The Ramblings of a Grain of Sand; thought # 6

Just me rambling on ...

The Ramblings of a Grain of Sand; thought # 6

I was thinking ... how some dramatic ‘words’ have lost there potency over the years. As writers, an appreciation of selective word structure is paramount, in adding extra dimensional strength to our work. Take the word ‘atrocity’ for instance; it should convey a message of extreme evil or cruelty. However, the desensitisation of such acts through sales of  violent movies, DVD’s and video games, are glamorising barbarisms into pre-eminent levels of a  ‘must do culture’ for impressing or elevating street creed! I was in my local library, when I overheard the word ‘atrocity’ used by a receptionist to her colleague, in the context of describing how badly a manicurist, at her exclusive Nail Bar, had applied nail polish. So what, you might say? But the huge Amnesty poster behind her on the wall highlighting the plights of the innocence in Darfur, threw a whole new perspective on the words she chose to mutter!

 

The next thing you know, that much abused saying, “Winning hearts and minds” will be used in the context of describing a ‘card game’; in which the victor walks away with all the profits and leaves the loser (who never wanted to play in the first place) with absolutely nothing!

 

Just a thought …

 

God’s Blessing

Phillozofee

 

Reviews

[Greg the Bard]

I'm a older guy and in the 60" the word that was used for everything meaning surprise was "Far out" . It was used by everyone that wanted a part of the 60's culture. You are correct that words are our way to get the readers attention. I like this work for many reasons but mostly because it made me think about my work more closely. Thanks

[Kathleen Marie]

Interesting thoughts to ponder... And I like this comparison - "Winning hearts and minds" will be used in the context of describing a 'card game';...

[pal]

"Just a thought �"

Of course, it is. But the way you look at this makes all the difference.

a good one.
pal

[Jennifer Ryan]

This is so true. A young woman who sits next to me where I work uses the work Phenomenal for everything. Everything is phenomenal as she sounds out every syllable. Not everything is as you and I know. I guess as writers we choose our words carefully but in every day speak we throw out there what we will.

[J. Hampton]

Sure enough...

We have become so desensitized to "atrocity" in its true state
and the pain and suffering of the world at large
I mean how ...DO... folks... "eat" ...? while watching the news...

Kids aren't afraid of anything anymore

People toss about superlatives...like its nothing

point very well made

Blessssssssssssss

[Norma J. Jessee]

I have often heard it said that the English language is the hardest language in the world to learn. And with good reasoning. We have words that sound the same yet have entirely different meanings. ( rain; reign, rein) Words that are spelled the same but pronounced differentally ( read, sometimes prounced like red as a past tense and sounding like the color red so as to confuse.) Anyway the list goes on. Also take the word ( rent) (1) It can mean to pay money for the use of a house or property,
(2) A tear in cloth
(3) A split in a party or organized group
(4) To remove by violence
(5) To tear forcibly apart

Also people tend to put their own meanings to words. It seems that with each new generation there also arrives new meaning to existing words along with the new ones created.

It is a challenge to keep up with the language today. Luckily I have 12 grandchildren who try to keep me up to date. But you are absolutely right about words losing there potency. Your opinions and thoughts are always good topics to discuss.
Thanks for sharing.

[Blade & Blood (The ..]

That's funny! And very interesting, nonetheless. You definitely present good points here. Slang is most certainly taking the place of what used to be English and it is such an embarrassing shame, especially when many words have become vague euphemisms for a sexual term. It gets pretty annoying most of the time; everyone's head is in the gutter. :(

Anyways, I cherish your opinions on this. Thanks for sharing! I love rants. ;)

[Fran Marie]

Very well said and oh so true~THanks for sharing this ~Fran Marie

[Sheila M]

Too true. Well said.

[Carrie Montgomery]

I wince at the use of words these days! Also at what qualifies as poetry, stories, art, news...the things we accept now, well I won't get started. This is well said...AMEN.