Today's Word I Hate To Say is Genuine!
Merriam-Webster Dictionary - Genuine
gen·u·ine adjective \ˈjen-yə-wən, -(ˌ)win, ÷-ˌwīn\
: actual, real, or true : not false or fake
: sincere and honest
1 a : actually having the reputed or apparent qualities or character <genuine vintage wines>
b : actually produced by or proceeding from the alleged source or author <the signature is genuine>
c : sincerely and honestly felt or experienced <a deep and genuine love>
d : actual, true <a genuine improvement>
2: free from hypocrisy or pretense : sincere
— gen·u·ine·ly adverb
— gen·u·ine·ness noun
The word genuine is not the problem; it is how people say it. GenuWine - Ugh! I guess this is fine if you are a Old-time Southern Baptist Preacher man in the heat of a Hell, Fire, and Brimstone sermon. For the rest of us, would you like some wine with that [gin]? Really?
While, according to the dictionary, genuWine is acceptable, it has become archaic in its usage and unless you plan to return to the 70's, it is time to get with the now! Genuine!
Monday, December 30, 2013
Thursday, December 26, 2013
Drownded
Today's Word I Hate To Say is Drownded!
It has been a week or so since I have posted. I apologize, but the holidays have been busy; as has my Winter Break college class. It has been a busy, but productive time. Merry Belated Christmas!
Merriam-Webster Dictionary - Drownd/Drownding
Definition of DROWND
1. nonstandard variant of drown
--------------------------------------------
THE CORRECT WORD - Drowned/Drowning
1: a : to suffocate by submersion especially in water
b : to submerge especially by a rise in the water level <villages drowned by the flooding river>
c : to soak, drench, or cover with a liquid
2: to engage (oneself) deeply and strenuously <drowned himself in work>
3: to cause (a sound) not to be heard by making a loud noise —usually used with out
4 a : to drive out (as a sensation or an idea) <drowned his sorrows in liquor>
The word Drownded channels my inner-Redneck each time I say it. Even as it leaves my lips, I realize that I have said it wrong. Don't laugh, you know do it too. This is a very commonly misused word in the English language. While everyone understands what you mean, it is technically incorrect. My wife loves to point out this error in my way. I don't really mind however, I deserve a zinger for using this Word I Hate To Say!
Reference
It has been a week or so since I have posted. I apologize, but the holidays have been busy; as has my Winter Break college class. It has been a busy, but productive time. Merry Belated Christmas!
Merriam-Webster Dictionary - Drownd/Drownding
Definition of DROWND
1. nonstandard variant of drown
--------------------------------------------
THE CORRECT WORD - Drowned/Drowning
1: a : to suffocate by submersion especially in water
b : to submerge especially by a rise in the water level <villages drowned by the flooding river>
c : to soak, drench, or cover with a liquid
2: to engage (oneself) deeply and strenuously <drowned himself in work>
3: to cause (a sound) not to be heard by making a loud noise —usually used with out
4 a : to drive out (as a sensation or an idea) <drowned his sorrows in liquor>
The word Drownded channels my inner-Redneck each time I say it. Even as it leaves my lips, I realize that I have said it wrong. Don't laugh, you know do it too. This is a very commonly misused word in the English language. While everyone understands what you mean, it is technically incorrect. My wife loves to point out this error in my way. I don't really mind however, I deserve a zinger for using this Word I Hate To Say!
Reference
- Drownd. (n.d.). Merriam-Webster.com. Retrieved December 26, 2013, from http://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/drownd
- Drown. (n.d.). Merriam-Webster.com. Retrieved December 26, 2013, from http://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/drown
Monday, December 9, 2013
Moot
Today's Word I Hate To Say is Moot!
Merriam-Webster Dictionary - Moot
#1 - moot noun \ˈmüt\
1: a deliberative assembly primarily for the administration of justice; especially : one held by the freemen of an Anglo-Saxon community
2 obsolete : argument, discussion
#2 - moot transitive verb \ˈmüt\
: to introduce (an idea, subject, etc.) for discussion
1 archaic : to discuss from a legal standpoint : argue
2 a : to bring up for discussion : broach
b : debate
#3 - moot adjective \ˈmüt\
: not certain : argued about but not possible for people to prove
: not worth talking about : no longer important or worth discussing
1 a : open to question : debatable
b : subjected to discussion : disputed
2: deprived of practical significance : made abstract or purely academic
Moot is such an irritating word. If the dictionary is to be believed, the word itself, is basically obsolete. Unless you are reading to the 3rd definition, you have no reason to even use this word. If you happened to read that far, you will find that the word is not worth talking about : no longer important or worth discussing.
So really, unless you follow the word Moot with something like Point, there is really no reason to use it in the English language. And, even when you use it in this manner, it really has no relevant point! It is similar to onomatopoeia - which you may read about in the near future!
