Wednesday, August 14, 2013

"egregious" isn't a pleasant kind of word…

I would use "egregious" as a derogatory description of someone's conduct, even a falsifying of what is not true that is an "egregious" offense.

The subjective use of "egregious" lends itself to an expose about what may even be a criminal act, the breaking a trust that is implicit, perhaps in a government agency where breaches of the law took place. 

This descriptive word, "egregious," can related to a bias, perhaps in politics, or in writing about an event that is subjectively cited as an example of malfeasance, though in this 21st century of media prominence "egregious," is that which exposes what is also a subjective view of something that has taken place or will take place that is not going to bring a good result.  The use of "egregious" can lend itself to scandals and actions that are damaging to a person's reputation—in politics, something of a common occurrence in our permissive cultural scheme of interpreting what is right and what may no longer be wrong, that is if measured by substance of some sort.  

I believe this way of interpreting good and bad is an "egregious" perversion of a moral stance that is no longer immoral in the opinion of those who set the standards for what is good and bad.

Is it any wonder that growing up in this 21st century is more of a confusion—there are no rules to point toward a standard of behavior that may be considered as not "egregious."

*to find out more about my writing and works please visit my other blogs:
http://www.nomorenotcomfortablehotels.blogspot.comand my Authors Guild maintained websites:
http://www.cynthialynn.org

the "nadir" is a word that indicates…


When "nadir" is set out as a terminology, this word indicates a celestial sphere point that is directly opposite and vertical from an observer.

Though the use of this word, "nadir," is a descriptive of a relationship that has gone from good to bad, and can be downright unpleasant if the "nadir" slides to a bottoming out, even to mean a destruction of what was built, like an industry of some sort.  Yet, a "nadir" can be a way to indicate that something is on the way to extinction.

An example of this word, "nadir," can also be indicative of a diminution to zero, and is best used when a historian wants to indicate what may have occurred at a certain point in history.  The use of "nadir" can be a historian's subjective means of working in a particular slant, or the theme point to the article or book that is being written.  The use of "nadir" can influence the outcome of an account of history that may be inaccurate, yet in reporting about history, a historian takes a point of view, which is permissible as the work is an account of history, which is necessarily subjective.  Whereas, if a a historical account is in a textbook which is studied as part of a school curriculum, the use of "nadir" should be accurate.

*to find out more about my writing and works please visit my other blogs:
http://www.nomorenotcomfortablehotels.blogspot.comand my Authors Guild maintained websites:
http://www.cynthialynn.org


this word, "dichotomize," doesn't sound like what it means…


The simplicity of the word, "dichotomize," is not apparent when this word "dichotomize" is used in a sentence.

The fact is that "dichotomize" is an easy way to say what can be a subjective viewpoint about a particular topic, since "dichotomize" is to divide something that can be indicative of what may not be a god result.

To divide or "dichotomize" can be a way of eliminating classes of measurement with regard to economic status, and then this could a way to falsely report a result of what is measured.

I believe that when a scientific or economic report is issued by an authority to "dichotomize" is to set about to deceive the reader or entity that may be the recipient of what is a deliberate intent to "dichotomize" what shouldn't be set into a division.  This word, "dichotomize," can be a means used to diminish the importance of a classes or groups of individuals—like a census that is not accurate, and thus can lead to less representation for a particular group.
Again, it is with words like "dichotomize," and all words that are a means of communication which opinions and even political outcomes are subject to a subjective use of words rather than to adhere to the meaning in the English dictionary, which is an impartial arbitrator of what is at the heart of a fair, and unbiased media.  As it stands in this 21st century, the opposite is what is at the heart of our means of communication, and now words can be weapons.  

*to find out more about my writing and works please visit my other blogs:

http://www.nomorenotcomfortablehotels.blogspot.com
and my Authors Guild maintained websites:
http://www.cynthialynn.org
http://wordsplusmeanings.blogspot.com

the use of the word, "tautology," can be teaching…




A teacher could use this word to help a student who is writing a paper that needs correction, as when redlined with the word, "tautology" indicates repetition of a word or a theme.

This word, "tautology" is descriptive too, as anyone who is a beginner at something is a "tautology" which can be unflattering if applied to someone who believes they are experienced.

