The Daily Word for May 30, 2021

 

divagate - verb - to stray or digress

For some, it's easy to divagate, that is, fall off one topic and segue into another when conversing. It's like dancing at a wedding. You never know what the D.J. is going to start spinning on the turntable that will cause you to divagate quickly from the hustle to the twist. (I'm really dating myself here.) But when you speak to someone and tend to divagate often, it may be confusing for the listener. I'm thinking you know someone who does this sort of thing. I do. I have a close friend, a woman, who can jump from one topic to the next totally unrelated one without realizing it. When I question the relevance, how the two fit, she ignores me and keeps right on going. Which makes me think that her therapist isn't making any progress in the right direction. 

Anyway, it isn't easy to confabulate and stay on track these days due to myriad distractions. Yet if you tend to be the kind to divagate, give us listeners a transitional sentence or two before diving head first into an unassociated subject. We won't think you're losing your marbles if you do. 

Peace out. 

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The Daily Word for May 29, 2021

 

emacity - noun - fondness for buying things

If you happen to live in the Northeast, you may be looking out the window at rain as a moist Memorial Day Weekend has been in the forecast for a few days now. Rather than head for the beaches, many may be heading for malls either in masks or full face to quench their emacity. 

Personally, I'm cheap. By and large, I can't relate to the concept of emacity albeit there are exceptions, one involving Dollar Tree. It is amazing what you can find for a dollar and under at this store. If you have a spare twenty dollars and want to walk out with twenty useful items, you are in for a blissful twenty minutes or so. The other day, I bought two spatulas for two dollars. Why two? There is always one that occupies the dishwasher. I expect that both of my new spatulas will outlast anything I purchased at the chi-chi outlets catering to gourmet chiefs. And I am usually right–about spatulas anyway. What I am getting at in a roundabout way is that emacity might just be something you and I and everyone else have in common. Why not? You can't take things with you when you leave the planet.

Whatever you do today, enjoy the journey. Satiate your emacity if you need to. The economy can always use a boost. 

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The Daily Word for May 28, 2021

 

howff - noun - a favorite meeting place; pub or bar

Here's another Scottish term that you may just wish to adopt: howff. It doesn't look legit, but I suppose it flies in Scotland and maybe even the rest of the U.K. Since people are beginning to shed fear and creep back into their favorite joints (as we might call a howff in the U.S.), it may just be relevant, especially this Memorial Day Weekend as it is the unofficial kick-off to summer. Howff might just be easy to remember. Imagine walking into Keybar, seeing a bumper-to-bumper crowd and muttering to yourself, How the f** am I supposed to find my friends in this mess?  The formula to remembering the word is  

                                             How + the f bomb + "friends" = howff

The revised question would be: How the f** am I supposed to my friends in this howff?

Memorize the formula. There'll be a quiz next week. (Only kidding.)

Enjoy the long weekend! 

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The Daily Word for May 27, 2021

 

criticaster - noun - a minor or inept critic

If you consider yourself to be an artist on any level, then you are most likely familiar with criticasters. If you aren't, then be wary of the individual who poses as an expert but whose education and/or experience is minimal. This kind of critic, a criticaster, should not be critiquing anything. As a writer who has been in the publishing field for over twenty years, I can promise you there are multitudinous criticasters out there that are less appetizing and fragrant than castor oil. Unfortunately, though, they are unavoidable. 

For you writers especially, caveat emptor when it comes to literary agents. Before you allow that rejection or multiple rejections strip you of a modicum of confidence, do a bit of research. Find out the backgrounds of these people. Some of them, I promise you, are downright laughable. You'd be surprised at just how many science majors populate the literary community. Not to discredit biologists, but since when are they authorities on creative writing? Face it. The side of the brain that relates to math or science isn't the side of the brain that relates to language or art. And, take it from me, there are very few ambidextrous brains out there, especially in today's technologically preoccupied world. 