Reference
Moot. (n.d.). Merriam-Webster.com. Retrieved December 7, 2013, from http://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/moot
Merriam-Webster Dictionary - Moot
#1 - moot noun \ˈmüt\
1: a deliberative assembly primarily for the administration of justice; especially : one held by the freemen of an Anglo-Saxon community
2 obsolete : argument, discussion
#2 - moot transitive verb \ˈmüt\
: to introduce (an idea, subject, etc.) for discussion
1 archaic : to discuss from a legal standpoint : argue
2 a : to bring up for discussion : broach
b : debate
#3 - moot adjective \ˈmüt\
: not certain : argued about but not possible for people to prove
: not worth talking about : no longer important or worth discussing
1 a : open to question : debatable
b : subjected to discussion : disputed
2: deprived of practical significance : made abstract or purely academic
Moot is such an irritating word. If the dictionary is to be believed, the word itself, is basically obsolete. Unless you are reading to the 3rd definition, you have no reason to even use this word. If you happened to read that far, you will find that the word is not worth talking about : no longer important or worth discussing.
So really, unless you follow the word Moot with something like Point, there is really no reason to use it in the English language. And, even when you use it in this manner, it really has no relevant point! It is similar to onomatopoeia - which you may read about in the near future!
Reference
Moot. (n.d.). Merriam-Webster.com. Retrieved December 7, 2013, from http://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/moot
Sunday, December 8, 2013
Opulence
Today's Word I Hate To Say is Opulence!
Merriam-Webster Dictionary - Opulence
op·u·lence noun \ˈä-pyə-lən(t)s\
1: wealth, affluence
2: abundance, profusion
Why do I hate the word opulence? DIRECTV! Their commercial featuring a creepy Russian guy, surrounded by half-clothed women, and kissing a miniature Giraffe developed a new-found level of loathing a word!
Opulence seems to ooze snobbishness to me. A sort of - I am better than you and everyone knows it - mentality surrounds this word. People who feel the need to describe their wealth as opulence remind me of the political "1%" that in most cases are just the life long politicians at the end of the day. If you are rich, be happy you are blessed and never forget to bless others. If you are poor, don't spend your days wanting someone else's wealth. Let us never become so taken with ourselves and our wealth that we become an opulent person!
Merriam-Webster Dictionary - Opulence
op·u·lence noun \ˈä-pyə-lən(t)s\
1: wealth, affluence
2: abundance, profusion
Examples of OPULENCE
<in some parts of the city nearly unimaginable opulence can be found side by side with nearly unthinkable poverty>
First Known Use of OPULENCE
Circa 1510 <---------- Circa? Seriously?
Why do I hate the word opulence? DIRECTV! Their commercial featuring a creepy Russian guy, surrounded by half-clothed women, and kissing a miniature Giraffe developed a new-found level of loathing a word!
Opulence seems to ooze snobbishness to me. A sort of - I am better than you and everyone knows it - mentality surrounds this word. People who feel the need to describe their wealth as opulence remind me of the political "1%" that in most cases are just the life long politicians at the end of the day. If you are rich, be happy you are blessed and never forget to bless others. If you are poor, don't spend your days wanting someone else's wealth. Let us never become so taken with ourselves and our wealth that we become an opulent person!
Saturday, December 7, 2013
Snarky
Today's Word I Hate To Say is Snarky!
I will be honest; Snarky is a word I have been accused of being. Most often I have heard my wife use this word to describe how other people talk. I have always thought of this as a made up word, since MS Word does not recognize it (dreaded red lines), but when did MS Office become a know-all dictionary?
Merriam-Webster Dictionary - Snarky
snarky adjective \ˈsnär-kē\
Definition of SNARKY
1: crotchety, snappish
2: sarcastic, impertinent, or irreverent in tone or manner <snarky lyrics>
— snark·i·ly adverb
Snarky is usually best described as a mean or hateful tone in someone's voice. Those of you with teenaged daughters should understand perfectly. So, my reason I hate this word is simply because the sound it makes rolling off the tongue... either that or it reminds me of Saturday morning cartoon underwater Smurf's knockoff the Snorks!
Again, just another word from the English language that grates on me. I think we should all walk around telling everyone who is mean of speech that they are just Crotchety (see definition #1 above). In the words of Sam from the Nickelodeon iCarly series... "It's funny because it sound wrong!
Reference
Snarky. (n.d.). Merriam-Webster.com. Retrieved December 5, 2013, from http://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/snarky
I will be honest; Snarky is a word I have been accused of being. Most often I have heard my wife use this word to describe how other people talk. I have always thought of this as a made up word, since MS Word does not recognize it (dreaded red lines), but when did MS Office become a know-all dictionary?