Yet on the whole "tautology" is not disparaging, just puzzling to anyone who has never used this word in their vocabulary of often used words, which is to indicate a particular thought or opinion.  "Tautology" could be a good word to use when the occasion arises, or when the need is to impress a teacher with a good command of language, and that could inspire a better grade in a course that might be a student's best strength.

I like words that offer a better means of communication and adds to a writer's means to communicate thoughts and themes, the ordinary simple words can be so repetitive, and thus a pertinent example of "tautology."
*to find out more about my writing and works please visit my other blogs:
http://www.nomorenotcomfortablehotels.blogspot.com
and my Authors Guild maintained websites:
http://www.cynthialynn.org
http://www.wordsplusmeanings.blogspot.com

this word, "apocryphal" is a dismissive…



The use of the word "apocryphal" is opinion laden when used to identify what may or may not be true, thus this is a 21st century "apocryphal" when applied to a group or a political purpose.

This word when Capitalized is to indicate what may be authoritatively not so as the source of Apocrypha that has an "apocryphal" to point out, and the user of this word, "apocryphal" has an agenda that may be devious and not easily spotted by a questioning reader or listener.

Yet for some reason this word, "apocryphal" is not often used in popular speech, and when it is, this way its used is more scholarly in manner of use, which then indicates someone who is an authority that believes the authenticity of what is termed "apocryphal" is doubtful.

This word "apocryphal" should be used more often by the media, but it isn't due to the uncommonness of a word that few readers will bother to look up in the dictionary, perhaps it is the fact that readers tend to accept the authority of a writer if the writer has a reputation as a columinist, and even more so if it is a journalist writing an article. 

*to find out more about my writing and works please visit my other blogs:

http://www.clarissaauthorsguild.tumblr.com
http://www.nomorenotcomfortablehotels.blogspot.com
and my Authors Guild maintained websites:
http://www.cynthialynn.org
http://www.nomorehotels.org
my recent fiction novel The Haunting And Paradise Taxi (print ISBN 9780615685 print and E-book Nook available at BarnesandNoble.com http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/the-haunting-and-paradise-taxi-cynthia-lynn/1114061302?ean=2940044602069 + E-book Smashwords Edition ISBN 9780989053600 available at Apple https://itunes.apple.com/us/book/haunting-paradise-taxi/id666549806 ; and Sony E-books

"treacly" is more than a descriptive word


The fact that a word like "treacly" is not often used doesn't mean that this word should be put on the dictionary list of unpopular words, "treacly" can be used to mystify the reader of this word when it is used in a sentence.

The meaning of "treacly" can be an uncomplimentary description when "treacly" is applied as a characterization of an individual as this word indicates the mental determination of an individual's attachment to something which may be too sentimental—also, to indicate the quality of something or someone's appearance, but then "treacly" may be mystifyingly obtuse as an indication of what may be less than good.

Though "treacly" is not a popular word, it is definitely on my list of subjective words that are prone to giving a hefty dose of opinion when applied to someone unkindly.  I count this word as a journalist's tendency toward a heavy hand when setting about to frame the emphasis of the article, which would be then about the personality of the person mentioned in the article, which casts an aspersion against this individual. 

A word like "treacly" does have a meaning and can connote what the writer has in mind, and the obscurity of "treacly" points that out to the reader who will certainly be encouraged to look it up.

*to find out more about my writing and works please visit my other blogs:
http://www.parismystic.tumblr.com
http://www.clarissaauthorsguild.tumblr.com
http://www.nomorenotcomfortablehotels.blogspot.com 
and my Authors Guild maintained websites:
http://www.cynthialynn.org
http://www.nomorehotels.org
my recent fiction novel The Haunting And Paradise Taxi (print ISBN 9780615685 print and E-book Nook available at BarnesandNoble.com http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/the-haunting-and-paradise-taxi-cynthia-lynn/1114061302?ean=2940044602069 + E-book Smashwords Edition ISBN 9780989053600 available at Apple https://itunes.apple.com/us/book/haunting-paradise-taxi/id666549806 ; and Sony E-books

 

a word like "pleasure" can be a measure of sorts…


The "pleasure" as this word indicates can mean a state of gratification, which is something that may be unnecessary to life itself, but nevertheless a source of extreme happiness.

