Draconian

Today's Word I Hate To Say is Draconian!

MERRIAM-WEBSTER DICTIONARY - DRACONIAN

draconian

adjective, dra·co·ni·an often capitalized \drā-ˈkō-nē-ən, drə-\

Full Definition of DRACONIAN

1
:  of, relating to, or characteristic of Draco or the severe code of laws held to have been framed by him
2

:  cruel; also :  severe <draconian littering fines>

Examples of DRACONIAN

The editorial criticizes the draconian measures being taken to control the spread of the disease.

Origin of DRACONIAN

Latin Dracon-, Draco, from Greek Drakōn Draco (Athenian lawgiver)

First Known Use: 1775

So today's word I hate to say is Draconian!  This word has been gaining popularity over the past few years and with the current US Election cycle, we are hearing it more nearly every day.

Draconian refers to something that is severe or cruel.  I often think of it meaning harsh and archaic as well.  The word sounds old and even has an old look to it.  What I mean is that it is similar to Dragon (Dracon) and Dracula (Drac).  Both the words Dragon and Dracula seem mystical and things of legends and myths - I believe that this is why Draconian seems old a mysterious as well.

My irritation with the word, like many others, is that because is sounds similar to the aforementioned words, it seems like this word was sloppily put together as a mash-up of words.  Could I even say it seems a lazy word?!  Some might even say this word sounds similar to the words President Bush "W" was accused of making us in his speeches...  "Transponderate" "Specificate" "Misunderestimate" - Ok!  I made up the first 2, but the 3rd is an actual word made up by President Bush!

So there you have it... Having to say or hear the word Draconian is a draconian practice!

REFERENCE
"Draconian." Merriam-Webster.com. Merriam-Webster, n.d. Web. 4 Nov. 2015.

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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!