Category Archives: Words

Vocabulary, word play, and the grains of bigger ideas.

Dictionary Gloss: the E’s

Posted on February 13, 2017 by John

ebullient exuberant, bubbling over with high spirits Beware the fool, whose loud ebullient laugh jumps back and forth, like a cracked phonograph. It’s not a truly happy sign at all; more like the echo of a cattle call. éclat conspicuous … Continue reading →

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Dictionary Gloss: the D’s

Posted on February 10, 2017 by John

declivity a downward slope And so it seems, with very little fuss, the future’s come: declivity and rust. defalcation misappropriation of funds, a breach of trust concerning money If you would find the truth in situations, follow the money: seek … Continue reading →

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To Be Ambrose Bierce for a Day

Posted on May 7, 2006 by John

chaste, n. The state of being pursued, but not yet within the grasp of the pursuer. For example, it could be said that one is chaste, or in fact chased, until they are caught or captured. Quite often the value … Continue reading →

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Dictionary Gloss: the C’s

Posted on March 13, 2005 by John

cabal a group of conspirators, a secret plot Some think that Truth is hidden, and in all, the private purview of their own cabal. Well, look around the world, see what that’s wrought: centuries of squabbles to define what Truth … Continue reading →

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Toward More Colorful Newspeak

Posted on February 10, 2005 by John

If you’ve been reading this blog, you’re aware that I am in the process of organizing my poetry using del.icio.us keyword tags. I’m only about a tenth of the way through all the poems in this journal, and already I’m … Continue reading →

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Dictionary gloss: the B’s

Posted on June 10, 2004 by John

bacchanal a riotus or drunken festivity When the self-righteous trip and fall upon their own hypocrisy lovers of truth, in bacchanal, must not rejoice too mightily backbite to speak spitefully or nastily about someone who is not present If you … Continue reading →

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Dictionary gloss: the A’s

Posted on June 7, 2004 by John

So once again I’ve started reading, for pleasure, the dictionary. On an on-going basis, I’ll post ten words I discover (or rediscover) from each section that appeal to me, along with my interpretation of their “poetic” significance”. Here are the … Continue reading →

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