All about the words.
So
the other day in hospital, where many of my best stories occur, I was
asked while waiting for some exciting blood forms to be filled out
what my favourite word is.
And
my mind went blank.
My
first thought that fell onto the thick white snow inside my mind was
'what kind of writer am I if I can't think of my favourite word?!'
I've
since come to the conclusion that I couldn't think of a word at that
moment because I was put on the spot; I'm so awful when put on the
spot! I panic and yes, more often than not I leg it in pure, hot
terror. I'm trying to get better at it, though, I swear. I mean, if I
plan on someday working for a magazine or newspaper, or taking part
in Mock the Week's Scenes We'd Like To See round with my fellow
ingenious stand-ups (just a silly little fantasy, no biggie)...I'll
need to up my on-the-spot game, for sure.
Anyway,
I then of course tweeted about this terrible moment, asking my
totally rad and completely articulate followers what their favourite
words are. I then promptly napped after sending the tweet out (that
was one nap of four yesterday; radiotherapy side effects have well
and truly caught up with me, at last) and awoke to 20+ replies! All
of them excellent, of course. Here are some of my favourites of my
friends' favourite words...
Some
people (@TheGeorgeLester, @rorotbd) actually said 'fuck'. Their
reasoning being 'it is applicable in any situation', which is true!
It can be totally fucking good, it can be downright fucking vicious.
See?
Hold
on, I'm jumping on a tangent – what's everyone's favourite swear
word? Mine is either 'shit' (so satisfying, I mean hello!) or
'bollocks' (preferably said in my mama's Aussie accent).
And
what about the least favourite? Mine is probably the C word. Not
because of the way it sounds – it sounds awesome – no, because it
carries too much power. That's why I've only uttered it aloud twice
in my life, and both times I absolutely meant it. That's exactly
what's wrong! Having said that I also hate it when 'ladz' are
constantly saying it and calling one another it...ugh, such a tangled
web of words.
Tangent
ending in 5, 4, 3, 2...
I
realise how words can often be tainted by the sense in which they are
used; or whom is using them. For instance, I have an aversion to the
word 'excess' after hearing it said repeatedly (always pronounced
incorrectly) by a slimeball while he was throwing grapes into his gob
onstage.
I also detest, slightly more understandably I reckon, the word 'tumour'. Even before I learned that I had one, I hated that word. I remember Frank Jr Jr saying it in Friends 'He's like my old dog, Tumour!' (para) and thinking why the frick would you call your pet TUMOUR?! I mean, really! It's just a yucky word. I realise I give it a lot of power, mind you, because I deliberately avoid saying it as much as possible - which takes a lot of skill in my situation. Even now, typing it on my laptop, I'm blushing and squirming.
I also detest, slightly more understandably I reckon, the word 'tumour'. Even before I learned that I had one, I hated that word. I remember Frank Jr Jr saying it in Friends 'He's like my old dog, Tumour!' (para) and thinking why the frick would you call your pet TUMOUR?! I mean, really! It's just a yucky word. I realise I give it a lot of power, mind you, because I deliberately avoid saying it as much as possible - which takes a lot of skill in my situation. Even now, typing it on my laptop, I'm blushing and squirming.
Also, a Brit's most hated word, it seems...that word. The 'M' word. The
word that indicates something is...damp, wet, soluble? A face can
become this word if a specific type of cream is used; a cake on GBBO
often has an issue being too much this word or not this word
enough...y'all know what word I mean now? Good. So I don't have to
type it. Or say it*. Ever.
I
weirdly love the word 'loathe'. It's delicious. They say 'hate' is a
strong word...'Loathe' is stronger, and better. Yum.
Also,
'silver'. And 'sliver'. Both supple and slippery words, both can easily be applied
in perfect situations, e.g.: 'silver jewellery' or 'a sliver of lemon
poppyseed cake'.
I
also find I go through phases using a certain word more than usual,
and right now that word is 'excellent'. Usually prefixed by 'most'.
Most excellent. No idea why I am loving that phrase right now, but
I'm rolling with it. Yes, 'rolling with it' is a favourite phrase
too.
Quite
a few folks also said 'iridescent'. And 'serendipitous'. Both lovely!
Reminded me that I love the words 'descent' and 'serene'.
So
I still don't know what my favourite word is. Yes, my blank snowy
mind is looking clearer now and that's not the problem. I now have
too many options for a favourite word!
Oh
also, anyone who didn't reply to that tweet...what's your fave word?
This
is definitely a question I'll be asking famous folks one day when I'm
interviewing them on the red carpet or in a hotel over coffee between
snaps on their big shoots...
*I
don't actually dislike the word 'moist'; I just don't want to offend
anyone by typing it. Sorry, disclaimer readers.
Ambulat. third-person singular present active indicative of ambulÅ. Meaning: moving from place to place; itinerant; shifting.
ReplyDeleteOooh, beautiful! And gentle! <3
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