Pam Webb

Word Nerds: words that I like but will doubtfully ever use

I used to collect stars. I built a wooden box and as I came across stars in everyday life I put them in the box. This was in college and it was a small box because I lived in small spaces and moved often. The point is that I collected stars because I liked them. Then one day I realized that I rarely used my collection. They simply sat in my box being appreciated.

I no longer have my star box and it’s contents. I do, though, collect words. And the same thing is happening: I appreciate them but rarely use all that I collect. Granted, some words manage to find their way into my everyday lexicon; however, most are just appreciated and acknowledged when I do come across them.

I hope my honesty is not off-putting.

Here is a list of words I have tucked away in my word nerd collection, and after some true reflection I realize it’s doubtful I will ever use them. I pass them to you as a gift. Enjoy.

---

agelast: a person who never laughs; a humorless person (often used attributively).

aggrandize: increase

outré: bizarre

soi-disant: self-proclaimed

perfidy: treachery

inculcate: to teach by frequent repetition

solipsistic: extreme egocentrism

froideur: extreme reserve in manner

badinage: light, playful banter

evince: to make evident; show clearly

sartorial: of or relating to clothing or style or manner of dress

olykoek: doughnut

risible: capable of causing laughter; ludicrous

Which word gift are you going to select? And if none of these appeal to you I totally understand. But they are pretty, aren’t they?