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There are some incredible words out there, some of which are not used often but definitely should be.
Serendipity is one. Making fortunate discoveries by accident. Who wouldn’t love a word like that?
How about yesternight as a way of saying “last night”? Another beauty is susurrus which is a beautiful word that lyrically describes a soft rustling sound.
Then there are others such as: mellifluous, lethologica, juvenescent, flapdoodle, betwixt and foofaraw. All of which, in addition to racking up some impressive points in Words With Friends, can add a little something special to your next conversation.
What unusual and interesting words are your favorites? Any you wish would make a comeback into popular speech?
23 Comments on “Beautiful words”
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I wish I could think of a few offhand, but I do find myself saying a word & then thinking “I’ve never used that word before in my life”.
Posted on January 12, 2013 at 4:27 am.
I’m like Mary, I got nothing
Posted on January 12, 2013 at 5:24 am.
At the moment I can only think of incandescent. Love that one!
Posted on January 12, 2013 at 6:06 am.
Diaphanous and sumptuous…
I am with Judy*3; incandescent is quite dulcet, evocative and eloquent.
And today beautiful words would be “the Packers win over the 49ers..”
Posted on January 12, 2013 at 8:10 am.
I love the word epitome and don’t hear or read it enough! Also quintessence.
Posted on January 12, 2013 at 8:11 am.
quintessence is lovely, I actually used it just the other day.
Posted on January 12, 2013 at 11:51 am.
He’s right, shenanigans is a great word. I use it all the time.
superfluous is another one..
And then there are the words that are born spontaneously, that no one else knows except the people you were hanging with at the time. Some of those have lived on in my vocab, but only get pulled out at the right time!
Posted on January 12, 2013 at 9:06 am.
Happy Saturday.
A lot of these words I never heard of – cannot think of any that I would love to see come back.
Some are so overused – like journey in the reality shows, and hate the word surreal – so overused. I know you didnt ask that, but had to put in my too cents. LOL.
Posted on January 12, 2013 at 9:21 am.
I found myself using “epic” this week, in the same sentence as “brouhaha.” I like “epitome”, as HJ does as well. I’ve been known to pull out “egregious” as well.
Posted on January 12, 2013 at 9:25 am.
That sounds like it was a fantastic sentence!
Posted on January 12, 2013 at 11:14 am.
I’m feeling a little aloof after staring at the doohickey on the wall. Sooner or later I have to stop all this lollygagging.
Posted on January 12, 2013 at 11:25 am.
I apologize for being a watering pot when I cry. I love that phrase. My husband’s favorite is, “What the deuce?!” He’s even taught it to our children. They use it properly.
Egregious is a wonderful word, as is juxtaposition. Voracious is another one.
Posted on January 12, 2013 at 11:57 am.
You used a clip from “Doctor Who”! That’s marvelous, stupendous, sterling, and magnificent. *g*
Posted on January 12, 2013 at 12:38 pm.
<3 Doctor Who. :D
Posted on January 12, 2013 at 1:25 pm.
I love the word parsimonious and use it when I can. It just rolls off you tongue and sounds so much better than cheap.
Posted on January 12, 2013 at 1:22 pm.
I love shenanigans. My friends even made up Sheridanigans for me since.. well.. I am often causing or in the middle of shenanigans.
I love the word acquiesce…and imbroglio. And mellifluous.
Posted on January 12, 2013 at 1:29 pm.
Shall and it’s partner, shan’t (sp?).
Posted on January 12, 2013 at 1:54 pm.
I like and use “serendipity” and “superfluous” frequently. The other suggestions are quite nice, too.
Posted on January 12, 2013 at 3:12 pm.
I’m with Kelly, good ones. Lately I’ve used tiddly wink.
one that I wish to go away is “like” as it is way overused. As in, like, you know, like, she said.
Posted on January 12, 2013 at 3:23 pm.
perspicacious, plethora, miasma and obsufcate
however…they’re all kinda hard to work into polite conversation without sounding like a bit of an ass.
Posted on January 12, 2013 at 3:42 pm.
Swive. It’s a much nicer word for the act than some of the others out there. IMO.
Posted on January 12, 2013 at 8:57 pm.
And it’s got great point value in Scabble!
Posted on January 13, 2013 at 6:02 am.
Folderol is a fave as are many already mentioned. I use egregious weekly.
Posted on January 13, 2013 at 6:03 am.