If you were a regular listener to my old radio program, (I like the British spelling “programme” but that’s pretentious for a native New Yorker.) you might remember a regular feature called ‘The Word of the Week.’
It started when one of the executives of the network called me out on my language. ”But I’ve never sworn or used foul language,” I said. That wasn’t the problem. I was told my language was a little too… um… upscale, highfalutin, polysyllabic. Hmm. Could I simplify my speech for my listeners?
Frankly, I thought it was insulting to the audience, so what I did was start a contest, the Word of the Week, in which people could vote on their favorite word. We had a website, and people could vote on their favorite word out of 4 or 5 nominees. It was a lark at first. Schenectady was the first winner, and a woman in the City Hall of Schenectady, NY accepted the award over the phone. But over time it grew to be a favorite with listeners and we often got guest submissions from them.
You might like a word because of the way it sounds. You may like what it means. It doesn’t matter. The point is to have fun.
So now, because I miss that old show and the interactions it fostered, I’m bringing back The Word of the Week. Please vote, and as they say in Chicago and New Orleans, vote early and often. The winner will be announced Saturday, February 4th.
Drumroll, please.
- Matterhorn
- Consequence
- Parachute
- Dumpling
If someone knows how to put a counter thingy here, great. I’d love that.
Lisa
