Fall in love with these words
On February 14, let these words draw you in and caress your mind.
You’ll like the way they look. You’ll like the way they sound. Most of all, you’ll like them because they’re unusual, archaic and fun. (If we could only find a way to work them into our press releases.)
What words are you in love with, PR Daily readers? Here are 14 fun ones:
1. Beslobber — to smear with spittle or anything running from the mouth.
In this drunken and beslobbered state, Jacob returned to the hotel.
2. Denouement — the final outcome of a story, generally occurring after the climax of the plot.
I’ve just reached the dénouement in Les Miserables in which Jean Valjean tells his story.
3. Disingenuous — not straightforward or candid; insincere and calculating.
It’s disingenuous to encourage others to donate when you have no intention of donating yourself.
4. Mundungus — a foul smelling tobacco; animal waste (not just a character from the “Harry Potter” series).
I’m looking for any excuse to use “mundungus” in a conversation.
5. Nonplussed — bewildered or unsure of how to respond. (That look when someone’s been blindsided in a conversation or meeting.)
This level of political in-fighting leaves me completely nonplussed.
6. Onomatopoeia — the naming of something by a vocal imitation of the sound associated with it (hiccup, hiss, thud).
Don’t practice your onomatopoeia on me.
7. Parvenu — a person who suddenly rises to a higher social or economic class, but who has not gained acceptance in that class.
Though his business was making him a fortune, the city’s elites still shunned him at parties, deeming him a nouveau riche parvenu.
8. Pensive — engaging in serious thought or reflection; given to earnest musing that implies anxiety, depression or gloom. (Think “Hamlet.”)
It’s Monday morning; a pensive gloom has settled over the office.
9. Perspicacity — keen insight; power to mentally grasp or understand clearly.
Perspicacity can be a gift and a curse.
10. Popliteal — the area behind the knee.
She was sensitive in the popliteal area, leaving her defenseless to a tickling attack.
11. Portmanteau — a large suitcase or trunk that opens into two equal parts.
That portmanteau won’ t fit in the overhead bin and must be checked.
12. Sesquipedalian— measuring 18 inches; a long word; a person who uses long words.
Don’t involve me in your sequispedalian schemes.
13. Supercilious — having or showing arrogant superiority to and disdain for those viewed as unworthy.
The people found Marie Antoinette’s declaration to let the poor “eat cake” supercilious.
14. Vestibule— a small hallway or passage between the outer door and the interior of a house or building.
Cold, dark, and imposing, the church vestibule is not very welcoming.
This post was first published on Ragan Communication’s PR Daily.