So, how do you avoid such criticasters? You don't. As I said, do the research. If the person's resume reflects competence in a field relative to your art, then you might wish to take his/her/their criticism to heart and learn from it. If not, ignore the criticaster. Chances are he/she/they were bullied in high school and are out for revenge, and you're the likely target. 

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The Daily Word for May 26, 2021

 

misogamy - noun - hatred of marriage

Not surprisingly, misogamy is Greek in origin. The suffix "gamy" comes from "gamos," or marriage. I will have to admit that before this morning I had no idea that there was a term associated with disliking the ancient rite of passage called marriage. However, any or all divorced individuals might just need a concise four-syllable word to identify their negative stance on the subject of wedded bliss. Admittedly, I am one of those people: a misogamist. It sounds awful, but I am not alone, fortunately for me. My number 1 romantic interest out in L.A., a therapist, whom I've mentioned in this blog before, told me the other day that he supports misogamy because "people change after they are married." I can't disagree with this generalization. In my own experience, I have witnessed many who have transmogrified into various states of being after taking the wedding vows. Some have become indolent sloths, some, complacent toads, some, just entirely selfish or just plain difficult jackasses. Why this is true may have something to do with the idea of a permanent contract. People can and do take advantage of deals that purport to be unbreakable. I don't know. Those of you who have been happily married for eons have no reason to drift into misogamy. Sadly, though, you may be in the minority. Just sayin'. 

I don't mean to be a misogamist. I don't want to be a misogamist. Maybe I'm just waiting for the right person or persons to change my mind about marriage or just "modern love"? I'm open to change. 

Happy Hump Day to all, single or married or otherwise! 

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The Daily Word for May 25, 2021

 

cudbear - n.- a purple powder used for dyeing

While scrolling down the list of "weird and wonderful words" on the website with the same name, cudbear reached out and grabbed me, not because of its definition but because its suffix is bear. If you happen to live in New Jersey, as I do, you might already know that bears are now commonplace, almost as ubiquitous as the deer that pretty much eat everything green in sight. So far, the bears haven't consumed much in the way of vegetation as they are more interested in garbage. With this in mind, perhaps a neologism can be created, similar to cudbear. How about crudbear? 

crudbear - noun - large, furry, intimidating creature, generally black and indigenous to New Jersey, that enjoys eating crud out of suburban trash cans. 

All I had to do was add an "r" in just the right place. What a difference an "r" can make!

If you happen to see a crudbear (or any bear), make yourself as large as possible, sing any repugnant song that you can think of (How about "Puppy Love"?), and slowly back away. Do not run. And do not attempt to stand between the crudbear and your garbage can. Garbage has never done anything remotely heroic for you, so why should you put your life on the line for it?

Enjoy copious laughter today and always! :)

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The Daily Word for May 24, 2021

 

kenspeckle- adj. - Scottish - conspicuous or easily recognizable (lexico.com)

Ironically, the thing about the word kenspeckle is that it does reflect its meaning, but only partially. It stands out yet isn't recognizable. The Scottish have a vocabulary all their own, especially when it comes to profanity. We Americans have X-amount of "dirty words" under our belts (I'm sure you know them all), whereas the Scots have innumerable at their disposal. I know this for sure as a Welsh friend of mine and I were bored one day and decided to do the research. If you are enticed, feel free to do some Googling on the topic. The internet is at your disposal. 

To tell you the truth, I can't even remember one of the foul words, but I did walk away from that afternoon with a newfound respect for the Scottish people, who, by the way, are thinking about breaking away from the U.K. With a lexicon like theirs, they don't need to lean on England. They have all the kenspeckle vocabulary necessary to stand independently and be counted. 

To honor the Scottish logophiles' originality and inventiveness, I have a tee time at the local golf course. (Don't forget that Scotland invented the game.) Maybe I should refresh my memory and choose a few choice Scottish expletives to expound when I hook a ball into the woods? Then I could be my own version of kenspeckle. Ooo wee! I can't wait! 

