Spelling Issues

Just one really -- The word definitely? Yeah, it doesn't have an a in it... anywhere... seriously. So, for the love of all that is decent, please, stop trying to give it one.

I'm not talking to anyone in particular here. Just venting.

That's NOT Funny...

Today's Word:

risible: (adjective) Exciting or provoking laughter; worthy of laughter; laughable; amusing [riz-uh-bull]

I couldn't resist doing another one today. This one is a new word to me, but I like it because it makes me think of my day today. It was a teacher work day. I've never worked on curriculum stuff with elementary teachers before, so I didn't realize how humorless they are when it comes to work. They are all business, and they don't seem to like it if anyone else is funny. So every time I made what I believed to be a risible comment, I got the evil eye.

Secondary teachers, on the other hand, develop quite the sense of humor. It's a survival skill, really. So risible comments are rarely wasted on them -- especially middle school teachers. If you don't laugh, you don't stay sane.

Corner! NOW!

Today's Word:

relegate: (verb) to send or assign to an inferior position, place, or condition [rel-uh-gate]

Whenever I get into trouble in teacher meetings for making sarcastic comments at inappropriate times (like that ever happens) I am relegated to the corner. Though I'm sure none of you can picture me doing such a thing...

Give It Up

Today's Word:

acquiesce: (verb) submit or comply silently or without protest; agree; consent [ak-wee-ess]

I'm having trouble thinking of examples to add... hmm... Oh! When my children want a toy or a treat, they will whine or throw fits (sometimes). They know instinctively with whom this method is most effective. Grandma will almost certainly acquiesce if she encounters the least bit of resistance.

Can't Stand Ya!

Today's Word:

bete noire: (noun) something or someone particularly hated or avoided [bet nwar] -- the direct translation from French is "black beast".

I suppose if I mention names here I'll get myself into trouble...

I avoid my bete noire at all costs. She is as unpleasant a person as anyone I've ever met. Again, I won't mention any names, but I will tell you my bete noire was the reason I had to make my blog "by invitation only".

Just Make Up Your Mind, Already!

Today's Word:

vacillate: (verb) to waver; to show indecision [va-sill-late]

When I ask my daughter what she wants to eat for dinner, she vacillates between a peanut butter sandwich and macaroni and cheese every night. Tough decision, apparently.

There are certain people who vacillate so much, you can't can't stand to go to the movies with them, or out to eat, because they just won't make a decision! You all know someone like that -- hopefully it's not me you're thinking of....

That's Preposterous!

Today's Word:

preposterous: (adjective) ridiculous [pruh-pa-stir-us]

This is one of the words on the vocabulary list for my students this week. I used it an awful lot last Friday as I was letting my boss know how inane I thought it was to have midterms come out after only three weeks. Luckily, she has a good sense of humor, and found my use of large words endearing... or at least, she pretended to. The good news is we were able to push back the midterm deadline to next week!

See what using polysyllabic words can do for you!?

Okay, so that word was definitely preposterous!