Wednesday, August 7, 2019

Cacoethes – Wordplay Wednesday™ 08/07/2019


It's OK to be a Summer Slacker 


Hot and steamy, summer caters to our inner slacker. On the beach, or cooling off in our local pub, we’re certainly leaning towards R&R, with little ambition or …

CACOETHES (kakʹō ēʹthēz’) n. – a hankering (to do something); mania. [WW #228]

The word simply does not roll off the tongue for easy and supple pronunciation, which may obscure its wonderfully visual meaning. When writing, or even in more palpable conversation, cacoethes is straight-up for the first syllable, then wraps itself around your tongue and won’t let go.

What a complicated word for a simple action, don’t you think? Cacoethes may add an elite clinical sound to a Manic Monday* or a busy bee; but trying to spit it out is hardly worth the effort. (Bangles' lament.)

Thinking of its rather varied meanings—from the lighthearted “hankering” to the dark side of “mania”cacoethes is not a word to use lightly or without purpose.

However, your novel writing might include an educated character who loves to impress, or a psychologist intent on his/her notes, in which case cacoethes is perfect. If you practice its pronunciation to perfection, it’s also a great word to wow your friends with, in casual conversation. If nothing else, they’ll be impressed with your articulation skills.

Word Challenge: CACOETHES. For when you simply must show off your vocabulary, as you slip cacoethes into your week of frenzied writings.

Learning knows no prejudices or boundaries, and it isn’t fattening! Expanding your mind is a no-cost, simple joy. Do you feel that way too? What’s your inspiration? Share your creative genius and Wordplay Wednesday comments below.

Write first for yourself … only then can you write for others. (L.Rochelle) 

           

[LinDee Rochelle is a writer and editor by trade, and an author by way of Rock & Roll. She has published two books (of three) in her Blast from Your Past series about pioneering R&R Radio DJs. True behind-the-mic tales make GREAT Holiday Gifts available on Amazon (eBook and print): Book 1Rock & Roll Radio DJs: The First Five Years 1954-1959; and Book 2Rock & Roll Radio DJs: The Swinging Sixties. Coming soon … The Psychedelic Seventies!]

Note: Dictionary definitions are quoted from Webster’s New World College Dictionary.
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E-N-Dzzzzzzzz  

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