Happy Monday! Today be kenspeckle, but only if your heart is into it. 

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The Daily Word for May 22, 2021

 

humdudgeon - noun. Brit. English (18th century) - an imaginary illness

Now here's a word you don't hear everyday. Imagine if you were to spring this one on some of your friends. (Try it; they may like it.) 

I often wonder how many sicknesses are real or just humdudgeons. There is a plethora of evidence to suggest that COVID-19 is an authentic pandemic despite what some people (I'm not mentioning any names here) may still think. However, I wonder if more than a few use the excuse of "I'm not feeling well" just to get out of prior commitments. Case in point: this morning my thirty-year-old daughter discovered to her chagrin that one of her closest friends would not be able to attend the Yankees' game with her. Ostensibly, she woke up "throwing up." Not a pretty picture. But was she vomiting for legitimate reasons, or was she a victim of a hangover, or perhaps food poisoning, or even a humdudgeon? After all, do all New Yorkers like the Yankees enough to sit on hard bleachers in ninety-degree heat? My daughter does and would, but would her former roommate? I'm going to say no. In case you are truly interested, the anecdote does have a happy ending. Because she couldn't find a last-minute pinch-hitter, my daughter braved it alone, and as of two minutes ago, she is enjoying the game, solo. 

Moral of the story: Hollywood endings don't have to involve two. Sometimes it is okay to sit in the bleachers of life all by yourself. You never know. You might just catch that fly ball. 

And as an aside: Humbug to humdudgeons and all who use them for illegitimate reasons.

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The Daily Word for May 21, 2021

 

ensorcell - verb - to enchant or fascinate someone

According to Google, ensorcell is a transitive verb (meaning it takes an object) and archaic (meaning it is rarely used anymore). The latter is unfortunately true. But why? Could it be that very few people actually have what it takes to ensorcell others? Or could it be that they have, but don't think it necessary to take the time to ensorcell others when they might not have to make that kind of effort?

I can only speak for myself here and not you. As I am "courting" a man who lives almost three thousand miles away from me, I am attempting to ensorcell him via Skype. Although he is unaware of my goal, according to him, it is working to a limited extent only because I am confined to ensorcelling him using two of the five senses, surely not enough to ensorcell at full capacity. Still, the fact that he often thanks me for the "fascinating" confabulation is proof that I am ensorcelling him more effectively than not. In any case, I'll take it for now because I have limited options. Which I intend to expand upon soon when I can muster enough courage to jump on a redeye out to L.A. so that I can involve the three other senses to my advantage as an enchantress bent on ensorcelling. (Whew!)

My advice to you if you are looking for advice is to ensorcell others whenever you get the chance. If you don't, you may find your conversations with people completely boring. As communication takes two, someone has to make the effort to engage in dialogue fresh and engaging. Why not make it you?

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The Daily Word for May 20, 2021

 

edacious - adjective - fond of eating or related to eating

To be edacious is to be a "foodie." Although I am not particularly edacious, some of my friends and relatives are. I do like to host dinner parties (still outdoors as opposed to indoors), though, as cooking is a service occupation. Just after the invitation is accepted, quite a few of my friends and relatives feel the need to confess to having succumbed to edacious urges over the past year or so, gaining twenty pounds or more as a result. Some even go so far as to suggest that I modify my planned menu to exclude carbs of any kind just so that they can be true to their diets. Which leads me to this question: Is the edacious tendency human nature? Maybe. Voraciousness when it comes to food is an addiction like anything else. And when people are bored or depressed, it is usually the first vice they turn to along with excessive drinking of controlled substances. To the guilty, there is comfort in the combination of fullness and dizziness.

I'd like to wish all of you who have gained the "freshman ten" or twenty during COVID much luck with losing it. However, dinner parties like mine will probably not help you to lose weight. On the other hand, you won't stand to gain much if you attend one every once in a while. You will gain something more important: a feeling of being loved for who you are, with or without the extra weight on your bones.

