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Words of the Day No. 3

Words I like:

  • Verdant
  • Ferocious
  • Bramble
  • Wispy
  • Paltry
  • Rigamarole
  • Swell--as in "gee, that's swell."

Words I can't abide (I can only think of one today, although I'm sure Old Knudson could think of a few that would make my eyes roll back into my head--post 'em on your own site, if you do, Old Man):

  • Pustule

Comments

dive said…
Words are lovely;
squelch
platypus
wheedle
umbrage
genefluct
bouzinhas (not sure if I've spelt it right, but Ana always pronounced it boo-zin-yash[with a soft 's']) - a Portuguese word for little kisses around the edge of the lips, and probably my favourite word in any language.

Pustule made me go Eww!

Republican is an odd one. In your country it means right wing; in mine, it means a socialist and anti- monarchist. Which leaves me - as a crusty old socialist republican - in a bit of a quandary (another nice word).
Scout said…
These are great additions to the word list. Thanks!! I especially like the Portuguese word, although I hadn't thought about including non-English words to the list.

An Anti-monarchist? Really? My husband and I have been to London twice, and on the first visit while standing outside Buckingham Palace, I saw a small group of anti-monarchist protestors, and that was the first time it occurred to me that some of you might not appreciate your royal family. Interesting. Americans didn't like theme either.
dive said…
I've nothing against them personally, in fact as individuals, they're rather amusing.
It's just the old lefty loathing of "un-earned privilege" that gets me.
My brother says to pass on the word "axolotl" to you. He likes your word list.
Sassy Sundry said…
I love the word phantasmagoric. I hate the wrod undulating.
Scout said…
Dive: salamander? interesting. One of the few words I can remember from my trip to Brazil is lagatisha (probably misspelled). Try that on one of your Brazilian coffee girls. "eo quero lagatisha un cafe. Obliglato."

Sassy: Yes, undulating is a terrible word and conjures up horrible images--creature from the Black Lagoon kinds of images.
dive said…
Ah, lagartixa; those lovely little geckos that climb up the bedroom walls at night and freak you out.
Uma café da lagartixa is probably not what I'll be starting the week with tomorrow. A bit too wriggly …
Anonymous said…
Dive: that's it. I knew I was spelling it wrong. I also spelled "thank you" wrong but I can't find my Portuguese/English dictionary.
dive said…
Obrigado (for me); obrigada (for you).
Ate logo …
Anonymous said…
tudo bien

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