Kickstart Your Casual Conversations!
Not coleslaw, rickshaw, or bandsaw … meet your
word for the week …
KICKSHAW (ʹkik-,shȯ; 1597) n. 1) a fancy
dish, delicacy; 2) trinket, gewgaw.
[WW #281]
If you’re in the food biz, you might recognize
it. If not, or didn’t know it had other meanings, then it helps to know what a gewgaw
is … or the alternate spelling that I know better, geegaw … sheesh. Six
of one, half dozen of the other … terms that are likely as old, I’m sure, as kickshaw!
Known more commonly as baubles or trinkets, I
was not aware kickshaw also applies to a delicacy or elite,
gourmet dish. Apparently, it depends on which part of the world your novel or
nonfiction writing is set in, and the local word familiarity. (Familiar with
it? I’m asking for Twitter RTs
and general location of world you’re in, just for fun!)
But don’t hesitate to take kickshaw
into another era or setting for your books, articles, or even casual chats. Let
the dialogue or action question its meaning. Keeps your readers and chat mates on their toes!
Word Challenge: KICKSHAW. Enjoy this interesting and flexible word
for your informal settings, as you fit kickshaw
into your week of versatile 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 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!]
*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
No comments:
Post a Comment
Only intelligent, non-abusive comments (preferably with humor), will be published. Thank you for your interest!