The measuring of this word, "pleasure," can come from what someone does to achieve it, and in this 21st century the "pleasure" principle is paramount in the cultural scheme of things, and depending on an individual's status, someone's "pleasure" can elevate to setting a trend.

 

I think that what brings about imitation can be to the bad, as then "pleasure" can also mean excess of what is so pleasing, and to accord "pleasure" a paramount in one's life may lead to a result that is the opposite of "pleasure."  A writer of fiction can aptly use "pleasure" as a theme in a story about someone's lifestyle and the extremes that injur those around that person—a non-fiction writer or journalist can use "pleasure," to codify use of this word in their work.

 
*to find out more about my writing and works please visit my other blogs
http://www.parismystic.tumblr.com
http://www.clarissaauthorsguild.tumblr.com
http://www.nomorenotcomfortablehotels.blogspot.com
and my Authors Guild maintained websites:
http://www.cynthialynn.org
http://www.nomorehotels.org
my recent fiction novel The Haunting And Paradise Taxi (print ISBN 9780615685 print and E-book Nook available at BarnesandNoble.com http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/the-haunting-and-paradise-taxi-cynthia-lynn/1114061302?ean=2940044602069 + E-book Smashwords Edition ISBN 9780989053600 available at Apple https://itunes.apple.com/us/book/haunting-paradise-taxi/id666549806 ; and Sony E-books

that word, "force," speaks and says volumes…


A "force" can mean a strength that causes a change of some sort, and the word, force," intimates what may or may not be true.

That word, "force," can speak of and mean another kind of strength that has to do with character and morality, which can make this word, "force," be more than it would be if it were capitalized to make "force" relevant to the natural world around us that can produce weather patterns to devastate and destroy.

The other meanings can be more hazardous when human beings are not in agreement, such as a gathering of strength to bring about a certain desired result in a moment where there is no agreement about a particular issue, and then a more benign meaning to indicate that "force" is associated with a group that performs a particular job. 

Thus, this word, "force," can mean more than it may seem to indicate, and this means a reader should determine how the use of this word, whether by a journalist or by a writer of fiction, nonfiction, functions in the work which uses it.

*to find out more about my writing and works please visit my other blogs:
http://www.parismystic.tumblr.com
http://www.clarissauthorsguild.tumblr.com
http://nomorenotcomfortablehotels.blogspot.com
and my Authors Guild maintained websites:
http://www.cynthialynn.org
http://www.nomorehotels.org
my recent fiction novel The Haunting And Paradise Taxi (print ISBN 9780615685 print and E-book Nook available at BarnesandNoble.com http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/the-haunting-and-paradise-taxi-cynthia-lynn/1114061302?ean=2940044602069
E-book Smashwords Edition ISBN 9780989053600 available at Apple https://itunes.apple.com/us/book/haunting-paradise-taxi/id666549806 and Sony E-books

 



Tuesday, August 13, 2013

"compromise" can be a word which appeals…


The effort which the word, "compromise," brings about appeals to the conciliatory among us, and there's nothing wrong with what happens when the meaning of this word is about a shared concession.

Another meaning of the word, "compromise," has to do with melding more than one different thing—but then the word, "compromise" does also bring about a change that may not be to the good of everyone concerned, which is often problematical for those with strong views about a certain issue, which is then a degrading of principles.

 A very subjective view can point to a "compromise," that avoids a consequence.

Nevertheless, "compromise" is not based on a subjective view when a discussion ensues as it comes to using this word, "compromise," as the subject of a journalistic examination of exactly what was done to effect a "compromise."  Though in fiction, an author can take liberties with the way "compromise is used in the plot and theme of the work.

 
*please visit my fiction character blogs http://www.clarissaauthorsguild.tumblr.com and http://www.parismystic.tumblr.com print book ISBN 9780615685 available at BarnesandNoble.com/E-book Smashwords Edition ISBN 9780989053600 available at Apple /BarnesandNoble Nook/Sony/Kobo—comforttotravel@less$ blog and  Authors Guild maintained website + another Authors Guild maintained website for my destination city E-book series 

 

Monday, August 12, 2013

"leak" is a word that has a plaintive tonal…

 
This word, "leak," oddly means more than to enter through an opening through some fault or mistake, a "leak" is about letting a substance in or out, which sets the tonal for this word.