Merriam-Webster Dictionary - Snarky
snarky adjective \ˈsnär-kē\
Definition of SNARKY
1: crotchety, snappish
2: sarcastic, impertinent, or irreverent in tone or manner <snarky lyrics>
— snark·i·ly adverb
Snarky is usually best described as a mean or hateful tone in someone's voice. Those of you with teenaged daughters should understand perfectly. So, my reason I hate this word is simply because the sound it makes rolling off the tongue... either that or it reminds me of Saturday morning cartoon underwater Smurf's knockoff the Snorks!
Again, just another word from the English language that grates on me. I think we should all walk around telling everyone who is mean of speech that they are just Crotchety (see definition #1 above). In the words of Sam from the Nickelodeon iCarly series... "It's funny because it sound wrong!
Reference
Snarky. (n.d.). Merriam-Webster.com. Retrieved December 5, 2013, from http://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/snarky
Friday, December 6, 2013
Fiscal
Today's Word I Hate To Say is Fiscal!
If it isn't already apparent why I hate to say this word, I will give you a hint... it is physical!
Merriam-Webster Dictionary - Fiscal
fis·cal adjective \ˈfis-kəl\
: of or relating to money and especially to the money a government, business, or organization earns, spends, and owes
1 : of or relating to taxation, public revenues, or public debt <fiscal policy>
2 : of or relating to financial matters
— fis·cal·ly adverb
Examples
the fiscal health of the university
<gained some fiscal knowledge by taking an economics course>
Alright, it isn't so much that I hate saying Fiscal, however, I hate how it is misused and mispronounced. This is the real reason for my disdain. We all know someone, if not ourselves, that have said "physical" when the word Fiscal was really intended. Yet another word in the English language that sounds too similar and brings confusion.
We all must become physically responsible with our money. <--- Well, this may be true, but being Fiscally responsible with our money is just as important, wouldn't you think? Agh!
Reference
Fiscal. (n.d.). Merriam-Webster.com. Retrieved December 4, 2013, from http://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/fiscal
If it isn't already apparent why I hate to say this word, I will give you a hint... it is physical!
Merriam-Webster Dictionary - Fiscal
fis·cal adjective \ˈfis-kəl\
: of or relating to money and especially to the money a government, business, or organization earns, spends, and owes
1 : of or relating to taxation, public revenues, or public debt <fiscal policy>
2 : of or relating to financial matters
— fis·cal·ly adverb
Examples
the fiscal health of the university
<gained some fiscal knowledge by taking an economics course>
Alright, it isn't so much that I hate saying Fiscal, however, I hate how it is misused and mispronounced. This is the real reason for my disdain. We all know someone, if not ourselves, that have said "physical" when the word Fiscal was really intended. Yet another word in the English language that sounds too similar and brings confusion.
We all must become physically responsible with our money. <--- Well, this may be true, but being Fiscally responsible with our money is just as important, wouldn't you think? Agh!
Reference
Fiscal. (n.d.). Merriam-Webster.com. Retrieved December 4, 2013, from http://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/fiscal
Thursday, December 5, 2013
Libel
Today's Word I Hate To Say is Libel!
Libel is generally found in print and is basically a proven lie or falsehood about someone, with the intent of ruining their reputation or character.
Merriam-Webster Dictionary - Libel
li·bel noun \ˈlī-bəl\
: the act of publishing a false statement that causes people to have a bad opinion of someone
1 a : a written statement in which a plaintiff in certain courts sets forth the cause of action or the relief sought
b archaic : a handbill especially attacking or defaming someone
Libel is generally found in print and is basically a proven lie or falsehood about someone, with the intent of ruining their reputation or character.
Merriam-Webster Dictionary - Libel
li·bel noun \ˈlī-bəl\
: the act of publishing a false statement that causes people to have a bad opinion of someone
1 a : a written statement in which a plaintiff in certain courts sets forth the cause of action or the relief sought
2
a : a written or oral defamatory statement or representation that conveys an unjustly unfavorable impression
b (1) : a statement or representation published without just cause and tending to expose another to public contempt (2): defamation of a person by written or representational means (3) : the publication of blasphemous, treasonable, seditious, or obscene writings or pictures (4) : the act, tort, or crime of publishing such a libel
I guess what gets me so much with this word is that it sounds too much like Liable. To me and to a certain degree, they imply the same thing and seem a redundant use of the English language. Yes, I know they are different words and I know that they mean slightly different things, but why not create a different word that sounds nothing alike?
He was accused of libel for printing lies about the girl. He was liable for printing lies about the girl. Honestly, what's the difference at the end of the day? :<
Reference
Libel. (n.d.). Merriam-Webster.com. Retrieved December 4, 2013, from http://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/libel
Wednesday, December 4, 2013
Artic (Arctic)
Today's Word I Hate To Say is Artic!
Technically speaking, there is no such word as Artic, however it is a highly misused word for Arctic.
