Today at writing group, we revealed our favorite words as the conclusion to an exercise assigned at our last meeting. I hadn’t done any of my homework, including this, but I’m pretty good at winging it. I scribbled “gargantuan” at the top of my blank page just so I wouldn’t look like a total slacker.
But, do they mean “favorite” as in frequency of use or “favorite” as it sends a shiver of delight down my spine? My verbal frequency list would be embarrassing: “dude” and “ridiculous” would have places of prominence. My verbal ticks should belong to a high-school dropout, but they’re mine mine mine.
I tend to notice words I loathe over words I adore; my glass is never half full. For instance, “very” and “nice” irk me. They demonstrate linguistic (ultimately intellectual) sloth. I prefer “lovely”, “delightful” and “splendid”; however, as a rule, “fantastic”, “super” and “cool” miff me. (Exception: these words work well when being sarcastic.) And, ye gods, “unique” infuriates me. What exactly does it mean? Why not “singular” or “one of a kind”?
Words that thrill: “chap” and “fellow” are charming alternatives to “guy”. “Charming” works. “Cordially” beats “sincerely”. I’m inordinately fond of “fond”. I like “cheery” too. I find “snazzy” all jazzy. I am a minimalist: pith and precision keep language fresh. Using big words for the sake of big words is tacky, although I fall prey to it sometimes.
Freshly coined words delight me. “Craptastic” makes a girl smile while relieving frustration. I have a deepening appreciation for “splendiferous”.
Writing this ditty has made me realize that good writing isn’t about perfect words but about perfect fits because words, like their authors, are social critters. Loner. See, “loner” doesn’t work by itself. Favoritism limits thought. But, it was interesting to note the aural and letter patterns in our lists. The word’s sound matters. There is a physicality and dexterity to language that number people take into account. Precise diction is an art that insures clear communication and provides a rewarding challenge for a writer.
Other words (a growing list inspired by my commentor (is that a word?)):
enchanting
snarky
rambunctious
raucous
