Category: words

Words

~ humoringthegoddess ~ 6 Comments

Do you think that certain words are overused these days?

In conversations, in publications, in social media, there are words that are repeated over and over so much that they often lose their appeal. Their purpose.

I know ~I~ tend to overuse certain words when writing. I’ve caught myself repeating words like “like” and “as if” every other sentence. That’s one of the words/phrases I double check for when I read through something.

I also find myself saying “cool” and “wonderful” and “amazing” a lot. I suppose it doesn’t take much to impress me, and those are the words that instantly come up when I describe something new that I like.

The media is just as guilty of overuse to get a reaction, too “Exciting,” “cutting edge”, “innovative,” and “unprecedented” are just a few of the over-used words referred to in polls on the Internet.

Often these words, when seen, loose the punch they were meant to give. Especially if you overuse them in the same article/story/conversation.

But I also find that when you substitute words for the most popular ones, your pattern of speech changes. If I change out “I had a wonderful day yesterday!” with “I had a superb day yesterday!” does it feel the same? Flow the same? If I say “Her artwork is stunning” instead of “Her work is marvelous,”  does it mean the same thing?

I was thinking this morning about a name for this blog.  I wanted to talk about sharing information or advice or other blogs I enjoy with you. Sharing links or ideas or snippets of conversation that may bring a smile to your face.

Of course, you can also share drugs, diseases, gossip and hatred. Perhaps that’s the double edged sword of many words. They  can be taken either way.

All this came about because I wanted to let you know I enjoy sharing other people’s blogs with you. I know there are a million blogs out there, everyone creating their own niche, their own following. And that you already have too many blogs you are already committed to.

But like a great recipe, if there’s truth and/or humor and/or information to share from someone else’s offerings, it’s worth sharing. If you share because you are impressed and delighted by what you experienced, that’s good. If you share because it is an unpopular opinion or because you want others to be “on your side”,  that’s not as positive.

Try to extend and renovate your vernacular. Wonderful and amazing are great words, but use them sparingly. Find other adjectives for your same-o same-o. Shake it up! Reinvent yourself!

Sharing is cool. So is language. Use both to your embetterment!

 

 

It’s Not That Hard

~ humoringthegoddess ~ 7 Comments

We all look for acknowledgement in our lives.

Whether we admit it or not, we are brought up to seek “approval” from our parents, our friends, our aunts and uncles and fellow churchgoers and those in our social circle.

As we get older, it’s not so much the strict sense of the word “approval” as it is more “kudos.” Words of praise. A slight nod of the head to show that what we are doing is appreciated.

Yet, bad relationships, bad choices, slipped steps and miscalculations lead us to think that kudos and praise and acknowledgement are for other people, not for us.

I am happy to say I am a survivor and purveyor of good news.

Appreciation is always appreciated. 

It’s funny. The blogs and artists I hesitate to post are the ones everyone loves the most. The Angel Tears I make and wonder about others really like. 

Every time I believe in myself and my work, something comes along to sow that seed of doubt. Then the world wobbles and I wonder what in the world I was thinking of. But then a kind word comes my way and I’m back up dancing on the clouds.

And it’s all because someone said something nice to me.

I mean, how hard is it to say someone, something, looks great? Smells great? That someone’s ideas kick butt? That someone looks good in purple? Or that their bright red tennies rock?

I am always trying to find something nice to say to both those I know and those I pass by. I’ve tried to do this most of my life, but more so now days.  With Covid and unemployment and other downers everywhere you look, the world needs a little bit of appreciation.

Your compliment never goes unnoticed, although the degree of reaction varies from person to person.

So does your “Thank You,” your “Great Job”, and your “Awesome.”

So to all my readers, those who comment and those who peek in then pass by, thank you.

You rock.

And so do your tennies.

 

 

Use Your Words

~ humoringthegoddess ~ 5 Comments

 

th (1)What comes to mind when someone describes something as “Mediterranean”? Or  “savory”? When someone is described as a “godfather”, do visions of Marlon Brando come to mind? Or your Uncle Hal?

Descriptive words are as varied as the world is wide.

Having given credit to a very general cliché, let’s think about the concept.   We are conditioned to react to words based on our own experiences. Images flash into our minds before we even can think about them. That is why your choice of words in your writing is so important.

For example, at NLP Language Patters for Advertising  http://blog.nlp-techniques.com/2012/07/mmmmm-write-persuasive-advertising-food/, the author writes: “The menu psychology research found the use of these five descriptor categories in the labels, food descriptions (or both) help increase sales dramatically…Visual (handcrafted, slow-cooked, fork tender); Gustatory (crispy, creamy, spicy, melt-in-your-mouth); Health & Diet Words (low calorie, all natural, organic); Memories/Nostalgia (Ye Olde, Homestyle, Made from Scratch); Geographic (Cajun, Sicilian Style, Southwestern); and Brand Names (Jack Daniels Sauce, Oreo Cookie Ice Cream).

“They also say to avoid what are now considered menu description cliches: zesty, sumptuous, mouth-watering, indulgent, unforgettable, world-famous, smothered, hearty, flavorful, pan-fried, special, and using apostrophes (“”).”

So even when you think you are using creative words you might not be using the right creative words. Describing food is no different than describing thoughts, motions, locations, and ideas. From blogs to novels, descriptive words are the bridge between the mundane and the magical. And as writers we have to be able to dance on that bridge.

I used to be the queen of descriptive words. Every look, every thought, was punctuated with adjectives, as if the reader couldn’t figure out for themselves if the hero was aggressive or merely forward. These were good times, for in them I developed the art of language, and each over-used description eventually was either changed or deleted.

But how do you spice up your writing so others will get your meaning yet interpret things for themselves?

I have a hard time describing my blog as “spectacular” or my art finds as “fantastic” because the words are so generic and over used. But I still want to grab the reader’s attention. I want to tickle a nerve that’s been hidden for quite a while so the reader comes back for more. So in my quest to sell myself and my wares I need to find words that describe me and my craft and hone in on those words. Make them mine.

Developing a writing style of your own is important.  Read others’ writings. The Classics. Descriptive passages from Lord of the Rings or Farewell to Arms might be miles apart in style, but both are endless rivers of creativity. Take a look at free verse or rhymed or sestina  poetry and see how each word is stretched to its full extent.

Then find your own style and stick to it. Now, Stick To It is different than Never Change It. If you have a fancy for words, by all means use them. Then re-read your work and see if you needed all those words to describe your point. If you are a writer of few words, make those count. There are some words that can replace a paragraph. Learn them.

Words are music. They sing, they explain. They carress. They express. And they all are yours for the taking.

Use your words.