HOLIDAY REPARTEE

THE NEFF ZONE -- BY JIM NEFF

CADILLAC NEWS -- DECEMBER 9, 2023

During the holidays what goes back-and-forth more than gifts? It's a trick question. The answer is “words.” You probably will have more banter with friends and family in the next few weeks than you do in the rest of the entire year. 

 

Because of this, having a variety of words at your disposal is critical. Not only will you be able to move conversations along, but you'll be able to dazzle folks with your acumen and brilliance. 

 

To start, you'll want to exhibit Merriam-Webster’s Word of the Year for 2023 – authentic. “The word has a number of meanings including 'not false or imitation' and also 'true to one’s own personality, spirit, or character'.”

(https://www.merriam-webster.com/wordplay/word-of-the-year)

 

At the same time, you'll want to avoid being associated with Cambridge Dictionary's word of the year – hallucinate. “The traditional definition is to 'to seem to see, hear, feel, or smell something that does not exist'.” 

(https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-england-cambridgeshire-6742)

 

Since it is the holidays, Dictionary Scoop has provided a timely list: “Eight Festive Words You Must Know.” The site notes: “Most of us enjoy an excuse to gather with our friends and family. Spending quality time around others is a fundamental part of the human experience.”

 

One of the festive terms is German in origin – Kaffeeklatsch. “This word translates to something like 'coffee chatter.' Sports, or the latest piece of news are topics that may arise when groups of coffee enjoyers find themselves in the same place, at the same time.” More terms at: https://www.dictionaryscoop.com/article/8-Festive-Words-You-Must-Know. 

 

Of course, having word factoids in your quiver is always handy. 'Linguistic facts to surprise your friends the next time you see them is a mysterious treat.' For instance, what is pneumonoultramicroscopicsilicovolcanoconiosis?

 

Well, it's the longest word in the English language at forty-five characters. The Oxford English Dictionary tells us: “Pneumo- refers to the lungs, and the suffix -osis indicates a condition, state, or disease. This incredible word refers to a type of lung disorder caused by inhaling silica dust, usually used in the manufacture of glass, pottery, ceramics, bricks, and artificial stone.” Seven more mind-blowers at: https://www.dictionaryscoop.com/article/8-Fun-Facts-About-Language-That-Will-Blow-Your-Mind.

 

Another longish word is actually close to home – manoomin.  It's now officially Michigan’s designated state native grain. “Gov. Gretchen Whitmer signed legislation this week to make manoomin – wild rice – the state’s official native grain. The keystone aquatic plant with special importance to Indigenous peoples is now a Michigan state symbol just like the Petoskey stone and white pine tree.” (https://www.mlive.com/public-interest/2023/12/do-you-know-what-manoomin-is-michigans-state-native-grain.html)

 

If you have a keyboard handy, a semi-tricky word question can be fun. What mechanical device can be spelled using only the top row of letters on a keyboard? In a bit of irony, the answer is “typewriter.”

 

Knowing words in a foreign language is sure to impress, but using Latin can be hilariously highfalutin. Again, Dictionary Scoop provides a list: “Eight Latin Phrases To Impress Colleagues And Friends.” For some reason, “In vino veritas” caught my attention. It means: "In wine, there is truth ."

 

“The phrase suggests that, when under the influence of alcohol, people are more likely to speak their true minds. According to ancient Greek historian Herodotus, the Persians believed so much in this maxim that they had the custom of rethinking decisions taken while sober after imbibing a few drinks. Even if you have your doubts about this one, you can’t deny it’s great for parties.” More pompousness at: https://www.dictionaryscoop.com/article/8-Latin-Phrases-To-Impress-Colleagues-And-Friends.

 

If all this is too much for your sensibilities, you may suffer from logophobia. It's the  irrational fear of words themselves. “There are also extreme cases, such as  'hippopotomonstrosesquipedaliophobia,' which is the fear of long words.” (https://www.dictionaryscoop.com/article/8-Phobia-Names-to-Fuel-Your-Logophobia)

 

There is a “treatment” for hippopotomonstrosesquipedaliophobia. The key is to replace a long word with a short word. A one-hit-wonder band, The Trashmen,  revealed this in 1963. In the song “Surfin' Bird,” they told the world: “A-well-a don't you know about the bird? Well, everybody knows that the bird is the word.” Video at: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rbmWG3vmKHY.

 

Finally, when it comes to holiday words don't forget the special Neff Zone Holidays page at: https://www.neffzone.com/holidays/. Find the Elf Name Generator where you can find an elf name based on your personality. Mine came up as Pickletoes Dasher. 

 

Jim Neff is a local columnist. Read Neff Zone columns online at CadillacNews.com and NeffZone.com/cadillacnews.