Zeitgeist: how words originate
Zeitgeist is a lovely word to get your teeth into, literally and figuratively. And both syllables require a firm grit. Derived from the German language, the word is surrounded by…
Deliciously sedulous : increase your word power
I am catching up with the past, voraciously reading through the pages of William Styron’s Sophie’s Choice with a copyright date of 1979. A literary marvel, the author provides delightful…
Veracity and verocity: why these words get confused
Today we are going to have some fun exploring the difference between veracity and voracity. These words if not heard correctly can be interchanged to disastrous effect. The one has…
How do you like them apples?
The apple: On first appearance, there’s nothing special about it at all. It’s typically green or red on the outside with a crunchy white interior (if it’s a quality mid-season…
Say it all in the essay
In my school days, I loved writing essays and sometimes the result was so impressive that my teachers rewarded me with the highest marks in the class. Such was the…
Theft and larceny: correct usage
With so much exposure to people’s dirty legal laundry and equal amounts of televised fictional dramas – Law and Order my personal favourite – I often heard the charge of…
Church bells
Tintinnabulation: Origin of words and #belltolls4JZ
Tintinnabulation. This delightful six-syllable tongue-twister made its debut in 1831 according to some sources, even earlier according to others. Online Etymology Dictionary states its origin in usage as "the ringing…
Is said dead? How to use attributions correctly and creatively
In my work as a sub-editor, the only word allowed for an attribution is 'said'. No, 'revealed', no 'pointed out', no 'suggested', no 'argued' - just plain 'said'. But for…