Mangia Bene! (Translation: Eat well, laugh often, love much.)

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The Daily Word for May 19, 2021

 

deipnosophist - noun - person adept at dining or dinner table conversation

Now here's a relevant word for you. It's impossible to spell and hard to get out of your mouth (especially if you happen to be eating at that dinner table), but one worthy of adding to the ole vocabulary anyway. Deipnosophist derives from the Greek "deipnon," meaning "meal" and "sophistes," or "wise man." 

As COVID is winding down (or at least the fear of contracting it is), more and more people are starting to dine out. Most are preferring to sit outdoors over indoors, but all are anxious to reconnect socially. And why not over dinner? However since they have not been out of the house for a long time, skills at confabulating may need to be fine-tuned. 

If you feel as though you are a member of the aforementioned club of insecure diners, in order to get back to becoming your best deipnosophist, you may have to practice coming up with just the right conversation starters. Why not go back to the ones that worked in the past? For instance, you can always mention the weather, your dog's newfound, astonishing abilities, your latest windfall, earned or apportioned from the government, etc. But these won't be sufficient to place you in the category of deipnosophist. You might have to resort to Googling topics of current interest like most.

Or you can do what I resort to doing: Allow the other person to do the talking. Listening is passive, yes, but so much easier. You can sit back, savor every morsel of that $25 hamburger and be the person skilled at dining and not conversation. And you would still be classified as a deipnosophist, just the first part of the definition but not the last. 

Happy Hump Day to all! 

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The Daily Word for May 18, 2021

 

chiliad - noun - a thousand things or years

I confess that I am one to exaggerate. Because I am one to exaggerate for emphasis or comic effect, a word like "chiliad" has infinite appeal. For instance, I could say that on some exhausting days I feel as though I have lived for a chiliad. Or as in today's case, I have a chiliad of chores to do. Both would fall under the category of exaggerating for emphasis as opposed to comic effect, though. I wish I had time today to be funny. 

It is hard to imagine a chiliad, hard to line up that number of things in front of you to determine the extent of it, but a thousand is a lot. Because you and I are used to hearing the words billions and trillions, a mere thousand seems paltry, and it is in comparison. But if you were lucky enough to receive that stimulus check, that $1300 and change might have made you feel fairly wealthy, at least in that moment. 

The best things in life, however, remain free. An exercise for those of you who have time would be to list all of these cheap thrills and see if you can get to a chiliad. If you can, then count your blessings as they might just add up to a chiliad.

Enjoy this Tuesday!

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The Daily Word for May 17, 2021

 

commensalism - noun - an association between two organisms in which one benefits and the other receives neither benefit nor harm (Google)

I first came across "commensalism" when I was my high school biology class. Although the memory is hazy, I recall differentiating between parasitic and commensalistic relationships, the former being more baneful than the latter. Years and years later, I find myself asking, Why is it that longevity in human relations often depends on commensalism? I don't know about you, but it seems that a lot of second marriages reflect commensalism. For example, one marries the other for money, makes it clear, but the passive partner (the one not benefiting) does not seem to care either way as long as he or she is not alone. Sadly, people will go the distance in order to cohabitate, particularly after retirement. Those who stand alone are viewed as strong, but not particularly happy. I read somewhere that married people are ten percent more content than single people. That's not a huge difference and may not even be worth mentioning. 

Personally, whatever floats your boat is okay with me. Commensalism, after all, is innocuous–or so says Google. 

Happy Monday to all of you, married or single.

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The Daily Word for May 16, 2021

 

canorous - adj. - melodious or resonant

According to Google, canorous derives from the Latin, canere, meaning sing. Although canorous sounds more like cantankerous, the denotation of today's word is positive. It is the perfect word for this third Sunday in May. Outside of my window, the birds are singing canorous songs, a harmonious chorus juxtaposed to the distant, constant hum of a lawn mower. Oh, how the cacophony doth resonate through the morning air! What can I say? I am in the suburbs. 

