I know words are important. They have power. I always talk about them so seriously, but they can also be really fun. So, I thought, “Hey, let’s play with words today!”

I thought it’d be fun to share some that absolutely delight me. I’ll sprinkle in some etymology (not entomology) if appropriate.

Borked – which means not working correctly and comes from the unsuccessful supreme court nomination by Robert Bork in 1987. This is especially fun to use with technology.

Crotchety – you know what that means. It’s the old guy with his pants up under his armpit who screams “get off my lawn” at kids.

Persnickety – fussy, overparticular, picky about the details. I see a librarian (Mrs. Cooke, to be precise) when I think of the word, but I can’t find anything definitive about where it came from, except that it isn’t related to persimmons.

Guff – while we’re on the old timey train, this is a good one. “No guff” is kinda like “word” or “really?” (in ancient Canadian). “Load of guff “just means someone is saying things you think are stupid. It came from an old Scot word for stinky air.

Chortle, chuckle, giggle, and guffaw are good ones. Any word for laughing makes me smile, actually.

Indeed – I absolutely love a well-placed “indeed”. You know, in a Spock-like manner but dropped into everyday conversation.

Conniption – especially when used with “fit”. The origins are mixed. Some say it comes from English, some from the Yiddish word “knipchen”.

Kerfuffle – another gift from the Scots!

I love to laugh (inwardly) when words are misused, and the person has no clue. Especially when they’re being serious or professional or waxing on with their guffy opinions. Some of my faves: irregardless, choiceful, orientated (it’s real, but silly)..oh there are so many, actually. Jordan has some stunners. He used to say “libido” when he meant “placebo”.

And finally, there are the redundantly repetitive phrases: very unique, ATM machine, QT time.

Okay, what are some of your favorites? Please, please, please share in the comments!

In the meantime, remember these things: You are loved. We are all loved. Let’s all be kind. And in all things – progress, not perfection!

Maggie

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Wanna talk about coaching? I do! Email me at maggie@maggiehuffman.com