This is the time of year when the Merriam-Webster dictionary unveils its word of the year, which this year is 'feminism'. (organized activity on behalf of women’s rights and interests)
There was a full list, but I especially noted “woot” which should really always go in twos, as in “woot woot.”
Also on the list, “integrity.” We should all use it and have it a lot more. In fact, we should all Google that one.
As a writer/reporter, I love words. Some might say I use too many of them and should learn to love the sound of silence.
Alas, this being the time of year that it is there will be many, many gatherings that will require words.
This year especially, it is going to be ever so awkward. You definitely can’t discuss politics—certainly not with the American branch of the family. You don’t dare wish anyone a “Merry Christmas” or that whole “Merry Christmas/Seasons Greetings” debate will break out. For sure, you need to avoid all mistletoe—in the current climate—there should really be no kissing, hugging or even posing for pictures. All touching is... well... touchy!
So, here’s an idea for something fun to do in a crowd. You could try it out for New Year’s Eve!
My friends and I actually sat around and made a list of nostalgic words that should come back into today’s VERNACULAR. (there’s one!)
Trust me–this will be fun. These are not new words but rather old words that should make a comeback. The fact that a majority of them could be used as insults just adds to the festive fun!
I have put some into a bit of a story for you can see how they can be used in conversation.
Picture your elderly great aunt hosting the family dinner. There’s not enough room, in her small ABODE, so there is just one long dining room table, a small card table and a few tv tables set up. She is quite a FUSSBUDGET.
“INDEED, it is a TAD crowded this year so I have had to break you up into groups. At the long table will be the grownups and over there at the card table will be all you little KNUCKLEHEADS, SCALLYWAGS AND RAPSCALLIONS.”
Then, Auntie went to work serving the GRUB to the hungry mob. She was like a WHIRLING DERVISH of activity.
Much to her CHAGRIN , little cousin Joshua refused to sample the FIGGY PUDDING.
THUS, she blurted out, "You little WEISENHEIMER."
Nobody blamed Auntie for losing her temper and we all knew Josh could be quite a BOZO.
Once the meal was over, everyone cleared away the tables so there would be room for some BEBOPPING and SCATTING to some grand old jazz tunes on the VICTROLA.
The evening got a little RAMBUNCTIOUS after the serving of HOT TODDYS and some of the relatives turned into DRUNKEN STUMBLEBUMS.
At the end of the night, we all agreed it had been a NIFTY SOIREE.
I look forward to your lists of old words we need to make new again in 2018.
KINDEST REGARDS, Wendy
