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/