Build Your Vocabulary Not an ArsenalAfter last week’s perplexing and potentially sly insult with widdershins, yes, this week we have yet another word for your vocabulary’s oh-so-subtle list of descriptive umbrages. Due to its pronunciation, this week’s word almost sounds like a compliment.
Now mind you, I am not urging you to build
your vocabulary as an arsenal for rudeness … unless you’re writing a fictional
work and it fits
your character’s persona. However, in real life conversation, if the
pointy-toe shoe fits … but don’t force it … gently. Ah, oui, oui, mon ami …
MALENTENDU (mȧ län
tän düʹ; French) adj. – misunderstood, poorly
conceived (n. – a misunderstanding). [WW #280]
Once you master the pronunciation of this
transplant from the shores of France, you’ll find malentendu an ideal
word to graciously tell someone their idiotic idea, concept, or process is
completely B.S. After all, the English think the “language of love”
sounds so elegant, right? You will appear cosmopolitan, rather than discourteous.
Using malentendu in some
circumstances may temper your temper, and by not exploding with expletives or other
vulgar American terms, you are reminded to attract
more flies with honey than vinegar. (The flies, of course, are a metaphor
for what you want to achieve … otherwise … ewwww.) 
Option 1: “Seriously, Ron, you want to move us
back to
California?! Have you lost your freakin’ mind?! Why in hell do you want to
return to a state of political greed and pathetic drive to be first and
mistakenly best, that keeps everyone so poor?”
Option 2: “But Ron, while your idea to build a
retirement community in California is admirably motivated, its malentendu
reasoning needs solid footing. There are many more welcoming and affordable
locations. Let’s work together to find
a wonderful alternative for the company.”
Word Challenge: MALENTENDU. In your writing, it’s an exceptional word
for mundane situations. In conversation, have some fun and try out a French
accent; it comes naturally with tongue in cheek, as you
fit malentendu into your week of well-managed writings and clever
conversations.
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)
[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!]
*LR Notes: 1) 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.” 2) a] Recent dictionary additions to
definitions include a date of first use, if known; b] words in small caps
indicate “see also.” 3) Neither I (LinDee Rochelle) nor Penchant for Penning
are responsible for how you use information found here, that may result in
legal action.
E-N-Dzzzzzzzz
