Messing About with Words
I have always found it fascinating to observe how people use words in their everyday conversations and interactions. Language, after all, is an essential part of our daily lives, shaping the way we communicate and connect with others. From an early age, I considered myself a bit of a “gramando”—someone who is quick to correct others when I thought their grammar, pronunciation, or even their choice of words was incorrect.
Over time, however, I came to realize that language is not fixed—it is constantly in flux and evolves based on location and context. For example, someone from New York will speak English differently than someone from Arkansas. This understanding made me reconsider my former approach and ultimately curbed my impulse to correct others during conversations.
Nevertheless, I still find myself quietly amused when I hear something unusual or creative in language use, though I now keep these thoughts to myself.
Discovering a “Scrabbleist”
Not long ago, I was chatting with a fellow walker at my local community center. During our conversation, she described herself as a “scrabbleist.” Curious, I asked her what she meant by the term. She explained that a scrabbleist is simply someone who plays Scrabble.
That evening, I began to reflect on her use of the word “scrabbleist.” I wondered why she chose “scrabbleist” instead of something like “scrabbleonian” or “scrabbletator.” This led me to consider how new words are formed and gradually become part of our vocabulary. Even though I could not find these words in any dictionary, I believe that, with time, such terms may eventually enter our everyday speech. Only time will tell how language continues to grow and adapt.
I have reached the regrettable realization that I may have squandered my life. I did a quick count recently and figured that I have visited about 66 countries, and lived for more than 3 years in 3 of them. During this time I completed 14 corporate moves (relocations) and have changed my address more than 23 times. I should have settled on a profession that would have kept me in one place with no packing and unpacking.
When I think of the time I have spent bundling my life into and out of boxes. Ah well, it's all water under the bridge. But I am grateful for the experience. At the end of the day I will be able to say with a certain authority, "been there, done that".
A note about this site’s Header Image The Header image for this site is of the Smith Avenue High Bridge. The bridge was built in 1889 and carries Minnesota State Highway 149 across its span of 2770 feet, 160 feet above the mighty Mississippi River. The picture was taken from the river looking to the north-east and downtown Saint Paul. The bridge is about 1040 miles from New Orleans.
One of the reasons I like this view is that I come from a city which has a spectacular bridge. It’s the Clifton Suspension Bridge http://www.ikbrunel.org.uk/clifton-suspension-bridge which spans the Avon Gorge and the River Avon in Bristol, U.K. It’s about 1350 feet long and stands 245 feet above the river below. Sadly it has claimed the lives of more than 400 people who have committed suicide by jumping from the bridge. As a side note, not all attempts were successful. two small girls thrown off the bridge by their deranged father survived the fall when they were fished from the river by the crew of a passing pilot boat.
The bridge was opened in 1864 and was designed by the 24 year old architect, Isambard Kingdom brunel. It took 35 years to complete.
Fa - the Green Dragon 