Merriam-Webster Dictionary - Artic
obsolete variant of arctic
ar·tic noun \ȧˈtik\
-s
Brit
: semitrailer 2
short for articulated lorry
Since the only real definition of artic is actually a British abbreviation or slang for semitrailer, actually called an articulated lorry, I find this word highly annoying. The true word is pronounced ARC-TIC, as in the Arctic Circle is way up North or let's go eat at Arctic Circle (for all you North-Westerners in the USA out there) home of the ORIGINAL Fry Sauce!
Artic is a word that I can best describe as a lazy word, a hillbilly word, or God-love-them, a redneck word! Those who use it, and I must admit, I too am guilty of being this lazy, are just uneducated as to the correct word, or are falling into their regional slang.
Tighten up the tongue people. Right the ship! It is Arctic... As in it's way too stinking cold to care up there in the Arctic Circle!
Reference
Artic. (n.d.). Merriam-Webster.com. Retrieved December 4, 2013, from http://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/artic
Technically speaking, there is no such word as Artic, however it is a highly misused word for Arctic.
Merriam-Webster Dictionary - Artic
obsolete variant of arctic
ar·tic noun \ȧˈtik\
-s
Brit
: semitrailer 2
short for articulated lorry
Since the only real definition of artic is actually a British abbreviation or slang for semitrailer, actually called an articulated lorry, I find this word highly annoying. The true word is pronounced ARC-TIC, as in the Arctic Circle is way up North or let's go eat at Arctic Circle (for all you North-Westerners in the USA out there) home of the ORIGINAL Fry Sauce!
Artic is a word that I can best describe as a lazy word, a hillbilly word, or God-love-them, a redneck word! Those who use it, and I must admit, I too am guilty of being this lazy, are just uneducated as to the correct word, or are falling into their regional slang.
Tighten up the tongue people. Right the ship! It is Arctic... As in it's way too stinking cold to care up there in the Arctic Circle!
Reference
Artic. (n.d.). Merriam-Webster.com. Retrieved December 4, 2013, from http://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/artic
Tuesday, December 3, 2013
Heinous
After a busy weekend, I am back with my new Word I Hate To Say - Heinous!
Merriam-Webster Dictionary - Heinous
hei·nous adjective \ˈhā-nəs\
: hatefully or shockingly evil : abominable
— hei·nous·ly (adverb)
— hei·nous·ness (noun)
Today's word Heinous was made disturbingly popular by the police/homicide TV drama Law & Order: SVU, this word simply grates on me! Why? I am not sure, however, every time I hear the SVU monologue as my wife tunes in to watch, I suddenly want to find an old school blackboard to run my fingernails down!
Here is the introduction monologue for SVU - "In the criminal justice system, sexually-based offenses are considered especially heinous. In New York City, the dedicated detectives who investigate these vicious felonies are members of an elite squad known as the Special Victims Unit. These are their stories."
I ask the question - why? Why is it so difficult to simply say that a "crime was very bad" or "was especially gruesome?" It is my opinion that speaking a word such as heinous is especially abominable! Seriously, if you read the dictionary's suggested words that rhyme, you get a list that looks like this... anus, feyness, gayness, grayness, Janus, manus. This is not exactly the cream of the crop of words to rhyme with!
Reference
Heinous. (n.d.). Merriam-Webster.com. Retrieved December 3, 2013, from http://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/heinous
Larissa and Friends' Bookish Life. (image) (n.d.). Retrieved December 3, 2013, from http://www.larissaslife.com/2010_05_01_archive.html
Merriam-Webster Dictionary - Heinous
hei·nous adjective \ˈhā-nəs\
: very bad or evil : deserving of hate or contempt
— hei·nous·ly (adverb)
— hei·nous·ness (noun)
Today's word Heinous was made disturbingly popular by the police/homicide TV drama Law & Order: SVU, this word simply grates on me! Why? I am not sure, however, every time I hear the SVU monologue as my wife tunes in to watch, I suddenly want to find an old school blackboard to run my fingernails down!
Here is the introduction monologue for SVU - "In the criminal justice system, sexually-based offenses are considered especially heinous. In New York City, the dedicated detectives who investigate these vicious felonies are members of an elite squad known as the Special Victims Unit. These are their stories."
I ask the question - why? Why is it so difficult to simply say that a "crime was very bad" or "was especially gruesome?" It is my opinion that speaking a word such as heinous is especially abominable! Seriously, if you read the dictionary's suggested words that rhyme, you get a list that looks like this... anus, feyness, gayness, grayness, Janus, manus. This is not exactly the cream of the crop of words to rhyme with!
Reference
Heinous. (n.d.). Merriam-Webster.com. Retrieved December 3, 2013, from http://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/heinous
Larissa and Friends' Bookish Life. (image) (n.d.). Retrieved December 3, 2013, from http://www.larissaslife.com/2010_05_01_archive.html
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