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words |
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serenity blaze Member Empyrean
since 2000-02-02
Posts 27738
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Words we love, words we hate, and why. I'll start with the word "cross". I love that word when it describes someone feeling a tad on bwitchy side.. No one ever uses that now, but it's such a word of implication, I miss it. Now for the word I hate? cerulean I have no idea why, but honestly? if I click on a poem? I see that word and it's like...shudder. I have no idea why, either. Cerulean makes me cross.  ...next? A word you love, a word you hate... |
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latearrival Member Ascendant
since 2003-03-21
Posts 5499Florida |
Content is a word that bothers me. So often if you ask some one if they are happy they will say,"I am content". To me that means they have no reason to grow or change. They just take life as it is "content" or satisfied. How boring is that? jo |
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serenity blaze Member Empyrean
since 2000-02-02
Posts 27738 |
oooh, now that's a good one. I never believe people when they say they are content. It makes me cross. Content. Sure. For now.  But it could work in context of a setting for me, like... I dunno. The lovers lay together with their passion spent, arms and legs still intertwined, as the sweat of their need left them clothed in tingling tiny bumps of a standing ovation on their skins. She asked him, then, how he felt--what was he thinking? He turned his head to her and kissed her arm saying, "I feel content." She smiled and suckled his fingers and said, "Let's order Chinese food tonight," as her cerulean gown gathered cross wrinkles on the floor in a heap of helplessness. * * * *chuckling* Miss you ms, jo.   |
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Balladeer
Administrator
Member Empyrean
since 1999-06-05
Posts 25505Ft. Lauderdale, Fl USA |
whatever |
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rwood Member Elite
since 2000-02-29
Posts 3793Tennessee |
Love the word "bizarre." It's hard for me to say the word without feeling some theatrical or creative sense of fear or wonderment. Hate the word "indubitable" used in any form. Pronunciation feels like a sick-syllabic abuse to the tongue. It is, without question, one of the most annoying words to me.  Certain words negatively affect my senses even if I have nothing against their meaning. Like :Spelunking. That word has always been unappealing to me and seems descriptive of people who belong to a clan of cave-vomiters. I know, I'm weird. But if someone asks me if I want to go spelunking, well, that term for caving is just too weird for even me. LOL. |
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Mysteria 
since 2001-03-07
Posts 18328British Columbia, Canada |
 I am sure with Michael on "whatever" used to answer someone. I can not take the word, "retard" being used in any form as an adjective,noun, or verb. Unfortunately I will stop people in their tracks on that word usage. However, my least favorite words together are, "sure but..." If I hear that, the rude me comes out and walks away. The other is, "I can't!" |
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Capricious Member
since 2002-09-14
Posts 89California, USA |
Cerulean is the pretentious cousin of unassuming blue. (I think I've actually been guilty of using it once or twice to satisfy a syllable count, but it always made me cringe ...) Right now, I can't think of a word I dislike ... I think they're all useful occasionally, depending on the context. I'll think on it and get back to you. |
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Sunshine
Administrator
Member Empyrean
since 1999-06-25
Posts 63354Listening to every heart |
How sad...I've used cerulean in a poem...maybe even in two. Now, whatevah is at the top of the list, especially said as written and then followed with the dreaded "shrug". To me that shows total contempt for the person who is on the receiving end of the conversation. I'll have to see if I can come up with anything else. |
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Amaryllis Senior Member
since 2010-05-20
Posts 1306Mi now |
Like: `Amethyst, Aurora` and others- words whose sonics are as lovely as their definitions (though trite and possibly over-used) . Hate: `Seemingly`. Aarrgh! Do NOT. Just don`t. |
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serenity blaze Member Empyrean
since 2000-02-02
Posts 27738 |
