Onomatopoeia

Today's Word I Hate To Say is Onomatopoeia!

Merriam-Webster Dictionary - Onomatopoeia
on·o·mato·poe·ia noun \ˌä-nə-ˌmä-tə-ˈpē-ə, -ˌma-\
: the creation of words that imitate natural sounds

Full Definition of ONOMATOPOEIA
1:  the naming of a thing or action by a vocal imitation of the sound associated with it (as buzz, hiss)
2:  the use of words whose sound suggests the sense
— on·o·mato·poe·ic  or on·o·mato·po·et·ic  adjective
— on·o·mato·poe·i·cal·ly  or on·o·mato·po·et·i·cal·ly adverb

Examples of ONOMATOPOEIA
Buzz and hiss are examples of onomatopoeia.
The term hiccup is an example of onomatopoeia … —Fred Cicetti, Montague Reporter, 6 Mar. 2008

Origin of ONOMATOPOEIA
Late Latin, from Greek onomatopoiia, from onomat-, onoma name + poiein to make — more at poet

First Known Use: circa 1577

So today's Word I Hate To Say is that obnoxious word from late elementary school to early junior high... Onomatopoeia.  I remember thinking it was so fun to say and then all my classmates and I would walk around saying it.  In fact, I think this is where hip-hop and early rap began - a bunch of junior high students trying to find words that rhyme with Onomatopoeia!

As for why I can't stand the word is that is just has too many syllables - 6 if I counted correctly. It is a mouth-full of vowels and contestants jumbled together... it is like someone sneezed and that is what came out.  The word seems as cheesy as the old Batman and Robin shows of old during a fight scene...  "Pow" "Zap" "Kabaam!"

At the end of the day...  Onomatopoeia is just what it sounds like I guess!

Reference
Onomatopoeia. (n.d.). Merriam-Webster.com. Retrieved January 17, 2014, from http://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/onomatopoeia

Onomatopoeia. (image) (December 03, 2010). Teacher Albert. Retrieved January 17, 2014, from http://tx.english-ch.com/teacher/albert/level-a/onomatopoeia/

Encumbered

Today's Word I Hate To Say is Encumbered!

Merriam-Webster Dictionary - Encumbered
en·cum·ber transitive verb \in-ˈkəm-bər\
: to make (someone or something) hold or carry something heavy

: to cause problems or difficulties for (someone or something)
en·cum·bereden·cum·ber·ing

Full Definition of ENCUMBER
1:  weigh down, burden <tourists encumbered by heavy luggage>
2:  to impede or hamper the function or activity of :  hinder <negotiations encumbered by a lack of trust>
3:  to burden with a legal claim (as a mortgage) <encumber an estate>

Origin of ENCUMBER
Middle English encombren, from Anglo-French encumbrer, from en- + Middle French combre dam, weir
First Known Use: 14th century

Encumbered or Unencumbered... either way, I don't like it!  This word is irritating to me for only one reason that I can think of... it reminds me and sounds like cucumber.

First, let me say that I love a great pickle.  +Vlasic pickles, especially the Zesty variety are my favorite!  However, if you can find a place with a giant pickle jar filled with garlic pickles, you are golden!!

Sorry... I got lost in thought for a moment...  As I was saying, I dislike the word(s) Encumbered and Unencumbered because they remind me of a cucumber.  As much as I like pickles made from cucumbers, I very much dislike fresh cucumbers...  This may be the real reason the word is on my list!

Have a great day!

References
Encumber. (n.d.). Merriam-Webster.com. Retrieved January 15, 2014, from http://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/encumber

Ariail, R. (image) (October 16, 2010). Encumbered. Retrieved January 15, 2014, from http://robertariail.com/2010/10/16/encumbered/

Wonky

First I wanted to apologize for the lack of post this past few days.  As with everyone from time to time, the busyness was overwhelming and I simply ran out of time to post.  So without further ado...

Today's Word I Hate To Say is Wonky!

