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

[Nicholas Hallows]

Words have always been changing meaning and impact and always will. Fortunately the English language is the most adaptable language there is, so hopefully it will acquire new powerful words to replace the ones that are becoming more 'everyday'.

I also think context is important. In the right context even the most mundane words can be given dramatic impact and vice versa.

People often use hyperbolic language to describe their own experiences, like the receptionist, because we can become caught up in our own lives and I suppose the impact or importance of our experiences is relative to what we have gone through in our lifetime. But if someone describes a bad manicure as an atrocity they have obviously never had anything worse happen than a bad hair day.

[Gandré]

Yes, unfortunately, people try to impress others with unusual words. This was only one example. In Germany we have announcement on Television for Media Markt Company saying "Geiz is geil" so such a word like "geil" what means "to lust after sb, to have the hots for sb" is actually strange word - but media made it a hip word. It is very difficult to understand it. Everyone has got his own universe, do you see it? They correlate sometimes - it is obvious.

[Nely Amorim]

I think it is an atrocity to describe a bad manicure as an atrocity ;)....lol

[Siddartha Beth Pierce]

Very interesting point of view - cleverly and succinctly written. The contrast between the receptionist's nails and Darfur coupled with the word to described them 'atrocity' certainly does explain the numbing of our society to higher purposes. Well done. Thank you.
Light,
Siddartha

[desertraven]

this, my friend, is a piece for the masses. It is my belief, that your selective word choices are of a higher grasping of the English language than most. Articulate comes to mind when I read your work.
Well done.
Sandra

[Kasey Klein]

words are subjective, relative and contextual.

Hyperbole, irony and sarcasm when used to cleave, not blunt, are the tools of the writer.

[Carole]

No doubt, you are right. You don't know how many times I have used the word ornery to describe an imp only to find out it has nothing to do with it. :-) Very thought provoking....