Pleonasm – Wordplay Wednesday™ 03/04/2020

When Over Much is Too Much 

In today’s hurry-up-and-get-it-up social media and instant book writing, most of the time you’re editing your own work—always a dangerous task—even if you’re a certified editor. Our minds are tricky and love to let you see what you want to see, not necessarily what is there.

This week’s word reminds you of a hidden-in-plain-sight writing pothole …

PLEONASM (plēʹɘ nazʹɘm) n. – 1) the use of more words than are necessary for the expression of an idea, redundancy (Ex.: “plenty enough”); 2) an instance of this; 3) a redundant word or expression (adj. – pleonastic). [WW #258]

So now, along with last week’s Wordplay word, tautology, we have two ways to clean up our writing before even consulting an editor. While tautology reminds us not to be unnecessarily repetitive, pleonasm works to reduce clutter for a specific thought.

Exact, precise thinking … added bonus …difficult dilemma … false pretense … just a few common pleonasm examples we all know and love.

Warning: Does your brain try to turn pleonasm into “neoplasm”? Well, what can I say … mine does. Sigh. Although pleonasm is an abnormality of your writing, neoplasm can be more devastating in its definition, “an abnormal growth of tissue; as a tumor.” Confusing them could cause consternation with inappropriate meanings.

Word Challenge: PLEONASM. Self-editing isn’t perfect, but it is necessary to solidify your topic credibility in self-published books, articles, and social media, as you fit pleonasm into your week of accomplished 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) 

Cheers to learning a new word on Wordplay Wednesday!

@PenchantForPen

@Irishwriter

[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 1 – Rock & Roll Radio DJs: The First Five Years 1954-1959; and Book 2 – Rock & 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.

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E-N-Dzzzzzzzz