The Glowing Scroll

Search This Blog

"The rules of grammar are a nuisance, up with which I cannot put."

September 16, 2015

Get link
Facebook
Twitter
Pinterest
Email
Other Apps

–Winston Churchill

Get link
Facebook
Twitter
Pinterest
Email
Other Apps

Comments

5 Great Words That Don't Mean What You Think They Mean

Bombast. Maybe it’s because it has that word bomb in it, but bombast is often misused to describe harsh, exaggerated, or over-the-top rhetoric. Actually, it refers to speech that’s pompous or pretentious. Originally, bombast was a name for the cotton padding used in clothes. So when you hear a speech with lots of padding or filler—that’s bombastic. Or, (ahem) it could describe writing that has the same qualities. Hypocrite. We all know that a hypocrite is someone who says one thing and does another. Right? Well, actually, no. The word derives from the Greek word for a stage actor—someone who’s pretending to be someone else. So, if you‘re not living up to your own standards—that just means you’re human. If you’re pretending to do so—then yes, you’re a hypocrite. Diffident. This word is sometimes used as a synonym for arrogant or aloof . Actually, it describes someone who is timid or shy ( dif -fident—the opposite of con -fident). Stereotype. When we hear this word

The Church is like a weed

Does it bother you that there are so many churches? It does me. As I drive from my home to my own church meeting I pass probably a dozen churches—some traditional buildings, some tiny storefronts, others hidden in industrial parks or rented schoolrooms. I don’t know the people who attend any of these congregations, and don’t have a particular desire to. That's odd, if you take seriously the prayer of Jesus that we believers should be one, as He and the Father are one. But there’s another way to look at it. In my cursory studies of church history, I’ve noticed a pattern: Spontaneous movements have always sprung up within Christendom, particularly since the reformation, but before as well. They defy all efforts by civil or church authorities to stop them; in fact they flourish most in hostile environments. In this sense, the church resembles a weed. Does this sound insulting, even blasphemous? Don’t be offended. I have great admiration for weeds, after decades of observing and figh

Some Words Are Just Funny

Dying is easy. Comedy is hard. That quote has been ascribed to nineteenth-century actor Edmund Keene, and various other sources, but its truth is borne out by the many people who have tried to be funny and bombed. A corollary is that humor writing is hard too. Making people laugh at words on a page may be one of the most daunting tasks a human can undertake—right behind parallel parking. Fortunately, there are some words that make it easy. They sound funny all by themselves. Here are a few of my favorites. What are yours? Snorkel Brouhaha Gherkin Diphthong Hornswoggle Bungee Hooligan Aardvark Platypus Kerfuffle Carbuncle Pollywog Boondoggle The list grows. And life is funnier because of it.

Powered by Blogger

"The rules of grammar are a nuisance, up with which I cannot put."

Comments

Post a Comment