Do you ever feel rambunctious and pretty full of yourself but don’t really care? It’s okay to enjoy life boisterously … to a point. ♪ Mr. Big Stuff | Who do you think you are? ♪*
Just
know when it wears on your friends, and you become a little too …
BUMPTIOUS (ʹbɘm(p)-shɘs; 1803) adj. – presumptuously, obtusely, and often noisily self-assertive: obtrusive | adv. – bumptiously / n. – bumptiousness. [WW #307-M ~ Monthly Edition]
Though relatively common, how long has it been since you’ve seen, heard, or better yet, used, bumptious in writing or conversation? It’s fun to pronounce and a great adjective to slip into many different genres of writing. Bumptious can describe a character, a moment, or an era.
In 1803 we apparently needed a new description for the obnoxious and mildly aggressive folks of the world. Could bumptious have come from a “bumpy” relationship, an overly large “bump in the road,” or a rude person “bumping” his/her way through a crowd? Perhaps all of the above.
Whatever
its origin, feel free to use bumptious creatively! Attach
it to one person, or a whole nation … take the United States, for instance, a
country often reviled for its aggressive attitude. 
Final loads of coal wagons toward end of 2nd
Revolution
In 1803 (along with England) we began moving from the First Industrial Revolution into the Second, now often referred to as the Technical Revolution. Subsequently, we slipped seductively into the Digital Revolution, which we currently call home. And we’re still bumptiously moving forward!
Word Challenge: BUMPTIOUS. Although its current definition skirts rudeness and irritating, try giving it an inventive design for a softer, more humorous reference. You might be pleasantly surprised at the result, as you fit bumptious into your week of amusingly aggressive writings and casual conversations.
*Song of the month: “Mr. Big Stuff.” Jean Knight put her guy in his place and placed at #2 on the KQEO/Albuquerque radio chart, 50 Years Ago this Month.
Wordplay Wednesday is currently created for your literary pleasure every first Wednesday of each month. Thank you for stopping by! 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!
@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 Merriam-Webster’s Collegiate
Dictionary – Eleventh Edition, unless otherwise noted. 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
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E-N-Dzzzzzzzz