Make a joyful noise on the canorous side and enjoy the day! 

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The Daily Word for May 15, 2021

 

atermoiements - noun - distractions leading to procrastination 

As you might have guessed, "atermoiements" is French. If you were to search the word, like I just did, you'd find the meaning available through several on-line, French dictionaries. Personally, what I love about the French language is that it tends to be misleading aurally. To me, every word sounds poetic and positive, which is not the case in English. Yet I digress.

Look at the definition for a moment. Would you say that it is relevant in today's climate? I would agree it is because even though quite a few are getting back to their physical work places, a large number of people are still working from home. Working from home includes challenges in the form of distractions. And yes, sometimes the action in the wings leads to procrastination. 

As a writer of prose, poetry, lyrics, and music, I find it difficult to concentrate especially when the neighborhood is besieged, assailed by landscapers of all sizes, shapes, and annoying sounds. When they land on the beaches of my neighbors' grassy front lawns, I fall back on "This, too, shall pass" and can usually get back into the right mindset. Thank Goodness for a sense of patience. 

Ah, but Saturday beckons. And as of right now, the neighborhood is uncannily quiet. 

Enjoy! 

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The Daily Word for May 14, 2021

 

surreal or surrealistic - adj. - having a strange, dreamlike quality (Google)

If you have lived long enough, you already know that reality can definitely be surreal. Today's word is relatively young, having arisen from the fine art movement, surrealism, that Dada influenced after World War I. Salvatore Dali's creations are surrealistic or just pretty weird stuff. 

This past Wednesday night, three friends and I took a dip in the pool of surrealism, fully awake. To make a long story short, we arrived at a local Greek eatery, dressed to the nines and armed with floral arrangements, gift bags, cards, and bottles of wine to celebrate another friend's birthday. By seven o'clock, we were all present, sitting, chatting at a table by the front window. All the pieces of the jigsaw puzzle came together beautifully, but one was missing: the birthday girl. Absentminded she was forty-five minutes upstate, fully expecting her celebration would be the following night, Thursday. Naturally, she never showed. The rest of us made lemonade out of lemons (or viewed the wine as such), and with it, toasted each other instead. I think at some point, I'll write a play based on the experience. Perhaps a surrealist painter might be inspired to capture the looks on the characters' faces when they uncover that their initial purpose was foiled.

What's the takeaway from this? Life can be surreal. Be prepared and keep your sense of humor. 

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The Daily Word for May 13, 2021

 

valetudinarian - noun or adjective - someone that is overly anxious or concerned about his/her/their health

Current events concerning health are pretty much inescapable today. Even though COVID-19 appears to be waning in this country, it still makes the front page, which is why "valetudinarian" is a particularly apt choice for this blog. According to Google, the word is Latin in origin. The prefix valere (be well) is a bit deceiving as it reminds me and probably you of a similar word, valedictorian, the stellar scholar that tends to be the primary orator at graduations. Valetudo refers to health, but valetudinarius (in ill health) seems to be the match for valetudinarian. 

If you have ever known a valetudinarian, you would agree that he or she is never "the life of the party." Why? No matter how old you are, you won't find anyone that talks about his or her ailments to be entertaining in the least. Case in point, an ex of mine who is now a key member of my unofficial club, Platonic Anonymous (made up of my men friends who may or may not have been ex-lovers), is a bit of a hypochondriac. What's worse is that he seems to delight in discussing his sundry physical maladies, such as the complications surrounding his recent knee replacement surgery. Whenever we get together, he usually comes armed with x-rays (conveniently memorized on his smart phone), illustrating his tales of woe. Is this a turn on? Nope. Now you know why he's at the top of the list in Platonic Anonymous.

Suffice it to say, valetudinarians are not in the least sexy. I'm just sayin' in case you might want to mention your last doctor's visit to your next first date on Match.com. Bring up the trip you took to the Maldives instead. You may be able to cover more ground in more ways than one ;). 