Merriam-Webster Dictionary - Wonky
won·ky adjective \ˈwäŋ-kē\
won·ki·erwon·ki·est

Definition of WONKY
1 British :  unsteady, shaky
2 chiefly British :  awry, wrong

Examples of WONKY
- a wonky bureaucrat in the State Department
- She enjoys reading about tax law and other wonky stuff.
- He has a wonky knee.

Origin of WONKY
-probably alteration of English dialect wankle, from Middle English wankel, from Old English wancol; akin to Old High German wankōn to totter — more at wench

First Known Use: 1918.

So, today's Word I Hate To Say is one of those words that just seems, to me, to be pointless to use.  Rather than just say "the bridge is unsteady" or "After getting up too quickly I felt shaky," people try to get fancy (Notice that the word is derived from an Old High German word) and use the word Wonky instead.

Now, I try not to pick on people groups too much, but wonky reminds me of honky and honky reminds me of honky-tonk... and ultimately a honky-tonk is attended by rednecks and hillbillies. How's that for six-degrees of separation?

And... who couldn't think of Mr. Willy when you hear the word Wonky? Yes, I know it is Wonka, but close enough to spur the thought!

Wonky is a great way to describe the use of the word Wonky.  It seems like someone who uses it has simply let their mouth go awry!  ;)

Reference
Wonky. (n.d.). Merriam-Webster.com. Retrieved January 14, 2014, from http://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/wonky

(image) (December 29, 2009).  Update: Wonky pt. 2 (don’t call it Wonky). Retrieved January 14, 2014, from http://www.thebeatery.com/update-wonky-pt-2-dont-call-it-wonky

(image) (January, 2014). Retrieved July 7, 2015, from https://thebrotherhoodofevilgeeks.files.wordpress.com/2014/01/willy-wonka-and-the-chocolate-factory-willy-wonka-and-the-chocolate-factory-17594222-640-480.jpg

Nth

Today's Word I Hate To Say is Nth!

Merriam-Webster Dictionary - Nth
nth adjective \ˈen(t)th\
—used to refer to an unknown number in a series of numbers

Full Definition of NTH
1:  numbered with an unspecified or indefinitely large ordinal number <for the nth time>
2:  extreme, utmost <to the nth degree>

Examples of NTH
<exaggerates to the nth degree about everything she ever did>

Origin of NTH
n (indefinite number) + -th
First Known Use: 1827

Today's word is one that some question its validity of being a word in the English language.  Nth is considered a legitimate word, is available for use in Scrabble and other word games, yet does not meet the standards of a word.  It has no vowel, yet somehow it has meaning and a pronunciation.

So why does this word irritate me?  I really do not know.  It just doesn't roll of the tongue... it requires another word to bring clarity such as the infamous "Nth Degree."  Whatever the reason it rubs me wrong, I just wish people would quantify the number they mean rather than using an obscure reference such as Nth!

Reference
Nth. (n.d.). Merriam-Webster.com. Retrieved January 9, 2014, from http://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/nth

The Nth Degree Club (image) (n.d.) LukeWoodHouse.com. Retrieved January 9, 2014, from http://www.lukewoodhouse.com/the-nth-degree-club/

Supplant

Today's Word I Hate To Say is Supplant!

Merriam-Webster Dictionary - Supplant
sup·plant transitive verb \sə-ˈplant\
: to take the place of (someone or something that is old or no longer used or accepted)

Full Definition of SUPPLANT
1:  to supersede (another) especially by force or treachery
2 a (1) obsolete :  uproot (2) :  to eradicate and supply a substitute for <efforts to supplant the vernacular>
   b :  to take the place of and serve as a substitute for especially by reason of superior excellence    or power
— sup·plan·ta·tion  noun
— sup·plant·er  noun

Examples of SUPPLANT
<old traditions that were fading away and being supplanted by modern ways>

Origin of SUPPLANT
Middle English, from Anglo-French supplanter, from Latin supplantare to trip up, cause to stumble, from sub- + planta sole of the foot — more at place
First Known Use: 14th century

MyDigitalComics - Supplanter

To supplant, to take by force, or to commit treachery.  The word supplant makes me feel like committing treachery when I hear it!  For some reason, the word seems like it should be pronounced as surplant... likely it is because I have heard others mispronounce it so often that is seems correct.