limpid *grin* It's just a bad visual. But? "whatever" And about indubitably? which I just spelled wrong. My daughter's bf used to say that to anything I'd say to him. (That would be the same bf I took a swing at. <--bad sentence structure is sometimes necessary to convey the tone/mood of a scene) *ahem( He stopped saying that and I retired from my boxing career. And we all lived happily ever....  and lol@Linda and Sunshine--I KNOW I've used ceruleans somewhere, probably just to see if I could do it well. I don't think I succeeded. And deer? What ranks up there with the "whatever" is the very slow pronunciation of "OH. Em. Gee." usually accompanied by this litle face--> But? I've grown old. Beating all odds. *chuckle* |
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latearrival Member Ascendant
since 2003-03-21
Posts 5499Florida |
oh,my middle daughter used to say "Whatever!" constantly. Yes it did seem a real "putoff", another stupid word. Retard is high on the list which ever way it was said or meant. Miss you too Serenity. Your little story using "content" did not help me. I still do not like to receive that answer. Another thing is when you ask what someone is thinking and they say,"nothing". I never had a blank mind.Something is passing through and around at all times.The same person who always said he was content also used "nothing" often. |
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rwood Member Elite
since 2000-02-29
Posts 3793Tennessee |
"Analgesic" goes against the grain of its meaning in my head. I'm glad you found an analgesic for your daughter's bf's ailment. LOL. "Cure" is a great word. So needed by many. |
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Balladeer
Administrator
Member Empyrean
since 1999-06-05
Posts 25505Ft. Lauderdale, Fl USA |
OK, I have to say it, hopefully staying in bounds, but I think one of the ugliest words is scrotum! it's such an evil and harsh sounding word!! We deserve better!  |
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ThisDiamond Member Rara Avis
since 2002-02-22
Posts 9353Michigan, USA |
YEAH, and shrinkage too! LOL Wrinkles come to mind. |
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serenity blaze Member Empyrean
since 2000-02-02
Posts 27738 |
Okay, so we've got analgesic, scrotum, and shrinkage.  Nod. Sounds...unfortunate. I hate that word too. "Unfortunate". Possibly because it never seems to express sympathy or understanding. "How unfortunate..." (Um. No, actually, it sucks.) Now there's phrasing we all understand. And just to smack myself, I use the terms "basically" and "absolutely" far too much and more than likely inaccurately. And? I've figured out that if you have to preface a thought by "y'gotta understand"? More than likely your point is already a lost cause. I just backspaced the obvious ones-- "Cancer" dims my lights immediately. "Chemotherapy" steals all of my words from me. If the word "aggressive" shows up anywhere in that particular conversation, I am rendered totally mute.  Some words need inflection to determine their quality--like one word questions such as "Why?" That from the lips of a child is endearing, engaging, and makes me smile. The "why?" that comes from the lips of a grief-stricken person makes my bones feel like they are crumbling. Sometimes I can feel an ellipsis. "We can try a more aggressive campaign of chemotherapy, but..." That's my example of punctuation that feels like a baseball bat to my non-existent scrotum. But let's go back to happy words. I think I just depressed myself. |
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Sunshine
Administrator
Member Empyrean
since 1999-06-25
Posts 63354Listening to every heart |
"I'm so sorry," comes to mind. It's never..."adequate". |
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serenity blaze Member Empyrean
since 2000-02-02
Posts 27738 |
Happier words: "It's a boy!" "It's a girl!" "benign" and...one of my all-time favorites: "The New Orleans Saints have won the Superbowl!!!" (I know, I know, that's sooooooooooo last year, but they can't take that away from us.) It's Saturday night. Let's have a party. |
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Sunshine
Administrator
Member Empyrean
since 1999-06-25
Posts 63354Listening to every heart |
  You knew this was coming, didn't you? Aren't you glad I didn't insert the baby? |
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Sunshine
Administrator
Member Empyrean
since 1999-06-25
Posts 63354Listening to every heart |
To a 58 year old woman.... "No, Mrs. Gladstone...you're not pregnant...." ...for the good thoughts |
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Balladeer
Administrator
Member Empyrean
since 1999-06-05
Posts 25505Ft. Lauderdale, Fl USA |
I know how you feel............bull. |
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Sunshine
Administrator
Member Empyrean
since 1999-06-25
Posts 63354Listening to every heart |
"this looks suspicious..." Not a good thought. |
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serenity blaze Member Empyrean
