Read any good books lately? Try the dictionary - seriously. As a copy editor, I work with the dictionary almost nonstop, and I often get sidetracked, spotting words I've never heard of, reading the meanings, thinking, I've got to find a way to use this wonderful word - somewhere.
Take the word "fubsy," for instance. I came across that word today, and I think it is a very friendly word. Try it in that common sentence you have probably uttered yourself a number of times: Gosh, I just feel so fubsy today. Now, I won't spoil the fun of your looking up "fubsy" for yourself; but I can tell you, I think the word runs circles around the nasty three-letter word it stands in for.
Then there's "folkmoot." Just bear with me here. While this old English word may equate to a village or townhall meeting more than to a business meeting, I say, what a great word for those lovely gatherings we have all sat in, and sat in, and sat in some more. It feels better to say, "Sorry fellas, have to get to a folkmoot by 1:00 p.m. See ya later." You'll have them wondering, don't you think? They may even feel jealous, until they look up the word for themselves.
Okay, so you aren't likely to use "fubsy" or "folkmoot" in business writing. Still, words like this can liven up the workday. More importantly, for every "fubsy" you encounter, you're sure to find a dozen other more business-like words to enrich your vocabulary. So why not do a little exploring?
Do you already have a favorite word or two you can share with us? We'd love to hear about them! Just click on the comments link below to respond.
- Lois Krenzke
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