Enjoy the day! 

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The Daily Word for May 12, 2021

 

somnambulist - noun - someone who sleepwalks 

Many of you have probably heard this word before, but it doesn't get a lot of use because somnambulism is more common in children than in adults. In adults, it is usually a sign of a psychological malady. According to Google, the word is Latin is origin: somnambulus or "sleepwalker." Whenever the term is used, I automatically think of nefarious Anglo-Saxon Lady Macbeth, Shakespeare's very well fleshed out, psychotic character who is somnambulistic due to her guilt over teaming up with her schizoid husband, King Macbeth, to murder his predecessor King Duncan and rearrange Scotland unfavorably. You should remember her famed sleepwalk at the beginning of Act V if you paid attention in Brit Lit when you were in high school. When I was a teacher of Brit Lit, I taught the play for seven consecutive Octobers in my own classroom. Consequently, it is still ingrained in my brain. But not to the point at which I, too, am a somnambulist. Thank Goodness for small favors.

In any case, please permit me to leave you with a bit of advice. If you tend to sleepwalk through life, not really noticing all of the beauty that surrounds you, please take heed. Daytime somnambulists tend to miss out on a lot. If anything, be a nocturnal somnambulist. That way, you can just miss hitting furniture if you are lucky as opposed to show-stopping sensory details in the daylight. 

Enjoy your Wednesday! 

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The Daily Word for May 10, 2021

 

hiraeth - noun - homesickness for a home you can't return to or that never was, or just a deep longing for something

If you have occupied space on the planet long enough, most likely you'll encounter hiraeth. Not surprisingly, the word is Welsh, a language that I can somewhat relate to as my name is also Welsh in origin. On this second Monday in the merry month of May, I am experiencing all three facets of hiraeth simultaneously. For a year in the early 1980s, I lived and taught communications and theater in a public high school in Bucks County, PA. Although I returned to New Jersey, mainly to get married, I have never wanted to let go of the county that borders the Delaware. As a self-published author, I have found myself returning to quaint Central Bucks, that I called home, making consignment agreements with book sellers. Because my books have not sold well out there, I am reminded that perhaps one can't return to a former residence or that the home that I thought was mine, never actually was. Ergo, I now have a deep longing for what might have been: copious book sales to former students or just plain hiraeth. 

It is Monday. If hiraeth should rear its ugly head in your life today, tell it to go away. Monday is hard enough as it is. 

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The Daily Word for May 7, 2021

 

asymptote - noun - a line that approaches a curve but does not meet it. 

It has been a long time since I have rubbed noses with Geometry, and frankly, I'm glad. If you read yesterday's entry, you already know that I have been indulging in Balzac's Pere Goriot. Apparently, Balzac did experience a tidbit of intimacy with Geometry. As an apprentice in a law office before turning to writing, Balzac had an interest in it at the beginning of the 19th century. At that time, the term itself was relatively new as it had been coined from the Greek asumptotos (meaning "not falling together") in the 17th century. Balzac's use of the word as part of a conceit on page 86 of the text is brilliant. Notice his use of anaphora for emphasis on his subject, the inchoate Eugene:

"Eugene resolved to dig two parallel trenches to lead him to success. He would concentrate simultaneously on learning and on love; he would become both a clever lawyer and a man of fashion. He was still a child, and did not know that these two lines are asymptotes, and can never meet." 

Now you know why I hardly bother with any new releases in terms of fiction. Contemporary writing and "classic" prose to me are asymptotes, two lines rarely meeting. 

In contrast, may the lines of success connect for you today and everyday!

Enjoy the weekend! 

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The Daily Word for May 6, 2021

 

ineluctable - adj. - inevitable, inescapable

Some of you out there spend a lot of time figuring out ways to avoid the ineluctable. You know, like taxes and death, which are inescapable no matter what you do. According to Google, "ineluctable" arrived in the 17th century, and its origin–you guessed it–is Latin, "ineluctabilis." "In" means "not" and "eluctari," "struggle out." Which makes perfect sense. Much of life is a struggle (involving taxes) that you can't get out of except via death. Yet most of you welcome conflict over demise. 

