Write Away: “Milquetoast”
Milquetoast: A timid, meek, or unassertive person; Wishy-washy.
Category Archives: Write Away
Write Away: “Panoptic”
Panoptic: being or presenting a comprehensive or panoramic view (derived from the Greek panoptés, meaning “all seeing”)
How cool is that? The word is somewhat fluid. It rolls off the tongue (panoptic…panoptic…). You can also imagine it spoken in a deep voice, perhaps by James Earl Jones. (“Luke, I am your father. And the universe is panoptic.”)
Write Away: “Kakistocracy”
This week, I’m obsessing about, “Kakistocracy,” thanks to a suggestion from Amy Forsberg in early August. It’s not an easy word to twist in fun, or even to say just once (I had to practice), but considering the 2016 presidential race, it’s timely. What does it mean? Let’s see: – Government by the worst persons; a form of […]
Write Away: “Moil”
This week, I’m obsessing about, “Moil,” thanks to a suggestion from Chris St. Clair. Here are some of the many definitions: – To work hard : drudge – To whirl or churn ceaselessly; twist; eddy. – Glassmaking. a superfluous piece of glass formed during blowing and removed in the finishing operation. – Origin 1350 – 1400 It’s actually a […]
Write Away – “Petrichor”
This week, I’m thinking about, “Petrichor.” (#amwriting) – A pleasant smell that frequently accompanies the first rain after a long period of warm, dry weather. – Find this definition at oxforddictionaries.com. – Coined in the 1960’s. Do you remember that wonderful smell of freshly cut grass from childhood? I do. Sunday mornings after Dad mowed the lawn. […]
Write Away – “Canting”
Gotta love those interesting words. This week, I’m obsessing about, “Canting” (No, not catting). Here are 3 of the many definitions: – To bevel; form an oblique surface upon. – To put in an oblique position; tilt; tip. – To throw with a sudden jerk. – Origin 1560-1570 Find the full set of definitions for canting at […]