Nugatory – Wordplay Wednesday™ 12/18/2019

Every Kind Word, Every Charitable Gesture Embodies Christmas

Expecting something big and/or expensive for Christmas? Good for you. Hope you get it. But if you don’t, remember that this time of year, especially, “It’s the thought that counts” …

NUGATORY (nōōʹgɘ tôrʹē) adj. – 1) trifling, worthless; 2) not operative, invalid. [WW #247*]

Although another idiom dear to my heart applies as well, “One person’s junk is another’s treasure,” when it comes to gifts, I don’t believe anything is worth a nugatory label. There is always worth in the spirit of giving and receiving.

Regardless of your religious leanings (or none), we can’t help but know that Christmas Day was born from humble beginnings. So, as we wait another week for the gifts that symbolize those of the Magi, envision the family whose nugatory belongings rested on a burro, while they begged to sleep on a simple mat of hay, in the manger.

From humble beginnings ...

If you think about it, perhaps the lavish gift you expect isn’t what will make you squeal with glee. Recall the simple pleasures of Christmases past, and you may realize a nugatory present to your present self, is a delight to your inner child.

On a lighter side … when I first spotted nugatory I thought the venerable Webster misspelled “Negatory … good buddy!” The 1975 novelty pop tune “Convoy” by C.W. McCall (William Dale Fries) glorified truckers’ CB slang in three-and-a-half amusing minutes of long-haul truckin’ banter that made negatory a household word. The meaning isn’t quite the same … that’s a “no,” as the song quote notes … and it is only referenced in slang dictionaries, but still a fun flap of words.

 

Ah, you wanna give me a 10-9 on that, Pig Pen? Negatory, Pig Pen; you're still too close. Yeah, them hogs is startin' to close up my sinuses. Mercy sakes, you better back off another ten.

Word Challenge: NUGATORY. Don’t get your nugatory and negatory confused, as you fit nugatory into a week of priceless writings.

Learning knows no prejudices or boundaries, and it isn’t fattening! Expanding your mind is a no-cost, simple joy. Do you feel that way too? What’s your inspiration? Share your creative genius and Wordplay Wednesday comments below.

Write first for yourself … only then can you write for others. (L.Rochelle) 

Cheers to learning a new word on Wordplay Wednesday!

@PenchantForPen

@Irishwriter

[LinDee Rochelle is a writer and editor by trade, and an author by way of Rock & Roll. She has published two books in her Blast from Your Past series (of three) about pioneering R&R Radio DJs. True behind-the-mic tales make GREAT Holiday and anytime Gifts available on Amazon (eBook and print): Book 1 – Rock & Roll Radio DJs: The First Five Years 1954-1959; and Book 2 – Rock & Roll Radio DJs: The Swinging Sixties. Coming soon … The Psychedelic Seventies!]

*Note: Dictionary definitions are quoted from Webster’s New World College Dictionary. Yes, we sometimes present them out of “official” context—but that’s half the fun! Think of it as “creative context.”

Endnote: FYI – All links in the PFP site are personally visited, verified, and vetted. Most are linked to commonly accessed sites of reputable note. However, as with everything cyber-security, use at your own discretion.

E-N-Dzzzzzzzz