since 2000-02-02
Posts 27738 |
Loss and pain are lonely places, but I do think that people can relate, but saying so does indeed imply a comparison game that no one really wants to win. You bring to mind the scene "Born on the 4th of July" when the veterans of the war started comparing experiences and ended up on the ground, having yanked each other out of their wheelchairs during the brawl. *sigh* That scene right there says it all. |
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serenity blaze Member Empyrean
since 2000-02-02
Posts 27738 |
speaking of words, Kari? Would you please check your e mail? (I have actual work to do for once, and I could use your experienced eye regarding something.) Thank you in advance! ? |
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latearrival Member Ascendant
since 2003-03-21
Posts 5499Florida |
I really dislike the terms: "Knocked up" also "something in the oven" The lady is pregnant or Carrying a baby, not any of the other sayings. I don't care for "The wife","The little woman","My ball and chain","The boss","the old lady" or any of the other foolish names. SHE is your Wife,claim, her as such. jo |
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serenity blaze Member Empyrean
since 2000-02-02
Posts 27738 |
Oh man... "curmudgeon" then? Is that totally out of the "term of endearment" category? *laughing* Let me strike out "creton" as well.   |
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Alison
since 2008-01-27
Posts 9318Lumpy oatmeal makes me crazy! |
I don't like when people respond to an apology with "No worries." ~ it sounds so dismissive. I also am trying to break myself of using the word "hate" instead of dislike. |
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serenity blaze Member Empyrean
since 2000-02-02
Posts 27738 |
Agreed, Ms. Alison. "No worries" --I don't like that one either. You are entirely correct that it is dismissive, and the implication is that "our" worries of hurt feelings are disproportionate to the feelings which are probably not returned. So? No worries? Drop it like it's hot. They are not worried, and therefore your energy of love and caring is wasted upon someone who is obviously, painfully, not returning that energy. I'm sure I've used the same words, too. But if nothing else comes of this thread, may we all learn to type lightly. And I'm nodding in agreement with you too regarding the use of the word "hate". I've said it many times, but hate requires passion. The opposite of love is not hate--it's apathy. So I do agree, that to use the word with some sensitivity and accuracy, requires a sharper and more insightful pen than I happen to own. |
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Sunshine
Administrator
Member Empyrean
since 1999-06-25
Posts 63354Listening to every heart |
Check yer mail. |
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Mysteria
since 2001-03-07
Posts 18328British Columbia, Canada |
Balderdash - unfortunately, a family favorite. |
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Balladeer
Administrator
Member Empyrean
since 1999-06-05
Posts 25505Ft. Lauderdale, Fl USA |
I strongly disagree. The opposite of love IS hate. Both are incredibly strong emotions. Apathy is lack of strong emotion. You don't have the opposite of a strong emotion being lack of a strong emotion. You have it being a strong emotion which is the opposite of a strong emotion. The opposite of apathy would be something like caring... Mysteria...the title of my website is Ballads and Balderdash....I am wounded!!!!! |
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latearrival Member Ascendant
since 2003-03-21
Posts 5499Florida |
Serenity, "curmudgeon" sounds to me to be more kindly than the other words that can be used in it's place. kind of a friendly crouch.kind of cute. LOL It has a more pleasant ring to it. jo |
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latearrival Member Ascendant
since 2003-03-21
Posts 5499Florida |
Allison, I had a habit once of saying "I hate this" or "I hate that" until a good friend told me I sounded too negative.I stoped saying it and was happy she pointed it out to me. But she was so positive that she "Loved every thing". Do you know how frustrating that can become? I could not really know what was terrific to her or what was so so. We went to a strawberry festival and I had my mouth watering for a nice freshly made strawberry short cake, like we used to have on the Guilford Green when they were in season. But this was so large a festival that the berries were frozen and the whipped cream was from a can. She raved so much what I bought a few large boxes of fresh strawberries and made the biscuit fresh and put fresh whiped crean on it and invited her to please sit down and taste a real serving of strawberry short cake. The problem was, when she raved over it,how was I to tell she really liked it or was being her regular positive self? I guess over use of any word can become tacky. LOL |