Unfortunately, in the world we live in today, there are many who have the drive and desire to supplant the old traditions, as well as the tried and true ways of doing things.  We see this the news, in politics, in the workplace, and even in our homes.  There is a loss in our culture of the value of roots and traditions.  Some would say traditions are "a thing of the past," others say they are "meant to be broken;" however, I say that traditions are an anchor that grounds us during the storms of life.  I believe without our roots and traditions, we will lose our identity both individually and as nations.

For those who wish to incur the wrath of time, feel free to supplant those in authority, those with wisdom, and the traditions of our past.  For those who wish to incur my wrath, simply use the word supplant.  ;)

References
Supplant. (n.d.). Merriam-Webster.com. Retrieved January 8, 2014, from http://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/supplant

Supplanter <image> (n.d.) MyDigitalComics.com. Retrieved January 8, 2014, from http://www.mydigitalcomics.com/product.aspx?id=e326ce7c-3f2a-4182-b3b8-06012f3efc00

Buffet

Today's Word I Hate To Say is Buffet!

Merriam-Webster Dictionary - Buffet
buf·fet noun \ˈbə-fət\
Definition #1 of BUFFET
1:  a blow especially with the hand
2:  something that strikes with telling force

Origin of BUFFET
Middle English, from Anglo-French, diminutive of buffe blow
First Known Use: 13th century

buffet verb
: to hit (something) with great force many times

Definition #2 of BUFFET
transitive verb
1:  to strike sharply especially with the hand :  cuff
2:  to strike repeatedly :  batter <the waves buffeted the shore>
3:  to drive, force, move, or attack by or as if by repeated blows
intransitive verb
:  to make one's way especially under difficult conditions
 See buffet defined for English-language learners »

Examples of BUFFET
The strong winds buffeted the ship.
<fierce winds buffeted the small sailboat>

First Known Use of BUFFET
13th century

buf·fet noun \(ˌ)bə-ˈfā, bü-ˈ, British especially ˈbü-ˌ\
Definition #3 of BUFFET
1:  sideboard
2 a :  a counter for refreshments
   b chiefly British :  a restaurant operated as a public convenience (as in a railway station)
   c :  a meal set out on a buffet or table for ready access and informal service

Origin of BUFFET
French

First Known Use: 
1718

buf·fet adjective \same as 3\
Definition #4 of BUFFET
:  served informally (as from a buffet)

First Known Use of BUFFET
1898

Ok.  Why would anyone hate a word such as Buffet?  Who doesn't love a good buffet with food steaming hot and the desserts piled high?  Well, that type of buffet I love! It is the pronunciation of the first few definitions that bug me.

Buf-Fet - to Buf-Fet or Buf-Feting is just an irritating sound to me as apposed to the French version of Buffet (Buffae).  This is unusual too since I would prefer the literal sound of a word over that of a word derived from another language entirely.

I dislike driving down the road and being buffeted by the wind to the degree I have to manhandle the steering wheel to stay between the lines.  I dislike the feeling of being buffeted when facing extreme stress and difficulties.  I would much rather slide up to a buffet and get a nice helping of roast beef and potatoes... Then return for some more!

Reference
Buffet. (n.d.). Merriam-Webster.com. Retrieved January 7, 2014, from http://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/buffet

Twerk

Today's Word I Hate To Say is Twerk!

Come on...  You knew I had to do this one since it is now an accepted word in +Words with Friends and in the Oxford Dictionary!  Thank you +Miley Cyrus ... NOT!

