Words have recently shot into popularity with the huge success of Wordle. Everyone is trying their hand at word smithing and proudly showing off their prowess, some extremely competitively too.
My love affair with words started long ago. Studying for GRE turned out to be fun because of the 5000-word list that contained so many esoteric words: troglodyte, ursine, iridescent, indefatigable, euphemism, triskaidekaphobia! Bandying them with other friends preparing for the exam increased my fun exponentially. When in 2000, my company launched coaching services for the SAT (the standardized test required for admission and scholarship consideration to US colleges), I decided to teach the vocabulary section. I read up etymologies and roots to be able to interest students into the subject. To guess the meaning of somnambulist, from the roots for sleep and walk, added to my excitement. I discovered that there were far too many words to describe something as simple as the varying degrees of movement – walk, run, amble, shuffle, saunter, plod, trudge, march, stroll, peregrination. It was truly serendipitous* to learn more than I could have imagined. In retrospect, I realize that I probably had more fun than any of my students!
Using the ‘right’ word has been important to me even when I know that my suggestions often do not have the efficacy I desire. Correcting people mid-sentence is not a virtue but it is often a visceral response. While not convinced of a certain MP’s views, I am certainly impressed by his knowledge and usage of the English language. By the way, bumfuzzle means to confuse, perplex, or fluster!
Imagine my chagrin when a grammar checking software decided to suggest I use a different word! Yes, I now understand why people get ticked off when I correct their language. To have software suggest alternate words made me irascible.
‘Even a knowledgeable audience may be unfamiliar with the word inculcated.’ I spluttered with indignation upon reading this! The arrogance of the software to assume the education levels of my audience. And yet, I agreed with the suggestion as it is not a popular word. Emboldened by my acceptance, it started pointing out more words. I suffered immensely initially but as I read some the options, I was tickled pink. When I was asked to replace ‘tryst’ with ‘affair’, I was very amused. Can you imagine how Nehru’s Tryst with Destiny would lose its meaning had the writer used a grammar checker!
*“Serendipity” comes from a Persian fairy tale in which three princes make discoveries that they were not looking for on their adventures. “Serendip” is the Old Persian name for Sri Lanka, originally from Sanskrit “Simhaladvipa” meaning “Dwelling-Place-of-Lions Island”.
your authority over the language is evident reading this piece! how interesting are the tales behind some words
Beautifully and humorously expressed. Looks like the illogical English language has more logic than I expected!!!
Such fun to read, Tanu!
What a fun reading!
Tanu you have a way with words.
One feels like reading all that you write.
Congratulations
Keep writing and postng
Great reading!!! I remember In the earlier SAT, vocabulary was the most dreaded part but you made those classes very interesting by associating the most difficult words with the root words ,making them sound like child’s play. The Bum.fuz.zled children started enjoying the classes.
Wonderful days !!!
After reading this beautifully written blog I ‘d suggest everyone to play with words not for competition alone but for fun too.
WOW Tanu, enjoyed your blog and your command over the language.
Serendipity could as well have come from ‘Swarnadweep’.
There are references that call it Swarnadweep.
Great piece, love the way you are able to use personal anecdotes to communicate your point! So engaging (or should I say: engrossing, absorbing, thought-provoking?)
Loved it. Waiting for more from your pen.
I am bemused as much as tickled pink on reading of your tryst with word smithing & how you landed Grammarly. i am a word-lover myself yet am often at a loss for words. Great piece! feel free to rewrite my comment & mail it to me
What a fun, breezy piece of writing. May our love affair with words never peter out!
Really a treat to read this Blog! You have truly ventured deep into the vast garden of English language while recounting your engaging experiences and your unique style!