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Sunshine
Administrator
Member Empyrean
since 1999-06-25
Posts 63354Listening to every heart |
Jo? I've known them. But...continue to give them real... and they will come to know the difference!!  |
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Balladeer
Administrator
Member Empyrean
since 1999-06-05
Posts 25505Ft. Lauderdale, Fl USA |
I have a similar story, Jo. I was living in South America and spent an evening with friends from different countries, England, Ireland and Scotland, all working down there. The Miss Universe pageant was on tv and, when Miss Ireland came up, I remarked, "I love her!" The Irish gal there said, "You Americans are crazy. You throw around the word 'love' so much that, when it comes time to use it the way it's supposed to be used, you don't have a word for it!" She was right..... |
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Mysteria
since 2001-03-07
Posts 18328British Columbia, Canada |
She sure was right! It is just a word used way too freely, now give action any day over words. |
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latearrival Member Ascendant
since 2003-03-21
Posts 5499Florida |
Yes, Mike I agree with her on that one. jo |
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Stephanos
since 2000-07-31
Posts 3618Statesboro, GA, USA |
They shouldn't have named that yellow vegetable "squash", at least not if they wanted kids to want it. If you can't imagine how it might sound to a child (for whom everything is new), ask yourself whether you would like to eat some unfamiliar yellow stuff called "squish" Stephen |
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nakdthoughts Member Laureate
since 2000-10-29
Posts 19200Between the Lines |
I don't remember if anyone mentioned it but I dislike when someone prefaces a statement or opinion with "The reality is..." it has almost become as common as when people/kids say "like" all the time as in I went to a party and it was ...like...so cool. Both are so unnecessary and the first is over used...the second one, not even proper usage. M |
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nakdthoughts Member Laureate
since 2000-10-29
Posts 19200Between the Lines |
Jo, along with your reply, I am tired of hearing the phrase "baby bump" used for pregnant with all the celebrities or anyone on TV. |
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latearrival Member Ascendant
since 2003-03-21
Posts 5499Florida |
M., I do not care for "baby bump" either. I do not hear it here though. And as for using "like", EKE! I once sat in church and listened to a preacher say "like, you know" over 24 times during the sermon! To be fair he did teach a youth class also. But makes you wonder who is teaching who. Even in schools I hear the oddest words coming from teachers lately. LOL Are they all trying to prove how "Kool" or "Kewl" they are? jo |
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Bob K Member Elite
since 2007-11-03
Posts 4208 |
In poems I have some words that drive me up a wall. "Beauty" or "beautiful" have always seemed to me to be a way of dodging a description. They're like Mike's comment about use of the word "love." All of us have the feeling at one time or another, but it's a cop out to assume that other people agree with us about what it means. "Just" in a poem, as a synonym for "only" drives me nuts. it's almost always padding. "Crystal" is another. I once had a friend who used the word "Honcho" as a verb, as in, to "honcho" the bill through committee. I would almost scream when I heard her do that. The word "proactive" also makes me loopy. What's more active than "active?" If you're proactive, does that mean you're manic or something? It's only made its appearance within the last thirty years or so, and unfortunately it looks like it's going to stay. If I dig into my outrage file, I'm sure I'll come across others. |
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latearrival Member Ascendant
since 2003-03-21
Posts 5499Florida |
When did everyone start saying "it's so fun?" Isn't that a different way of saying, It was so much fun? Or it was a lot of fun? Or we had fun. It just looks and sounds strange to me. |
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Ron
Administrator
Member Rara Avis
since 1999-05-19
Posts 8669Michigan, US |
