Category Archives: Language

Weird

Posted on April 30, 2024 by sputterpub

There used to be an umlaut on the “i”I read somewhere, and two beats in the word.The origin meant “wayward.” To applythat knowledge, when I saw it what I heardin mind was “way-erd.” That would satisfygood spelling, for “i,e” would … Continue reading →

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Desultory

Posted on April 29, 2024 by sputterpub

I’d made it past mid-century. My storywas more than halfway spun when I employeda word I’d only read – said “desultory”with accent wrong. I laughed, for I enjoyedthat token youthfulness. When I was tenI mispronounced determine “dee-ter-mine.”It tickled me that … Continue reading →

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Word Play

Posted on April 28, 2024 by sputterpub

My circumstance is more than adequate.Bestowed with time to ponder and enhancemy comprehension, I prepare to fitmy circumstance. I’ve solitude to sway in private dance.I’ve four days and home comfort for respite.No danger lurks and no one looks askance. I … Continue reading →

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New Words

Posted on March 16, 2024 by sputterpub

Of course the kids are lovable and bright,but one, who here is nameless, rings my bell.They each caught how to build a sentence rightbut this one utters language awesome well.If they have an idea but don’t know quitethe term to … Continue reading →

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Baby Steps

Posted on December 14, 2023 by sputterpub

“With baby steps,” she countered more than once,when we discussed the changes she must make,as if I had suggested she’s a dunceor ineffective, when she needn’t takethat tone (abrupt and harsh), for goodness sake.She’s bright, and her impatient tendencyimpels her … Continue reading →

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Shade of Meaning

Posted on December 9, 2023 by sputterpub

“Like any other parent,” stated she,“I want my children happy.” I conveyeda little argument. “It seems to mewe aim instead avoidance of the shadeunhappiness to darken them.” That madegood sense to her – she understands and cares.But when I told … Continue reading →

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Small Things

Posted on December 4, 2023 by sputterpub

You know I like word origin, and wit.I tend to read 200 years ago,when writers strove to use appropriateand careful language, often mixing flowof syllable with concept, and a bitof multi-sense or syntax, chosen soa reader could enjoy the space … Continue reading →

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Philomathy

Posted on November 21, 2023 by sputterpub

“Sapiosexual” she voiced to me,when I said I’m turned on by learning, butI looked it up and found that, technically,her term denotes attraction to a brainabove the norm. But let’s speak honestly –alone or not, I thrill to new ideas.It’s … Continue reading →

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Our Fatuous Phase

Posted on November 14, 2023 by sputterpub

Now I can tell you’re irritated too –you wisely try to alter how we speak.But saying “I won’t go there” will not do,unless you modify your own techniqueof blurting statements generating piqueor begging a response that won’t concur.We’re on the … Continue reading →

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Uncommon Email

Posted on November 9, 2023 by sputterpub

Uncommon email found me yesterday,that wasn’t either business or retail.I booted up and saw my screen displayuncommon email. The correspondence wasn’t boring, pale,by formula or cluttered with cliche.My former stepson wrote a loving hail. The missive stood alone in the … Continue reading →

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