Synergy

Today's Word I Hate To Say is Synergy!

Merriam-Webster Dictionary - Synergy

syn·er·gy

noun\ˈsi-nər-jē\

: the increased effectiveness that results when two or more people or businesses work together

Full Definition of SYNERGY

1

:  synergism; broadly :  combined action or operation

2

:  a mutually advantageous conjunction or compatibility of distinct business participants or elements (as resources or efforts)

Examples of SYNERGY

1. A synergy has developed among the different groups working on this project.
2. two companies that have found synergy

Origin of SYNERGY

New Latin synergia, from Greek synergos working together

First Known Use: 1660

Well, I am back.  Many changes in life, but there are still words that frustrate me.  Synergy is a great choice to get re-started on this blog.  

Working in the corporate world this word is thrown around carelessly and often.  To me is sounds like someone was talking and slurred two words together and everyone thought it sounded cool.  Maybe it was a blend of sympathy and energy - maybe it was simple and prodigy.  Who know's?  No matter the reason or combination, it is over used and highly annoying. 

Reference
Synergy. (n.d.). Merriam-Webster.com. Retrieved December 19, 2014, from http://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/synergy

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/

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

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!

Circa

Today's Word I Hate To Say is Circa!

Merriam-Webster Dictionary - Circa
Circa : about or around:  at, in, or of approximately —used especially with dates<born circa 1600>  Circa is abbreviated as "c." or "ca."

Circa is a word that I have begun to hear more and more in reference to time periods.  Whether in an episode of the Antique Roadshow or a documentary on the History Channel, Circa is being overused!

In and of itself, the word Circa is not the problem for me; it is the way that it is used that irritates me so.  i.e. - "This copper pot is Circa 1820's"   or   "Circa 1597 a.d., some explorer set sail for some important place."

Seriously, why can't we just say what we mean...  approximately or about!  Hearing or saying "circa" reminds me of a bad Spongebob episode - "it's fancy talk."  My conclusion is that people who simply want to sound intelligent to others use the word Circa!

Reference
Circa. (n.d.). Merriam-Webster.com. Retrieved November 27, 2013, from http://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/circa

Johnson, E. (image) (October 15, 2012). Breaking News Is Broken and Circa Wants to Fix It. Retrieved November 27, 2013, from http://allthingsd.com/20121015/breaking-news-is-broken-and-circa-wants-to-fix-it/