There are some words that I find inappropriate or offensive, a few that I think are trite or cliché, and many more that I believe are over-used or badly abused. All of them, however, can be useful. Words you would never hear come out of my mouth might well be spoken by characters I've created to tell a story. The young girl who swears like a sailor has led a very different life than the slightly older man who thinks everything is beautiful or awesome, and the words people choose will reveal a lot about their respective histories. Words are tools. As wordsmiths, we need different tools for different jobs. Or, to badly paraphrase Will Rogers, I reckon I never met a word I didn't like. |
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Capricious Member
since 2002-09-14
Posts 89California, USA |
The word "proactive" also makes me loopy. What's more active than "active?" If you're proactive, does that mean you're manic or something? I usually hear 'proactive' used to distinguish an order of events, or intents ... ie, one decides to be proactive in one's life (putting forth an effort to make good things happen) rather than reactive, where you are essentially just responding to a stimulus. |
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serenity blaze Member Empyrean
since 2000-02-02
Posts 27738 |
I can see everyone's point of view, as long as I read the explanation in context--which proves Ron's point. I have a new one, that's on my "undecided" list-- "cremains" and as for love? I can't get enough of it. Really. |
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Bob K Member Elite
since 2007-11-03
Posts 4208 |
Can't get enough Love? Fortunately, one can always try. |
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Amaryllis Senior Member
since 2010-05-20
Posts 1306Mi now |
"To be honest.." Hah? So up to this point you were NOT being honest? That one raises my eyebrows.~A A pile of scribbles here: |
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serenity blaze Member Empyrean
since 2000-02-02
Posts 27738 |
"to be honest" does indeed provoke connotations, but it also insinuates promise that one will try harder in the future. It indicates that desire that "the unexamined life is not worth living." To me, anyhow. To be honest means that I will, from this point on, abide by a troth to examine my motivation. Life is painful, when examined. |
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Amaryllis Senior Member
since 2010-05-20
Posts 1306Mi now |
Agreed, Serenity... hmm, I think I meant to type 'to be completely honest'...! Oops, heh  A A pile of scribbles here: |
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Nan
Administrator
Member Seraphic
since 1999-05-20
Posts 21191Cape Cod Massachusetts USA |
BUT... I don't want to insult you, BUT.. (here comes the insult) I don't want to offend you, BUT..(offense comes next) I don't want to complain, BUT...(then the complaint) Need I go on? I don't want to bore you, BUT... . |
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serenity blaze Member Empyrean
since 2000-02-02
Posts 27738 |
One that I use a lot is, "Y'gotta understand" and I've figured out that no, people do not have to understand. If people love you they will choose to understand, with or without my explanations. As for love being thrown around, that would depend on if you have a cookie cutter definition of love. Love is as different as the people and things you love. So therefore, it is entirely possible for me to feel genuine love for you all, and if tell someone that you love them and that falls on deaf ears, it's a painful loss for both... But if I say I love you? That's MY emotion, and no one, not even you can take that away. If that's dismissed, there's not much I can do about it, but I feel what I feel--even when I'd rather not.  |
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serenity blaze Member Empyrean
since 2000-02-02
Posts 27738 |
Got another one. "It is what it is..." Usually said when "it" defies description or explanation. |
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Stephanos
since 2000-07-31
Posts 3618Statesboro, GA, USA |
I have a friend who habitually says "needless to say ..." before all kinds of things he says. I want to laugh every time he says it, since were it true, he shouldn't have to tell me whatever follows. Oh and Karen that reminds me of "Ain't nothin' but a 'thang". lol. |
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Nan
Administrator
Member Seraphic
since 1999-05-20
Posts 21191Cape Cod Massachusetts USA |
"I see what you're saying," is pretty absurd. If it were so, we should all be using sign language. How about, "I hear what you're saying"? Doesn't that make more sense? . |
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Sunshine
Administrator
Member Empyrean
since 1999-06-25
Posts 63354Listening to every heart |
My MIL always used a phrase, Serenity, that is similar to yours, and drove my husband freaking nuts with it. "That's just the way it is..." |
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rwood Member Elite
