Tuesday, February 25, 2020

Tautology – Wordplay Wednesday™ 02/26/2020


Seedless, Heedless, Needless … One of Them Applies 

One makes some foods easier to eat. Another makes us wonder whatever happened to society’s common sense. All great subjects ripe for review; however, this week, we’re talking about writers’ bad habits …

TAUTOLOGY (tô täʹɘ jē) n. – 1-a) needless repetition of an idea in different words, redundancy, pleonasm (Ex.: “necessary essentials,” b) an instance of such repetition; 2) Logic: a proposition that is analytic (sense 5). [WW #257] [Look for this accompanying word as next week’s Wordplay.]

Yep, I have found myself guilty of tautology at times. Most of us are … “free giveaway” … comes easily to mind. We are either in too much of a hurry to properly edit, or perhaps it’s done purposely to over-emphasize a point. Of course, that doesn’t make it right.

A few more fun examples: "I want to live while I am alive." Bon Jovi (“It’s My Life”; 2000) … “I made this for you with my own hands” … and my personal favorite, the ever popular … “It is what it is.” Of course, that last one is a colloquialism, so manages to escape the usual scrutiny, but still makes a great, recognizable example.
 
Is this common phrase an example of tautology? “Fresh produce” … I suppose it could be wilted, but …  

They sneak into your writing when you least expect it, and often remain undetected as you publish. Even if not “true” forms of tautology, perhaps a more effective rewrite is still in order. At least now, you know what it is when someone calls you on it!  

Word Challenge: TAUTOLOGY. Be creative, but conscientious, as you fit tautology into your week of fresh 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 in her Blast from Your Past series (of three) about pioneering R&R Radio DJs. True behind-the-mic tales make GREAT Holiday and anytime 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: 1) Dictionary definitions are quoted from Webster’s New World College Dictionary. Yes, we sometimes present them out of “official” context—but that’s half the fun! Think of it as “creative context.” 2) Neither I (LinDee Rochelle) nor Penchant for Penning are responsible for how you use information found here, that may result in legal action.
Endnote: FYI – All links in the PFP site are personally visited, verified, and vetted. Most are linked to commonly accessed sites of reputable note. However, as with everything cyber-security, use at your own discretion.

E-N-Dzzzzzzzz  

Wednesday, February 19, 2020

Munificent – Wordplay Wednesday™ 02/19/2020


A Disgrace to the Forces of Evil 

As you’ve likely heard, a certain infamous, wealthy business owner is in the news for offering billions through his self-named fund to assist in combating climate change. Certainly a generous and noble effort.

As much as he should be applauded, we all know someone who may not possess great wealth, yet never hesitates to offer assistance to those in need throughout his day. Small gestures count too, they just don’t get public kudos …

MUNIFICENT (myōō nifʹɘ sɘnt) adj. – 1) very generous in giving; 2) characterized by or indicative of great generosity (a munificent reward). [WW #256*]

Not to be confused with maleficent: harmful, hurtful, evil – emerging as a popular household name with Walt Disney’s portrayal of Sleeping Beauty’s evil fairy godmother – Maleficent: Mistress of All Evil. She is an exquisite antithesis of munificent. The years roll by. But a hundred years to a steadfast heart are but a day.
 
Thinking about this week’s word reminded me of a friend who exemplifies munificent every day. He’s enjoying his 60-something birthday today (and a member of our 39 and Holding Club of course) with his usual humor and humility.

In a recent chat, we discussed how we’ve changed as people since our youth. And thankful for it! Successful aging and maturing (not always hand-in-hand) should include a more generous and compassionate nature, in deed and thought. Not always easy to maintain in our current virulent society.

Admittedly, my friend is more altruistic than I—he never turns away anyone who truly needs assistance and strives to live “neighborly”—in a munificent and courteous manner.

If only everyone would display the Golden Rule like my friend: Do unto others as you would have others do unto you.

Word Challenge: MUNIFICENT. It is not always easy to plausibly justify the behavior of generosity and beneficence in your fiction characters or non-fiction subjects. Give it another go as you fit munificent into your week of magnanimous 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 in her Blast from Your Past series (of three) about pioneering R&R Radio DJs. True behind-the-mic tales make GREAT Holiday and anytime 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: 1) Dictionary definitions are quoted from Webster’s New World College Dictionary. Yes, we sometimes present them out of “official” context—but that’s half the fun! Think of it as “creative context.” 2) Neither I (LinDee Rochelle) nor Penchant for Penning are responsible for how you use information found here, that may result in legal action.
Endnote: FYI – All links in the PFP site are personally visited, verified, and vetted. Most are linked to commonly accessed sites of reputable note. However, as with everything cyber-security, use at your own discretion.

E-N-Dzzzzzzzz