The subjective view of this word, "leak," is about letting something become known, and this meaning can often bring an upheaval due to what is open that once was closed, but then a "leak" permits something to escape that would ordinarily do so without the "leak."

Another meaning of the word, "leak," is to give information to a source surreptitiously, and the media in this 21st century is a prime source for what may be hidden or not available information—but then the use of this word becomes a source for dispute, and brings about what may be good or bad, depending on the interpretation of what this "leak" is all about.
 
In the proper context using the word, "leak," in a story is a valid journalistic effort to tell the tale of what was done to "leak," and thus how the "leak" took place, and who did it, then to state for what purpose is either quoted from the one who becomes the subject of the story, or the telling of what is known about the one who perpetrated the "leak."  The subjective use of "leak" in any article is apparent when the use of supposition is part of the story.  Check out how "leak" is the lead of a story which when told is an honest account of what is known, but nothing that is heresay can be part of the lead, though what may or may not be true can be presented in just that context. 

*please visit my fiction character blogs by the heroine of THE HAUNTING AND PARADISE TAXI, and the ghostly Max of my recent novel The Haunting And Paradise Taxi (print ISBN 9780615685 available at Amazon.com/E-book Smashwords Edition ISBN 9780989053600 available at Apple/BarnesandNoble Nook Smashwords Edition/Sony/Kobo—my comforttotravel@less blog and my Authors Guild maintained website + my Authors Guild maintained website for my destination city E-book series

this word, "prejudice," is a manipulative one…


The use of this word, "prejudice," belies what may not be an injury or damage from a judgment or action.

Yet "prejudice" can be what may be thought of as an irrational thought and action, as well as a judgment and opinion, which I think sets this word at the top of certain news transmissions by recognized TV channels and newspapers in articles that may depict a subjective use of this word, "prejudice," to incite and inflame emotions. 

I believe a word like "prejudice," connotes more of a meaning by its use in defining impressions, which does make "prejudice" a very 21st century word often cited during the turmoil of events that may take place seemingly haphazardly.  This word "prejudice" connotes a judgment, and if "prejudice" is used in a article that purports to be impartial, then the writer is not setting out a truthful account of what may be a headline grabbing story.  The honest way a journalist uses words can be compared to the safeguards that allow someone accused of a crime to claim Miranda rights.  If a journalist uses the word alleged in the context of prejudice, then be assured that this is a honestly told story of something that has occured and merited the space devoted to telling the tale.

*please visit my fiction character blogs by the heroine of THE HAUNTING AND PARADISE TAXI, and the ghostly Max of my recent novel The Haunting And Paradise Taxi (print ISBN 9780615685 available at Amazon.com/E-book Smashwords Edition ISBN 9780989053600 available at Apple/BarnesandNoble Nook Smashwords Edition/Sony/Kobo—my comforttotravel@less blog and my Authors Guild maintained website + my Authors Guild maintained website for my destination city E-book series

the word "slant" sounds opinionated…


This word "slant" is about going in a certain direction, the meaning points exactly in that direction, which fits into my idea of the use of writing to bring about a very subjective view of events, which is great when used in a fiction word, but not as a journalistic story by an author who has an agenda. 

The meaning of "slant" extends this meaning which is to turn from a line or level point, and extends to interpretation with a certain or special interest, though can be defined as especially dishonestly distorting almost to the point of what some might believe borders on falsifying, with use of impression or belief underlying what is written, is not journalism. 

Sadly, today what passes for journalism is to abuse words to incorporate this use of "slant" which now in our 21st century world is allowed with impunity—looking up the meaning of words is the best way to protect your impartiality when a volatile subject is in the media spotlight.  Too many stories that make headlines are revved up with explosive subject matter.  Yet when those same words are contained in impartial dictionary, and subject to the light of reality, it can be simple to determine whether or not a headline is the purpose of the story.  And the use of a word that can cause emotions to cloud the truth bring attention to the story, which is an attempt toward creating a "slant."

