Fantod(s) – Wordplay Wednesday™ 11/11/2020

Note of acknowledgement and tribute: Anyone who loves puzzles, words, and learning every day, feels the loss this week of a true “gentleman and a scholar.” With the passing of Alex Trebek, longtime host of Jeopardy!, our emotions run deep, yet we’re deeply honored to have had access to his exemplary example of dignity, congeniality and wit, every week. Cheers, Mr. Trebek. 

R.I.P., 2020 Elections 

It’s no secret that after a contentious election, half the country is experiencing depression, frustration, and I dare say, a bad case of the …

FANTOD(s) (ʹfan-,täd; 1839) n. – 1) a. a state of irritability and tension; b. fidgets; 2) an emotional outburst: fit.  [WW #294]

And we put a lot of mental energy into this one, so letting go and accepting results we don’t agree with are particularly despairing.

In our vocabulary for nearly two hundred years, the emotion of the fantods is not new; but I believe our modern society has taken it to the extremes. Sadly, we’ve fanned the flames of irritability and disrespect way beyond reason. Let’s dial it back a bit and give our fantods a dose of kindness.

This week also hails another opportunity to remember and honor those who have paid the ultimate price for our beloved country. (No, not politicians.) Do something special for Veterans Day, November 11^th … another way to dissipate the fantods.

Do you know why we honor them on this day? Says Military.com:

November 11, that honors military veterans, that is, persons who served in the United States Armed Forces. It coincides with other holidays, including  Armistice Day and Remembrance Day, celebrated in other countries that mark the anniversary of the end of World War I; major hostilities of World War I were formally ended at the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month of 1918, when the Armistice with Germany went into effect. The United States previously observed Armistice Day. The U.S. holiday was renamed Veterans Day in 1954.

Put your anger to rest, and let it rest in peace. Breathe deep, meditate if you’ve a mind, and channel your fantods into positive action. You’ll feel better for it.  

Word Challenge: FANTOD(s). Stress, which accompanies our temper tantrums also causes dangerous high blood pressure. Think about its causes and effects, as you fit fantod(s) into your week of tranquil 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) 

Cheers to learning a new word today!

@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!]

*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  

 

Wordplay Wednesday™ April 5, 2017 – Inveigh

Today’s Society is Full of It 

This week’s wondrous word definition is so prevalent you would think it needs no introduction. However, it is not an oft-used word to describe the venom of social media … in my opinion, it’s too gentle. Not enough vitriol.

INVEIGH (in vāʹ) vi. – to make a violent verbal attack; talk or write bitterly. [WW #106]

Sadly, the apparent need to inveigh in every aspect of our lives these days, far outstrips our childhood adage of “Sticks and stones may break my bones, but words will never hurt me.”

Well … Social Media shredded that mental security blanket. 

Twitter, Facebook, even the news—real and fake—is full of quotes by inveighers (noun). We have become a society of miscreants ignoring the worth of those old adages that artfully explain the unwritten rules of heretofore (mostly) civil society.

Mayo Clinic excerpt-read & de-stress!

One doesn’t need to inveigh while making a statement. Have you noticed that those who prove points rather than their rude disposition, get further with their agendas?

We would all benefit if more people hearkened back to another old saw, “If you don’t have anything good to say, don’t say anything at all.”

As I typed the previous sentence, a dilemma waiting for my action is resolved. Apparently, I should take my own advice. I’ll accept your words of condolence for what will certainly be a bloody tongue—as I bite it to prevent becoming an inveigher in a reactive, self-protective situation. It isn’t worth my time or strain.

Want to know how this can help you live longer? Less stress, angst, and anger, keep your blood pressure down and your heart beating—in the right place. 

I for one, am tired of so-called “news,” Social Media, and individual comments that should be informative and entertaining; we are instead, allowing it (as a whole) to promote bullies, whiners, and haters—as it urges us to become them. Do you agree?

With that … I’ll leave you to it.

Word Challenge: INVEIGH. Have you chosen your words carefully lately? If not, do you know … or care … who is hurt by them? Be gentle as you fit inveigh into your week of temperate 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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