I keep several lists of words.
One is called "words I can never remember," and I reach for it when aphasia strikes me. (One time, I couldn't remember the word "aphasia," and I knew the universe was mocking me.)
One list is called "words that sound good." This includes "Kinshasa" and "calliope."
My "words I like" list includes "hobgoblin" and "calamity."
My "more good words" list has "perfidy," "calumny" and "shamble."
Then I have this list that I add to when I read. It's for all those times I encounter a word and think, "I should use that word! It's so great."
One is called "words I can never remember," and I reach for it when aphasia strikes me. (One time, I couldn't remember the word "aphasia," and I knew the universe was mocking me.)
One list is called "words that sound good." This includes "Kinshasa" and "calliope."
My "words I like" list includes "hobgoblin" and "calamity."
My "more good words" list has "perfidy," "calumny" and "shamble."
Then I have this list that I add to when I read. It's for all those times I encounter a word and think, "I should use that word! It's so great."

Notice anything about the words I appreciate? Lots of them are negative in some way. Contempt. Depravity. Pernicious. Degrading. Debauchery.
Is this proof that I'm twisted?
I don't think so. I believe that negative words tend to be powerful. Dramatic. Amusing. They tap into the darker side of life, where all sorts of visceral emotions lie.
I think "diabolical" beats "angelic." "Dastardly" is better than "upright." "Malevolent" wins over "innocent."
What do you think? What are your favorite words?
Is this proof that I'm twisted?
I don't think so. I believe that negative words tend to be powerful. Dramatic. Amusing. They tap into the darker side of life, where all sorts of visceral emotions lie.
I think "diabolical" beats "angelic." "Dastardly" is better than "upright." "Malevolent" wins over "innocent."
What do you think? What are your favorite words?
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