Oxford Dictionary - Twerk
twerk
Syllabification: (twerk)
Pronunciation: /twərk/

verb
[no object] informal
1: dance to popular music in a sexually provocative manner involving thrusting hip movements and 2:a low, squatting stance:

Examples:
just wait till they catch their daughters twerking to this song
twerk it girl, work it girl

Origin:
1990s: probably an alteration of work

Urban Dictionary - Twerk

The rhythmic gyrating of the lower fleshy extremities in a lascivious manner with the intent to elicit sexual arousal or laughter in ones intended audience

Hey Girl, lets Twerk on the dance floor.

Tweets about Twerking vs Syria

#Twerk or #Twerking... These words give me a painful flashback to the 90's craze #Ebonics! I remember hearing, when I was younger, that California was actually considering teaching Ebonics in schools as a legitimate 2nd language.  Twerk is like the last hurrah of a 25 year hangover!

Twerking made its mark on the world through the viral resource of +YouTube.  Sadly, as most disturbing viral video trends go, this one caught on and was thrust (maybe a bad choice of words) upon us all by the increasingly odd behavior of Ms +Miley Cyrus.  It is my professional opinion that Billy Ray Cyrus should have spent more time spanking her rebellious butt that getting nude with her for photo shoots and being #BFFs.

But I digress! I am tired of hearing the word(s), I am tired of seeing the word(s), and I am tired of all the attention Miley Cyrus is getting over her skinny butt's attempt at being cool/sexual/disgusting/etc.

Reference
twerk. (n.d.) Oxford Dictionaries.com. Oxford University Press. Retrieved January 5, 2014, from http://www.oxforddictionaries.com/us/definition/american_english/twerk

twerk. (n.d.) Urban Dictionary.com. Retrieved January 5, 2014, from http://www.urbandictionary.com/define.php?term=twerk  +Urban Dictionary TV 

Watercutter, A. (September 18, 2013)  Yes, We’ve Been Talking a Lot More About Twerking Than Syria on Twitter. Retrieved January 9, 2014, from http://www.wired.com/underwire/2013/09/twitter-data-twerking-vs-syria/

Scruple

Today's Word I Hate To Say is Scruple!

Merriam-Webster Dictionary - Scruple
scru·ple noun \ˈskrü-pəl\

Definition #1 of SCRUPLE (noun)
1:  a unit of capacity equal to 1⁄24 Apothecaries' ounce — see weight table
2:  a minute part or quantity :  iota

Origin of SCRUPLE
Middle English scrupil, scriple, from Anglo-French scruple, from Latin scrupulus a unit of weight, diminutive of scrupus sharp stone
First Known Use: 14th century

Definition #2 of SCRUPLE (noun)
1:  an ethical consideration or principle that inhibits action
2:  the quality or state of being scrupulous
3:  mental reservation

Origin of SCRUPLE
Middle English scripil, scrupill, from Anglo-French scruble, from Latin scrupulus, diminutive of scrupus source of uneasiness, literally, sharp stone
First Known Use: 15th century

Definition #3 of SCRUPLE (intransitive verb)
: to be unwilling to do something because you think it is improper, morally wrong, etc.
scru·pledscru·pling 
1:  to have scruples
2:  to show reluctance on grounds of conscience :  hesitate
First Known Use of SCRUPLE - 1627

