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

Rubric

Today's Word I Hate To Say is Rubric!

Merriam-Webster Dictionary - Rubric

rubric
noun ru·bric \ˈrü-brik, -ˌbrik\

Full Definition of RUBRIC
1 a :  an authoritative rule; especially :  a rule for conduct of a liturgical service
   b (1) :  name, title; specifically :  the title of a statute (2) :  something under which a thing is      classed :      category <the sensations falling under the general rubric, “pressure” — F. A. Geldard>
   c :  an explanatory or introductory commentary :  gloss; specifically :  an editorial interpolation

2:  a heading of a part of a book or manuscript done or underlined in a color (as red) different from the rest

3:  an established rule, tradition, or custom

4:  a guide listing specific criteria for grading or scoring academic papers, projects, or tests

— rubric or ru·bri·cal \-bri-kəl\ adjective

— ru·bri·cal·ly \-bri-k(ə-)lē\ adverb

Origin of RUBRIC

Middle English rubrike red ocher, heading in red letters of part of a book, from Anglo-French, from Latin rubrica, from rubr-, ruber red

First Known Use: 14th century

It is hard to imagine a person who, having been a college professor, would hate this word Rubric.  Well, I am just such a person!  

The word Rubric to me sounds like someone who is stuttering over the word Rubik - which we all know is that frustrating 6-sided, 9-tiled cube from our childhood.  That is really the point it think... when I was a child, I had never heard of the word Rubric, but I was very familiar with the word, puzzle, and game Rubik!  So, for what it worth, I will take my Rubik cube and you can have my Rubric!

Reference
Rubric. (n.d.). Retrieved June 30, 2015, from http://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/rubric

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

Peasy

Ok...

So I sincerely apologize for my long break from posting the words I hate.  My life has become exceptionally busy as of late with my teaching at the college, my kids having 13th birthdays, my family life, and various other things that generally consume one's time and days.

So, with all that... I am back with my next Word I Hate To Say - Peasy, Peezy, or Peasey!

Macmillan Dictionary - Peasy
ADJECTIVE 
BRITISH - INFORMAL 
British English pronunciation: easy-peasy /ˌiːzi ˈpiːzi/ 
- extremely easy.
This word is used mainly by children or when speaking to children.

First, I wish to state for the record, that this is not even a legitimate word.  Unless you consider the Urban Dictionary credible, there is no such word as Peasy in the English language.  Because of this, I get tired of hearing it, tired of hearing kids say it, and get utterly irritated that kids are being taught this word in elementary school.  No wonder our educational systems are a disgrace... we teach kids fiction and nonsense like Evolution, safe-sex, and imaginary words!

Secondly, as if I need to provide more reason to gripe...  Adults wander around saying easy-peasy lemon squeezy as if that is an common everyday phrase.  IT IS NOT unless you are addressing a preschooler (then refer to point number one above) and isn't much easier just to say that something is easy or simple?

Grow up people!  Teach our young well and the world will be a better place!  Ugh!

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