*please visit my fiction character blogs by the heroine of THE HAUNTING AND PARADISE TAXI, Clarissa Max and the ghostly Max of my recent novel The Haunting And Paradise Taxi (print ISBN 9780615685 available at Amazon.com/E-book Smashwords Edition ISBN 9780989053600 available at Apple/BarnesandNoble Nook Smashwords Edition/Sony/Kobo—my comforttotravel@less blog and my Authors Guild maintained website + my Authors Guild maintained website for my destination city E-book series
 
 

Sunday, August 11, 2013

the word "cracker" has many meanings but when it is capitalized yet another…


*NOTICE TO MY BLOG READERS:
this is a weekly blog about words that I find are indicative of the 21st century use of words as subjective and often used to obliquely as well as violently to express opinion, but for the next 3 months I will not be blogging on that weekly schedule—instead I will post 12 blog weeks at the same time, though the posts will be separate and should be read on that basis.


In an unfortunate way, I was included in what I believe was another person's misunderstanding about this word, "cracker," which I have realized was an emotional and judgmental use of the word "Cracker" applied to posting a negative review about the Kindle E-book version of recently published novel. 

The negative review for my novel was rife with an accusation, racist, and the entire review was prominently displayed on my book's Amazon site as one of the 3 reviews readers have posted about my book.

Though I am planning a trip do read my travel related blog for more information , I was not focused on checking my book sale site for new review posts.  But this weekend I was shocked when a friend e-mailed me with the news about a negative review of my book that I soon realized was associated with locale of my story.  The locale is set in an area of northwest central Florida known as "Cracker country," and as well, in my cast of characters are some "Cracker" descendants. 

Yet I never dreamed or thought that anyone could take offense from the word, "Cracker," and apply the word, "racist," to my book to make conclusions that my novel is racist. 


It happens that I did research about this genuine Americana folkloric culture, and found nothing that related to my conception of plot or theme that would prompt racist accusations.  Instead I found that these were hard working settlers of the Florida swamp lands that cultivated a citrus industry which thrived, grew and expanded throughout Florida.  They also planted ancient oak trees with large overreaching branches that my heroine found were sheltering and protective against a world that had been hostile and unforgiving.   Additionally, the "Crackers" were avid church goers who were suspicious of strangers and could be zealots when it came to accessing the moral standards of those they called "sinners."   All of this was applied to a plot that featured a "big city" gal who is pink slipped out of a reporting career.  She lands serendipitously in an alien culture, then finds that women are relegated to inferior jobs in this patriarchal town called Citrusville where men ruled the roost, a subplot theme for my book.

This critique of "racist" stung me, but then I understood that my blog about words was very appropriate for a discussion about the dictionary meaning of this word, "cracker," and what a word means, versus the emotional and obviously gut wrenching reaction to the word, "Cracker" even when capitalized.

This the meaning of "cracker," according to the Merrium Webster Online Dictionary, is a crackling or snapping noise, a dry crispy baked product, and also a usually disparaging: a poor Southern white, and if capitalized (as I used the Cracker word in my book) a native or resident of Florida or Georgia, a nickname—yet the benign meaning and those that may have another emotional reaction, says volumes about the 21st century aversion to certain words with the depth of an emotional reaction that can be accusatory and even hurtful to all concerned.

I urged the writer of the review of my book, which referred to the book as "racist" and in which the reviewer (purchaser of the E-book Kindle) wondered how such a book could be published, to please read my blog about words.  I hope she will make a comment about her gut wrenching reaction to the use of a word which was as defined by the dictionary "capitalized" and applied as a reference to the locale of the story and some of the cast of characters, especially those who congregated at Ed's Diner.   I also encouraged this reviewer to give my book a reread.  The reviewer did note that the book was interesting, that is until that word, Cracker," was used in my book, and I am sure that this reviewer will be interested in my subplot about women who want equality not only in the workplace.

My novel's heroine, Clarissa Max discovered how to survive as a hack freelance writer, and tells the story of a haunting by the ghostly Max who refuses to be dead and seeks to find her destiny lost by playing mind games that bring about a change in direction for the heroine, who tells her story about finding one door closed and discovering another door open to another kind of life.  

*my recent novel The Haunting And Paradise Taxi (print ISBN 9780615685 available at Amazon.com/E-book Smashwords Edition ISBN 9780989053600 available at Apple/BarnesandNoble Nook/Sony/Kobo—blog by the ghostly Max who is haunting Clarissa and blog by heroine, Clarissa Max + my travel blog with the premise of comforttotravel@less$.