WEIGHT AND MEASURES1
UNIT	ABBREVIATION OR SYMBOL
EQUIVALENTS IN OTHER UNITS OF SAME SYSTEM	METRIC EQUIVALENT
WEIGHT
Avoirdupois2
ton
short ton		20 short hundredweight, 2000 pounds	0.907 metric ton
long ton		20 long hundredweight, 2240 pounds	1.016 metric ton
hundredweight	cwt
short hundredweight		100 pounds, 0.05 short tons	45.359 kilograms
long hundredweight		112 pounds, 0.05 long ton	50.802 kilograms
pound	lb or lb avdp also #	16 ounces, 7000 grains	0.454 kilogram
ounce	oz or oz avdp	16 drams, 437.5 grains, 0.0625 pound	28.350 grams
dram	dr or dr avdp	27.344 grains, 0.0625 ounce	1.772 grams
grain	gr	0.037 dram, 0.002286 ounce	0.0648 gram
Troy
pound	lb t	12 ounces, 240 pennyweight, 5760 grains	0.373 kilogram
ounce	oz t	20 pennyweight, 480 grains, 0.083 pound	31.103 grams
pennyweight	dwt also pwt	24 grains, 0.05 ounce	1.555 grams
grain	gr	0.042 pennyweight, 0.002083 ounce	0.0648 gram
Apothecaries'
pound	lb ap	12 ounces, 5760 grains	0.373 kilogram
ounce	oz ap	8 drams, 480 grains, 0.083 pound	31.103 grams
dram	dr ap	3 scruples, 60 grains	3.888 grams
scruple	s ap	20 grains, 0.333 dram	1.296 grams
grain	gr	0.05 scruple, 0.002083 ounce, 0.0166 dram	0.0648 gram
CAPACITY
U.S. liquid measure
gallon	gal	4 quarts (231 cubic inches)	3.785 liters
quart	qt	2 pints (57.75 cubic inches)	0.946 liter
pint	pt	4 gills (28.875 cubic inches	473.176 milliliters
gill	gi	4 fluid ounces (7.219 cubic inches)	118.294 milliliters
fluid ounce	fl oz	8 fluid drams (1.805) cub inches)	29.573 milliliters
fluid dram	fl dr	60 minims (0.226 cubic inch)	3.697 milliliters
minim	min	1/60 fluid dram (0.003760 cubic inch)	0.061610 milliliter
U.S. dry measure
bushel	bu	4 pecks (2150.42 cubic inches)	35.239 liters
peck	pk	8 quarts (537.605 cubic inches)	8.810 liters
quart	qt	2 pints (67.201 cubic inches)	1.101 liters
pint	pt	½ quart (33.600 cubic inches)	0.551 liter
British imperial liquid and dry measure
bushel	bu	4 pecks (2219.36 cubic inches)	36.369 liters
peck	pk	2 gallons (554.84 cubic inches)	9.092 liters
gallon	gal	4 quarts (277.420 cubic inches)	4.546 liters
quart	qt	2 pints (69.355 cubic inches)	1.136 liters
pint	pt	4 gills (34.678 cubic inches)	568.26 milliliters
gill	gi	5 fluid ounces (8.669 cubic inches)	142.066 milliliters
fluid ounce	fl oz	8 fluid drams (1.7339 cubic inches)	28.412 milliliters
fluid dram	fl dr	60 minims (0.216734 cubic inch)	3.5516 milliliters
minim	min	1/60 fluid dram (0.003612 cubic inch)	0.059194 milliliter
LENGTH
mile	mi	5280 feet, 1760 yards, 320 rods	1.609 kilometers
rod	rd	5.50 yards, 16.5 feet	5.029 meters
yard	yd	3 feet, 36 inches	0.9144 meter
foot	ft or '	12 inches, 0.333 yard	30.48 centimeters
inch	in or "	0.083 foot, 0.028 yard	2.54 centimeters
AREA
square mile	sq mi or mi2	640 acres, 102,400 square rods	2.590 square kilometers
acre		4840 square yards, 43,560 square feet	0.405 hectare, 4047 square meters
square rod	sq rd or rd2	30.25 square yards, 0.00625 acre	25.293 square meters
square yard	sq yd or yd2	1296 square inches, 9 square feet	0.836 square meter
square foot	sq ft or ft2	144 square inches, 0.111 square yard	0.093 square meter
square inch	sq in or in2	0.0069 square foot, 0.00077 square yard	6.452 square centimeters
VOLUME
cubic yard	cu yd or yd3	27 cubic feet, 46,656 cubic inches	0.765 cubic meter
cubic foot	cu ft or ft3	1728 cubic inches, 0.0370 cubic yard	0.028 cubic meter
cubic inch	cu in or in3	0.00058 cubic foot, 0.000021 cubic yard	16.387 cubic centimeters

Ok, Ok... enough of the educational stuff for a minute and let's get to the point of why I hate to say this word!

