Tuesday, August 25, 2020

Kerflooey – Wordplay Wednesday™ 08/26/2020


20th Century Dinosaur of a Word 

What a dinosaur might have said when telling the story of how he lost his tail …  

Grandpa T-Rex sat back on the stub of his once-majestic tail. The dinosaur-dragon (they had long ago integrated their breeds) adjusted small, round glasses and peered over them at his grandchildren as he solemnly related, “I was just about to breathe mighty fire and roast my dinner, when a pranking nephew crept up behind me, set a stick of dynamite under my tail, lit the fuse …” and mimicking his wide-eyed look of surprise, he thrust his front legs up … “and my tail went …

KERFLOOEY (kɘr-ʹflü-ē; 1918) adj. – awry, kaput. [WW #283] 

Yep, it seems the silly T-Rex teen hadn’t calculated the effects of his trick. A perfect set-up for kerflooey!

This week’s word has been around awhile and still holding its place in the dictionary. Although, kerflooey doesn’t really even have its own definition; referring us instead, to the more common words of exasperation when our valiant efforts are thwarted, or a science project goes bad.

Great for period dialogue; with its early twentieth century addition to the dictionary, it may have originated as a colloquialism and worked its way up to a pseudo-word without a defining identity. But kerflooey is a fun alternative when you want to grab your readers’ attention. It got yours, didn’t it? 

Ask your parents and grandparents if they’ve ever used or heard of kerflooey. Collect a couple other old-timey words we’ve shared here, like flibbertigibbet and widdershins, and create a mini-survey. Could be an interesting research topic of words by the generations, or a humorous vocabulary diversion for family and friends.

“The best laid plans of mice and men …” and women trying to accomplish something, sometimes go kerflooey! Pick up the pieces and move on.

Word Challenge: KERFLOOEY. If I were to give it a true definition, it would be “out with a frustrating bang.” Give some thought to how you might define it, as you fit kerflooey into your week of curious writings and clever conversations.

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!]

*LR Notes: 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) a] Recent dictionary additions to definitions include a date of first use, if known; b] words in small caps indicate “see also.” 3) Neither I (LinDee Rochelle) nor Penchant for Penning are responsible for how you use information found here, that may result in legal action.

E-N-Dzzzzzzzz  

Tuesday, August 18, 2020

Georgic – Wordplay Wednesday™ 08/19/2020

When Down-to-Earth is Cool 

Poets often write in specific subjects rather than a variety. Their writing flows comfortably in a particular setting, or they’re content to open an emotional gate and explore the many facets of a subject near to their heart.

Elizabeth Barrett Browning 1806-1861
Many classics endure in themes: mystery and darkness (Poe), love and life (The Brownings), or enigmatic works of politics and religion (Milton).

Contemporary poets, are not much different. If you’ve written or been drawn to poems of the land and the farmers who live by it for instance, but didn’t know there is a word for it … here ya go …

GEORGIC (ʹjȯr-jik) – 1; 1513) n. a poem dealing with agriculture [or husbandry]; 2; ca. 1720) adj. agricultural. [WW #282] 

Not sure what I’d find when I searched for examples, I was moved at the heart and depth of those who live in or simply appreciate rural living and life of a farmer. Snippets of georgic life …

… Your labor is done, your home now is heaven; no more must you wait,
Your legacy lives on, your love of the land, and we will close the gate.
~ Nancy Kraayenhof, Close the Gate (For Dad)
… The farmer’s trade is one of worth;
 He’s partner with the sky and earth,
 He’s partner with the sun and rain,
 And no man loses for his gain;
 And men may rise, or men may fall,
 But the farmer he must feed them all. …
~ Amelia Barr, The Farmer

While there are pages of poems dedicated to georgic toil and philosophies, we are in danger of losing the very lifeblood of human existence to automation and genetic engineering. We need the sustenance that originates in the Earth.

In the past couple of centuries, we have lost vital farmland to urban living, world wars, and depressions. How much more land will we devastate before realizing the intensity of what we’ve lost is depleting our collective health?

As the world looks for meaning and pathways to a new way of doing everything, let’s not forget our literal roots. The georgic population is especially overwhelmed now. A noble profession, working the land is one of the oldest methods for preserving humankind. While “manufactured” food is all well and good, is it truly good for us?
How can you help our georgic population, many whose families have farmed for centuries? Perhaps these inspirational news items may inspire your writing to create, or donate, or simply meditate for the good of all.

Word Challenge: GEORGIC. Consider how your food goes from ground to table, as you fit georgic into your week of down-to-Earth writings and clever conversations.

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!]

*LR Notes: 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) a] Recent dictionary additions to definitions include a date of first use, if known; b] words in small caps indicate “see also.” 3) Neither I (LinDee Rochelle) nor Penchant for Penning are responsible for how you use information found here, that may result in legal action.

E-N-Dzzzzzzzz