Wednesday, April 5, 2017

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)


                       

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Wednesday, March 29, 2017

Wordplay Wednesday™ March 29, 2017 – Ordure




Short But Not So Sweet! 

At times you may encounter someone in conversation, online or off, who is obviously out of touch with reality. We used to say they had their head in the sand.

These days, people are not so decorous in their private or public assessment of another. You know that little emoji that is SO popular on your phone?

For the most part, especially in social media, that cutesy little pile of crap is the least offensive image someone can use to express their opinion of another.

While we have the right to free speech, there are those who fill their days and waste time with nothing but negatives and gross expletives attempting to belittle someone or an opinion. This only serves to exhibit a crude lack of civility, narrow minds, and small vocabulary.

A progressive mind may still be frustrated with oh-so-many-wrongs we experience on a daily basis, so today’s lesson provides the means to tell someone they’re full of crap without being as crass.
 
ORDURE (ôrʹjɘr, -dyoor) n. – dung; excrement. [WW #105]

Speaking as one who has experienced her share of ordure, and some would say, spread my fair share, I am thrilled to learn another word that expresses irregularities with aplomb, pinkie finger in the air.

Word Challenge: ORDURE. As you go about your day, running into mountainous piles of ordure, before you consider whether to fling it, spread it, or ignore it, remember that it also serves many beneficial purposes. Take your head out of the sand and smile, as you fit ordure into your week of eclectic writings.

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


                       

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