Pleonasm – Wordplay Wednesday™ 03/04/2020

When Over Much is Too Much 

In today’s hurry-up-and-get-it-up social media and instant book writing, most of the time you’re editing your own work—always a dangerous task—even if you’re a certified editor. Our minds are tricky and love to let you see what you want to see, not necessarily what is there.

This week’s word reminds you of a hidden-in-plain-sight writing pothole …

PLEONASM (plēʹɘ nazʹɘm) n. – 1) the use of more words than are necessary for the expression of an idea, redundancy (Ex.: “plenty enough”); 2) an instance of this; 3) a redundant word or expression (adj. – pleonastic). [WW #258]

So now, along with last week’s Wordplay word, tautology, we have two ways to clean up our writing before even consulting an editor. While tautology reminds us not to be unnecessarily repetitive, pleonasm works to reduce clutter for a specific thought.

Exact, precise thinking … added bonus …difficult dilemma … false pretense … just a few common pleonasm examples we all know and love.

Warning: Does your brain try to turn pleonasm into “neoplasm”? Well, what can I say … mine does. Sigh. Although pleonasm is an abnormality of your writing, neoplasm can be more devastating in its definition, “an abnormal growth of tissue; as a tumor.” Confusing them could cause consternation with inappropriate meanings.

Word Challenge: PLEONASM. Self-editing isn’t perfect, but it is necessary to solidify your topic credibility in self-published books, articles, and social media, as you fit pleonasm into your week of accomplished 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: 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) Neither I (LinDee Rochelle) nor Penchant for Penning are responsible for how you use information found here, that may result in legal action.

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  

Tautology – Wordplay Wednesday™ 02/26/2020

Seedless, Heedless, Needless … One of Them Applies 

One makes some foods easier to eat. Another makes us wonder whatever happened to society’s common sense. All great subjects ripe for review; however, this week, we’re talking about writers’ bad habits …

TAUTOLOGY (tô täʹɘ jē) n. – 1-a) needless repetition of an idea in different words, redundancy, pleonasm^† (Ex.: “necessary essentials,” b) an instance of such repetition; 2) Logic: a proposition that is analytic (sense 5). [WW #257] [^†Look for this accompanying word as next week’s Wordplay.]

Yep, I have found myself guilty of tautology at times. Most of us are … “free giveaway” … comes easily to mind. We are either in too much of a hurry to properly edit, or perhaps it’s done purposely to over-emphasize a point. Of course, that doesn’t make it right.

A few more fun examples: "I want to live while I am alive." Bon Jovi (“It’s My Life”; 2000) … “I made this for you with my own hands” … and my personal favorite, the ever popular … “It is what it is.” Of course, that last one is a colloquialism, so manages to escape the usual scrutiny, but still makes a great, recognizable example.

 

Is this common phrase an example of tautology? “Fresh produce” … I suppose it could be wilted, but …  

They sneak into your writing when you least expect it, and often remain undetected as you publish. Even if not “true” forms of tautology, perhaps a more effective rewrite is still in order. At least now, you know what it is when someone calls you on it!  

Word Challenge: TAUTOLOGY. Be creative, but conscientious, as you fit tautology into your week of fresh 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: 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) Neither I (LinDee Rochelle) nor Penchant for Penning are responsible for how you use information found here, that may result in legal action.

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