Friday, April 17, 2009

Words We Have Created

So a few weeks back Megan wrote a blog post about all the words/phrases that Shakespeare added to our language. This got me thinking about words, I remember reading that Isaac Asimov coined the word positronic and the phrase "positronic brain" which is used in all sorts of science fiction. I started thinking, "what words have I contributed to the English Language?" We may not have created as many as Shakespeare but I thought I should share the ones that Robyn and I have created.

Moniversary - This is the first one that came to mind. I have been writing my Moniversary series and I was pretty sure I came up with the term on my First Moniversary post. For the record, the definition is the day on a monthly basis that commemorates an event. Much like an anniversary, only every month instead of every year. Well, it turns out I wasn't the first to use this term. It is found in the Urban dictionary.

Guracious - This one is totally mine. I even googled it to be sure. Nearly every page that comes up is in another language. That means I coined it in English. What does it mean? It's original meaning is "of or like a guru" but it's usage has come to mean something like "cool" or "awesome." You can also talk about someone's guracity, which would be how guracious they are.

Furfy - This is a Robyn original. It means "messed up" or "incorrect." A common usage is when she will say, "My hair is furfy."

Woofy - This is another Robyn original. To be honest, I'm not sure exactly what it means. I think it means "heavy and soft." Because she uses it to refer to her "woofy blanket" which is both heavy and soft.

So, as you can see, Robyn and I have not yet reached shakespearean levels but we are well on our way. I will keep you all updated as we continue to expand the english language.

8 comments:

  1. Ok so I can't take credit for furfy. That comes from Tink and Ann, but sure is a family favorite. Also, my mom might have contributed to the word woofy (something super soft and snuggly). By the way you can't forget the word "Smunchkin", cute kids I love, as another word I made up. That one is all on my own.

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  2. I am glad to know I am in the company of great "Shakespearean apprentices" (or is it apprentici-a word for you)to figure out).

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  3. I have appreciated the use of the word guracious for some time now. I anticipate using it for many years to come. Thanks for your contribution to the English Language and my life.

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  4. Has Robyn ever told you about wiggly-whoppers and didly-floppers?

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  5. I feel special that I voted for this post to be written. I have always liked your unique vocabulary. Guru (and any version of it) always reminds me of you when I hear it.

    I can totally hear Robyn talking about her hair being furfy. :)

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  6. Somehow commenting on this post slipped me by! Sorry it's taken me too long!

    I love your vocabulary. Heather correctly used "guracious" yesterday and it was so awesome.

    P.S. I dreamed that I was watching "Deal or No Deal" online last night. Ahh!

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  7. Wow! I always knew your brilliant mind would be good for something----jk.
    I was wondering if you and robyn are working on communicating telepathically?
    I bet if anyone could do it it would be you.
    And by the way, I thought it was adorable while at the family easter egg hunt when it came time for everyone to choose their own prize you and robyn chose one for each other. Loved it!

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  8. Yeah, I'm pretty sure woofy was Mom's word. But, it's definitely trickled down through the family, especially those of us girls that get cold easily and appreciate a good "woofy" blanket.

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