As writers, we take great pleasure sharing what we learn with others, such is what this fun, but time-consuming weekly article has allowed me to do. But it’s time for Penchant for Penning to step back and take a more parental, supportive role in my more widely read blogs and writings.
The weekly edition of Wordplay Wednesday will end with #301 on December 30th. In the New Year, PFP will become a site devoted to the publications and promotion of 39 and Holding Club, and Blast from Your Past monthly sites and writings. However, please join me in a nod to continue Wordplay with short articles appearing on the first Wednesday of each month. C’mon by the first week of each month to enjoy new posts on all of my fun sites.
Why now, when new words are entering our dictionaries at a furious pace? You may know that I have been writing a book series of pioneering Rock & Roll Radio DJs (BFYP). The final decade (Book 3-1970s) has been languishing without my firm hand on its forward motion. Time is my enemy. Thus, the anguishing need to scale back on enjoyable, but time-usurping projects.
I hope you are well and happily looking forward, while infusing insight from what has gone before. Cheers to your health and warm wishes for a much less demanding and healthier New Year for all of us! Next Wordplay Wednesday on February 3, 2021..LinDee Rochelle
And now, with a merry wink and a Holiday twinkle … this week’s Wordplay Wednesday awaits …
Mmmmmm, that sounds good! Or, you could be sipping cider AS Santa, if you’re the one doing the delivering this year (virtually, of course). Either way, it’s definitely cider time!
For many of us, closing out this year lacks the tone of nostalgia, prevalent in years past …we just want it done and over with. Not that we won’t have issues to confront come 2021, but perhaps not a year that delivers more than one strength-sapping negative …
JINK (ʹjiŋk;
1785) vi. – to move quickly or unexpectedly with sudden turns and shifts
(as in dodging).
Or
(1786) n. – 1) a quick evasive turn, slip;
2) pl., franks, frolics, esp. high jinks. [WW #299]
With all of its many possible roles, I choose to believe that this word just begs to be applied to Santa, dontcha think? What if our beloved Christmas poem, “A Visit from St. Nicholas,” first published in 1823 had read …
soon gave me to know I had nothing to dread.
He spoke not a word, but with a smile and a
wink,
filled all the stockings, then turned with a jink.
Well he could have, as jink had already entered mainstream vocabulary in 1785! I just tweaked it with a little creative magic …
Real excerpt from common title “‘Twas the Night Before Christmas” (Clement Clarke Moore):
A wink of his eye and a twist of his head
soon gave me to know I had nothing to dread.
He
spoke not a word, but went straight to his work,
and filled all the stockings, then turned with a jerk.
Sadly, ‘long about six or seven years old, we begin to question the fantastic magic of Santa Claus. Though we may never lose our faith in the magic of Christmas (Hallmark movies* are a testament to that belief), eventually the idea of jolly ol’ St. Nick arriving by chimney or other tight-squeezed method, to visit children around the world in a single night, becomes a tad far-fetched. Jink or no jink.
Word Challenge: JINK. A versatile, intriguing surprise for your creative juices, as you fit jink into your week of clever writings and casual 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)
Cheers to learning a new word today, and making the virtual most of your Holidays!
@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!]
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.
*And
please note, I do not receive compensation from any company or person for
commercial or commodity links I may include in my posts.
E-N-Dzzzzzzzz
