Latter

Today's Word I Hate To Say is Latter!

Merriam-Webster Dictionary - Latter
latter
    Tweet adjective lat·ter \ˈla-tər\
: coming or happening near the end of a process, activity, series, life, etc.

Full Definition of LATTER

1

a :  belonging to a subsequent time or period :  more recent <the latter stages of growth>

b :  of or relating to the end <in their latter days>

c :  recent, present <affected by latter calamities>

2

:  of, relating to, or being the second of two groups or things or the last of several groups or things referred to <of ham and beef the latter meat is cheaper today> <of ham and beef the latter is cheaper today>

Examples of LATTER

1. the latter stages of the process
2. We'll go in the latter half of the year.
3. In his latter years he became blind.
4. … a fundamental trade-off between capitalist prosperity and economic security. As a nation we have chosen to have less of the former in order to have more of the latter. —David A. Stockman, Newsweek, 28 Apr. 1986

Origin of LATTER

Middle English, from Old English lætra, comparative of læt late

First Known Use: before 12th century

Here it is... the Word I Hate To Say for today!  Latter, not ladder.  You don't climb the latter, but the ladder.  You can't climb your ladder in the morning, but you can climb it in the latter part of the day!

This word, largely captured by the Mormons, is used as a term for followers of this religion.  Latter-Day Saints or LDS... not to be confused with LSD.  But then again, LDS and LSD are just about as similar as Latter and Ladder...  Too close for comfort I guess.

Latter... Ugh!  Why does the English language have so many words that either sound the same or sound similar.  With 26 letters in the English alphabet, one would think we could be more creative and unique.  As it is, if Google struggles to decipher the pronunciation between the two words, it is likely that other forms of communication will get it wrong too.


Favorite use of this word I hate to say (Be blessed!)...

Reference
Latter. (n.d.). Retrieved July 7, 2015, from http://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/latter

Image. (n.d.). Retrieved July 7, 2015, from http://www.bookofmormonbroadwaystore.com/media/catalog/product/cache/7/image/9df78eab33525d08d6e5fb8d27136e95/b/o/bom_latter_day_button_copy.png

Video. (May 27, 2011) Retrieved July 7, 2015, from https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Fl-Ai-e65Z8

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

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

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

Genuine

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!

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

• 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