I found "ineluctable" used in its adverb form, "ineluctably," while reading Balzac's Pere Goriot last night in bed alone. It is never a good idea to read a classic of grandiose proportions when you are with a partner as it is a definite, ineluctable turn-off unless, of course, your partner is also reading one equally as intimidating. In which case, you are both doomed never to touch each other sexually again. But I jest. Classics are, after all, classics for a reason. Why? 1. The abstruse word choice begs you to investigate meanings resulting in your temporary enlightenment. 2. The characters in them are just like you except they dress differently and ride around in broughams, not Ferraris; ergo, you walk away with the ineluctable idea that only technology changes over time. People remain the same.

You are almost at the weekend. Whew! 

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The Daily Word for May 5, 2021

 

poobah - noun - powerful person

Poobah is yet another word that doesn't get much airplay anymore. According to wiktionary.com, poobah comes from Pooh-Bah, a satirical character in Gilbert and Sullivan's "The Mikado" (1885). The light opera is probably more recognizable than the term itself. 

Although the word has become passe, the world is filled with poobahs as autocracies are in vogue lately. Even in democracies, poobahs are pronounced. In the 1800s, though, they were all men; now, some are women; some are even coupled up as in the case of the Melinda and Bill Gates.  It will be interesting to see how the money will be split between them after the smoke has subsided and they are officially divorced.

If you happen to be a poobah, be less grand today and allow someone who is not a poobah room to shine.

Happy Cinco de Mayo!

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The Daily Word for May 4, 2021

 

pogonotrophy - noun - the act of growing and grooming facial hair

Here's a new and different one: pogonotrophy. As a woman with the right mix of hormones, I have never had much interest in this art form, if you can call it that. Lately, it seems like it is as quite a few boys and men are experimenting with pogonotrophy. My favorite romantic interest, a therapist out in L.A., surprised me with a new growth, a finely trimmed mustache, during a Skype a few weeks ago. "How do you like it?" he asked. I replied, "I'll tell you after I kiss you." Which is what it pretty much boils down to, dudes. Although you think a breath of facial air or even a full beard may be sexy, most women prefer kissable lips, unmasked by any obstacles that have the potential of feeling like sand paper against the skin. Fortunately, you don't have to experience this potential sensory disappointment, but we do. 

Another thing about beards, which I found out yesterday while volunteering at the community food bank, is that men with beards have to wear hair nets when working with food meant for the general public. I felt sorry for one man who had to cover his head and face with netting. Okay, in the 1940s, it was considered stylish, now, just incredibly unattractive to the opposite sex. Guys, you have a choice: don't participate in pogonotrophy and/or don't volunteer at the local food pantry. 

Gentlemen, if you are contemplating pogonotrophy, check in with the significant other first. Just sayin'.

Happy Tuesday!

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The Daily Word for May 3, 2021

 

logophile - noun - a person that enjoys words

If you are reading this blog, chances are you are a logophile albeit you may not wish to admit it. The etymology of the word is Greek–no surprises there. According to Google, "logo" means word and "phile," or "philos" refers to a lover or enthusiast. "Phile" is a suffix you've probably seen before. One of my favorites that employs it is Anglophile, someone that likes everything British. 

Why is it a good idea to contemplate the idea of becoming a logophile? If you happen to be a writer, you should already be one as words are your medium. Sans them, you have nothing to transmit. Lack of passion in this realm is obvious. Although there is quite a bit of rubbish out there, most publishers still look for writing that sweeps the reader off his/her/their feet.

The bottomline is that word choice  can make or break you, and it doesn't matter whether or not you are a writer since there is power in diction used effectively. 

Enjoy your Monday and choose your verbiage as would a logophile. 

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