I want to know your favorite word, least favorite word, the word you think is most underutilized, and which words you think are over utilized? Mostly for a personal interest.
I'll start.
Favorite: ecumenical, tied with, insipid
Least Favorite: necessary
Underutilized: poignant
Over utilized: and
I like some words and I have to watch using them in everyday life, because of the looks I get. Writing lets me utilize my vocabulary without the pained looks and the pinched faces.
Phantasmagoria. Ethereal. Pedantic and pontificating. Benign and benevolent.
I love how these words really home in on something. As if the focus got adjusted and now you can see perfectly clear what is meant.
I can't go all out though, and if a writer does they risk turning into WIlliam F Buckley.
I like turning alliteration on without forcing it when it hits me.
A pedantic character is one thing. A pontificating character is another.
Yet when they are a pedantic pontificating buffoon, it really strikes home for me.
Same with benign and benevolent.
I loved when...
"the cat seemed to enjoy discovering that we were both benign and benevolent as well" just rolled off my tongue.
okay, off my fingertips.
I sat back, and said "wow. that was cool."
I think my record was four alliterations in a row, and I knew I was pushing it.
It seemed to add to the effect at the moment.
the character was out of it, taking in what they just realized had happened, head swimming.
I still use the bad overused words, though.
they kind of bookend this stuff I just described.