Scruple, Scruples, Scrupulous, and any other variation of this word rubs me the wrong way.  It is likely the reason for my irritation has nothing to do with the first definition at all, but rather the implied meanings within the 2nd and 3rd definitions.

Maybe it is the "man" inside that wants to rise up to any challenge, or just the person who wants to be seen and ready for anything that dislikes this word.  The idea that someone would say I had no scruples would make me want to rise up to prove them wrong.  Something like - "Don't you talk about my momma," or "I know you didn't just say that" comes to mind.

For now, I would like to address the word scruple from definition #1 - (a unit of capacity equal to 1⁄24 Apothecaries' ounce).  It seems to me that if you compare a scruple to something like a mustard seed, you could develop a great parable like that of the Biblical story of Faith like a Mustard Seed.   Such a small thing is a mustard seed, yet with only a small amount of faith you can move mountains.  So, to put this into modern day perspective, having faith the size of a scruple, you can accomplish great things!

Well, there you go... a positive ending to a Word I Hate To Say!

References
Scruple. (n.d.). Merriam-Webster.com. Retrieved January 4, 2014, from http://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/scruple

Parabola

Today's Word I Hate To Say is Parabola!

Merriam-Webster Dictionary - Parabola
pa·rab·o·la noun \pə-ˈra-bə-lə\
: a curve that is shaped like the path of something that is thrown forward and high in the air and falls back to the ground

1:  a plane curve generated by a point moving so that its distance from a fixed point is equal to its distance from a fixed line :  the intersection of a right circular cone with a plane parallel to an element of the cone
2:  something bowl-shaped (as an antenna or microphone reflector)

Illustration of PARABOLA


Origin of PARABOLA
New Latin, from Greek parabolē, literally, comparison
First Known Use: 1579

Welcome back from that long definition!

So today I choose the word Parabola - pronounced Pa-Rab-Ola, not how it is written... Para-Bola!  The reason I chose this word today is because my wife has been working on her college math and has been dealing with parabolas.

This word is irritating to me because of my junior high days.  How many kids have fallen victim to this word at the most awkward time in life, in the most unforgiving place on earth... Middle School?  Either we were asked to read a definition or explain the math process of a parabola or we didn't pay attention when the teacher said the word correctly and then we sounded ignorant, in front of the whole class, by asking what a Para-Bola was!  It is just a cruel word, with nothing but cruel intentions for the unsuspecting pre-teen.

Not that I have ever experienced this issue or anything... Yeah, right!  :)

Reference
Parabola. (n.d.). Merriam-Webster.com. Retrieved January 3, 2014, from http://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/parabola

Trepidation

Today's Word I Hate To Say is Trepidation!

Merriam-Webster Dictionary - Trepidation
trep·i·da·tion noun \ˌtre-pə-ˈdā-shən\
: a feeling of fear that causes you to hesitate because you think something bad or unpleasant is going to happen

1 archaic :  a tremulous motion :  tremor
2 :  a nervous or fearful feeling of uncertain agitation :  apprehension <trepidation about starting a new job>

The word trepidation is a word that brings agitation to me. I really cannot give any good reason for the agitation; however, the frustration remains.  Maybe it is how others use the word, maybe it is has to do with the way it is spelled, but it is like I should Trep-toe through the daisies - it is just unpleasant. LOL

Anyway, I hope you enjoyed and learned something about today's Word I Hate To Say!

Reference
Trepidation. (n.d.). Merriam-Webster.com. Retrieved January 2, 2014, from http://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/trepidation