelched, straights, and strengths — curiously also begin with the letter S, but each of them falls short of the champion of monosyllabry’s deliciously burnished mouthfeel. Just say it a few times and you’ll understand. How can so many letters voiced in a single beat be blended any more smoothly?
Peter Bukowinski
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Jan
2
Y’all
Filed Under Y | Leave a Comment
Because of my love of Mississippi, and all things Southern. When I say y’all, I know I am just getting in touch with my Southern roots.
Plus, it annoys people. Which I love.
Rebecca
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Jan
2
Spumped
Filed Under S | Leave a Comment
The feeling you get when you pull into a gas station and cannot remember which side of the car that your gas tank is on.
Kevin S.
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Jan
2
Eel
Filed Under E | Leave a Comment
This is a great word for reasons totally unrelated to the corresponding fish/animal.
I think I just enjoy looking at it in print; It reminds me of one of those first grade grammar charts that were hung above the chalkboard, sequentially listing “Aa, Bb, Cc, Dd, Ee…” and so forth. And like many childhood notions, that’s a comforting thought.
Scott Robbins
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Jan
2
Eleemosynary
Filed Under E | Leave a Comment
“Of or pertaining to almsgiving or charity” is what most dictionaries will tell you. I find both the word beautiful in appearance, sound, and texture when spoken. It rolls off the tongue like water, has a lilt when heard that makes it sound almost elven, and even looks foreign when read. But it finally imparts awareness of a very dignified, selfless and honorable action. That, and most people have never heard of it.
Mark Schwister
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Jan
2
Wide Sargasso Sea
Filed Under W | Leave a Comment
My favorite is Wide Sargasso Sea. This is the title of a novel by Jean Rhys that tells the story of the mad woman in the attic from Bronte’s Jane Eyre.
When I started my graduate studies, this title was constantly thrown into class discussions. Once I finally figured out my classmates were talking about a book when they said “you know, like widesargassosea,” I felt like I should really read it.
The trouble was, it took almost a full semester to discern the three separate words of the title. Say it a few times fast, and you’ll see what I mean.
While it did turn out to be a wonderful book, Wide Sargasso Sea is my favorite simply because it’s so much fun to say. Try it, you’ll like it!
Jamie Noel
Kansas City, Missouri
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Jan
2
Lindy
Filed Under L | Leave a Comment
Lindy is the abbreviation for “Lindy Hop” used by modern-day addicts of the 1930’s dance. Lindy can be fast and frantic or slow and sensual. The feeling of connection that comes from that perfect dance is impossible to describe to non-dancers, but trust me - it is a wonder.
In addition, it is my wife’s name. And it is how we met.
Greg Howley
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