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October 05, 2005
When Words Mean the Wrong Thing
I like words that hint at their meaning through their sound. Onomatopoeia, of course, is the classic example. Bells clang and jangle, doors slam, puddles splash. But other words, too, seem to closely link sound and definition (or at least connotation). For example, contumacious just sounds like it means "insubordinate; rebellious." Or "ebullience". The l's, the long vowels, and the rolling cadence practically give away the definition: "the quality of lively or enthusiastic expression of thoughts and feelings."
But then there's words whose sound and meaning refuse -- for some reason or another -- to abide peacefully in my mind. My connotation detector fails, sometimes in a most splendidly obvious fashion. So I keep two dictionaries in my head. The one: common American usage in all its denotative glory. The other: my secret wishes of what certain words should mean...
Obloquy. My intuitive, personal dictionary says that "obloquy" should mean "a difficult to understand speach." Part "obtuse," part "soliloquy." (It's a lot more biting than that. It means "abusively detractive language; sharp criticism; vituperation.")
Puissance. Surely this word was supposed to mean "cowardice, fear." The smirking "oooo" sound and the nasty double "s" demands it! Boxers should circle each other ominously, jeering, "What a puissant fellow." (Though, if they did, they'd actually be complimenting him since "puissance" means "strength.")
Salubrious. I want this word to mean "greasy" in that overly suave, ingratiating way, I suppose because there's an echo of "lubricate" in there. But can't you just imagine a salubrious man with his perfect, cheesy smile, announcer voice, and slicked back hair? Ah. (Instead, it means "promoting health of well-being.")
Sedulous. I desperately want to define this word as "moving slowly and seductively." It rolls off the tongue so lazily. You could dance sedulously or watch the sedulous movement of tree branches in the breeze. (Instead, it means "diligent, persistent; hardworking.")
Temerity. It smacks of "timidity." At some point in the future, I will likely have the impulse to say something like "She has the temerity of a mouse." (Which would be fine, if I thought that mice had "boldness, brashness, and intrepidness.")
I wonder how hard it would be to snag the editor-in-chief job for the Oxford American Dictionary and make a few personal changes...
Words | By elissa | 04:05 PM
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Comments
Someone studying for the GRE?
Posted by: Rebekah at October 5, 2005 04:38 PM
only until tomorrow...
Posted by: elissa at October 5, 2005 08:38 PM
Wow, it takes a special way of thinking to write a blog like this. Your awesome.
Posted by: Ellis at October 7, 2005 10:35 AM
Thanks, Ellie, for calling me special ;)
God caused the GRE to be vanquished by my hand (or at least my mouse clicking). I got my target score and I never, ever want to have to take it again! I am currently a relieved puddle of exhausted neurons.
Posted by: elissa at October 7, 2005 12:46 PM
Celebrations are in order.
Posted by: mesh at October 7, 2005 12:49 PM
Way to go on the GRE. Unlike the SAT, there is never, ever pressure to take it again. Beautiful thing!! Way to rock that mouse.
Posted by: Ellis at October 10, 2005 12:56 PM