since 2000-02-29
Posts 3793Tennessee |
I think it's interesting how this region of the world avoids usages of the word "death." We don't usually say these things: "When I die..." "Daddy died" or "After the death of my Mother, we had to sell the house" "My Uncle is dying." instead: "When I leave this world or when I go to meet my maker." "Daddy passed on or passed away." "When Momma went home to be with the Lord, we had to sell the house." My Uncle is in his last days." While I believe these terms are universal in reverence & compassion: "Late/dearly departed, and the loss of a loved one." My cousin uses what I think is an old wild west metaphor when he speaks about his own brush with death: "I almost took a dirt nap." "Life" and its vast depths of meaning. I don't know why, but "obsolete" has become a dry, hollow, & condescending word to me. Maybe because I'm drawing ever closer to its expression. LOL. |
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serenity blaze Member Empyrean
since 2000-02-02
Posts 27738 |
*laughing* "Obsolete" is the new collectible. As for death? It depends on the context, again. I can say very simply and plainly to members of my own family, "She died." More cautious with other folk, though...there really is no easy word, though, I agree. Saying, "she passed away"? I dunno. A bullet is painful even when shot through a silencer. |
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Balladeer
Administrator
Member Empyrean
since 1999-06-05
Posts 25505Ft. Lauderdale, Fl USA |
NINE WORDS WOMEN USE (1) Fine : This is the word women use to end an argument when they are right and you need to shut up. (2) Five Minutes : If she is getting dressed, this means a half an hour. Five minutes is only five minutes if you have just been given five more minutes to watch the game before helping around the house. (3)Nothing : This is the calm before the storm. This means something, and you should be on your toes. Arguments that begin with nothing usually end in fine. (4) Go Ahead : This is a dare, not permission. Don't Do It! (5) Loud Sigh : This is actually a word, but is a non-verbal statement often misunderstood by men. A loud sigh means she thinks you are an idiot and wonders why she is wasting her time standing here and arguing with you about nothing. (Refer back to # 3 for the meaning of nothing.) (6) That's Okay : This is one of the most dangerous statements a woman can make to a man. That's okay means she wants to think long and hard before deciding how and when you will pay for your mistake. (7) Thanks : A woman is thanking you, do not question, or faint. Just say you're welcome. (I want to add in a clause here - This is true, unless she says 'Thanks a lot' - that is PURE sarcasm and she is not thanking you at all. DO NOT say 'you're welcome' , that will bring on a 'whatever') (8) Whatever : Is a woman's way of saying GO TO HELL (9) Don't worry about it, I got it: Another dangerous statement, meaning this is something that a woman has told a man to do several times, but is now doing it herself. This will later result in a man asking 'What's wrong?' For the woman's response refer to # 3. |
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nakdthoughts Member Laureate
since 2000-10-29
Posts 19200Between the Lines |
I think I used all of those words/expressions just yesterday, Michael! M |
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serenity blaze Member Empyrean
since 2000-02-02
Posts 27738 |
And men? If they say, "I'm on my way" they haven't even left yet. If you had to ask, they are probably already late, but prepare yourself to hear, "There was a long line." or? "The traffic is outrageous." And without fail, if my husband forgets to pick up the milk, or the eggs, he'll never admit that he forgot. He'll say, "they were out of 'em." OR even try to convince me that I didn't mention it at all. I fixed that, though. I started turning off supper in mid-prep, and would find a ride to the store myself (I still don't drive) and then I came home with about five hundred bags of goodies, and of course, I smiled sweetly and said, "But it was all on sale." (Not a lie. It WAS all for sale. I never said it was discounted.) Happy Holidays. |
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Jeffrey Carter
since 2000-04-08
Posts 2367State of constant confusion! |
Word I hate, no HATE, with a passion .... is "NO!" |
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serenity blaze Member Empyrean
since 2000-02-02
Posts 27738 |
That one not exactly a new addition to my vocabulary--I've heard it many times, but only recently have I come to understand the wisdom and wonderful results of utilizing it. Delayed gratification can actually enhance ...um, things. |
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