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.

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Effulgence – Wordplay Wednesday™ 11/01/17

First Light of the Holiday Season 

I know … it’s difficult to leave behind the heady mystique and spiritual effervescence of October. It’s time now though, to welcome the charity and spirit of Thanksgiving and the Holiday Season, with open arms, and …

EFFULGENCE (e fulʹjɘns, i-) n. – great brightness; radiance; brilliance  [WW #136]

This time of year cannot but add a little sparkle and effulgence into the dreariest of lives … if you let it … if you give it.

Many have suffered this year, in acts of nature and the brutality of evil. It is not easy to look up from that if you are coping with the aftereffects. For some, the only way is to seek the effulgence, however dim it may appear, at first.

A wrap-up story in the Santa Rosa Press Democrat quoted a survivor of California’s historically worst wildfires last month, and demonstrates the pain and poignancy. “…‛We’re homeless,’ she said — not sadly at all, more like she was announcing a forthcoming trip to Paris. ‛They say it’s good to experience new things as we grow older,’ she said, leaning on her cane. ‛And I’ve never been homeless before.’”

Even through anguish, the aroma of a simple turkey-and-gravy frozen dinner can evoke effulgence and fond memories of Thanksgivings past, and gratitude for survival, present.

We’re heading into a rather somber Holiday Season. For children—of all ages, as we can all be children at this time of year—the season’s effulgence in one string of Holiday lights can brighten a life. Just ask Charlie Brown and Snoopy.

Think charity and thanksgiving this month—offer effulgence to someone who may not otherwise feel the luster of life.

Word Challenge: EFFULGENCE. Feel the light and see the brightness, inside and out, as you fit effulgence into your week of charitable writings.

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

'Til next time ... enjoy a wonderful "wordful" week … 

                       

@PenchantForPen

@Irishwriter

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