Words are as simple and complex as human beings.
Like humans, words change. Sometimes into unrecognizable forms.
That makes words endlessly fascinating. And fun to play with. At least for me.
That is one of the reasons I love word prompt site, Creative Copy Challenge.
No, they are not an affiliate. I simply like them.
However, some may have a different view about words and how we use them.
Battle of the Words
Epic battles have been fought over words. Legions of crusaders rally; pens poised in defense of their beliefs.
Words evoke passion. And some battles get downright ugly.
- Verbs used as nouns
- Phrases that become cliché
- Words with meanings lost
I love when client research unearths gems in the internet caverns of words.
Recently, one of my discoveries was a TED talk by language historian Anne Curzan. She attempts to answer the question ~
What makes a word “real”?
Like most TED Talks, this one runs about 17-18 minutes. I think it’s worth it. But then I am a word nerd.
What did you think about the video? Do you agree? Or are you more of a purist?
Remember what I always say ~
There is no right or wrong – just different.
=================
Very interesting! I generally welcome new words that can seem trendy at the time. The most important part of communication, of course, is whether we understand one another. If I say “defriend” and you know exactly what I mean, I’m OK with that. Breaking the rules of proper English and grammar can sometimes be OK. That said, I have some pet-peeves that will probably always make my skin crawl. “Irregardless” and (heaven forbid) “impactful” are at the top of the list. (Perhaps most disturbing is that “defriend” and “impactful” have the red, squiggly you-spelled-it-wrong line underneath them as I type this comment, but “irregardless” doesn’t!)
OMG, Ashley, you hit on one of my pet peeves, too! Irregardless! Another is “early on”. Always has me wanting to shout – early on what??
BTW – OMG has the squiggly line, too, but BTW does not. 😀
What a delightful ted talk! How did you find it. I’m all for new words. I love adorkable language.
Thanks, Anne. I discovered it while doing research for a client post regarding an overused word in wellness programs. I didn’t use it for the client post but so loved it, I decided to use it here. 🙂
She included “hangry.” I love it. 🙂
What a great video! It’s so neat to see how words are decided on. I might have a bit of argument on a few of those choices, but it’s neat to see how our language changes.
Ashley, I was a bit fluffed up about “impactful” as well. My peeve has always been “incentivize.”
I’m with you on the “I” words, Lori. 😉 I did love the video even though I, too, was probably not quite as forgiving on some of those choices. That’s what makes the world go round. 😉