Its struck me recently how frequently I use the word "stuff".
what a handy little word - it can mean almost anything, and the sibilance of the 't' and the 'ff' are so satisfying.
Maybe they subconsciously provide a kind of finality - like a full stop - reassuring that theres no need to bother thinking of a better, more specific word.
Its funny though, that I enjoy such a lazy and cover-all short-hand sort of word, when I'm also quite appreciative of "proper" vocabulary. Words with specific, complex, nuanced meanings.
Suggestive words - evocative, ambiguous, interesting. Alliterative. Onomatopoeic.
(yes, i admit it. just checked the dictionary for spelling of onomatopoeic. Had got it nearly but not quite right)
Synonyms, antonyms and ... other kinds of words ending in 'nym'.
One of my best friends particularly shares my love of words and we have been known, in the past, to find entertainment reading aloud from the thesaurus.
In fact, last time I saw this particular friend we were reduced to tears of hysteria over some silliness about possible names for a cattery.
Catastrophe cataclysm catatonia caterwaul catalogue cathartic catalan catacomb caterpillar cataleptic....
We didn't get out the thesaurus, but i do admit we finally consulted the dictionary. Which provided a couple of final sniggers.
so.
there are some words for you.
about words.
Wasn't that a lot of stuff and nonsense?
36 comments:
Love the vids of Lu's crazy dog what nonsence...plus I liked hearing your voices xx Are you and Sporren coming to see us this summer??
You're obviously made of the right stuff....
I love wordplay - that graffiti on the first pic really is very artistic!
That last picture is very creative.
Words, vocabulary, maybe they'll make a comeback with people soon.
Deep and lush graffiti; words ARE important. I use my various dictionaries, grammar guides, etc. every day!
So I just had to say 'stuff' out loud ... it does have a satisfying feel to it. I love fooling around with words. It brings joy.
Dennis agrees with The Coffee Messiah.
Stuff is a great word when you can't think of the proper one for what you want to say! :)
this for you
http://fr.youtube.com/watch?v=MvgN5gCuLac&feature=related
Have you ever played "Dictionary"? It's a fun group game. Here are the rules. Slight inebriation makes it hilarious!
stuff, stuff, stuff, stuff, stuff!
Yep, sounds good.
But I have waaay too much of it.
I must needs do a post on stuff
I like the magnificent disorder of these walls! Crazy Beautiful!
I like that. I should use that more...
My house is full of stuff.
But it's all very artistically arranged.
Words are definitely my little friends, Lettuce.
I will catch up with my blogmates soon: Network should be replaced and up and running the week after next.
You Brits use twice as many words as we Americans. That is just one more reason why I'm such a shameless Anglophile.
I love words! Bravo!!
Love the images that go with this post. The graffiti is so ornate, like a well put together sentence. Very cool!
The topmost image is worthy of framing and putting on a wall. My wall. And so, with your permission, I will. ( Although it would be nice to have a signed copy. I suppose I could spray it on.)
Consulting stuff in my OED, I find the word first used as a noun by pod in 1999.
i'm just learning about stuff.
1.Love the word stuff! :O)
2.I looked just like that 'fiddlesticks' character last week due to PMT! (Except I chose another word beginning with F)
3. Your dishwasher - He should be called Albert after Albert Riddle the one armed 'washer upper' from 70's sitcom Robin's Nest. :O)
4. Fancy a beer?
Great photos 'n' stuff (as usual!)
xxx
Oooh yes please!
Erm? I was actually asking if Lettuce fancied a beer not Albert.
"Stuff" can sum up a lot of things. Stuff to me is an amalgamation of a long list of things that fall under the same category. I use my computer dictionary all the time searching for the right word.
whew.
anyway, I'm home and catching up on all the blogging I've missed while on vacation.
xx
And there's the slightly aggressive form of stuff, as in, "Stuff it!"
(I'm not saying that to you, though, don't misunderstand. :) )
I can definitely identify with your wordplay. I would find hilarity in all that as well.
And great graffiti shots, as per usual!
I've just noticed at the top of your blog where it says 'and other things' when of course it should say 'and stuff'
:O)x
great post.
words are wonderful and stuff is a particularly useful and adaptable word!
speaking of stuff, have you seen annie leonard's vid 'the story of stuff' if not it is a MUST. I promise and guarantee you will love it. you can see it at annie's website
oh, the site is: http://www.storyofstuff.com/
Is English Stuff way different than American Stuff?
Hi - You prob know this already, but just in case you don't...
x
oh lil'.... i don't think we'll make it over this summer....
well how nice of you to say so D-D.
bella, this area is always covered with graffiti like this - and different every time
Coffe-M,lets hope.
T-T - it is deep - so many layers
i agree Kate, it does bring joy - and esp. as shared fooling
how agreeable of you dennis.
Quite so, K'lamalu.
Lee thats very funny, thankyou so much. Who knew that stuff is the answer to the ultimate question!
sounds funny barbara. as for the alcohol, its so often the way...
me too betty. :o/
i look forward to it Ched!
pecos blue! hello again, i hope you are well.
ex-shammie, that makes all the diff.
my little friends too sally. :o)
isn't it, Reya? and, in fact, is the result of a pretty random process
i hope it will look good shelly - i'm honoured.
edward! you are so unbelievably cute!
Albert it is, Trac. And Yes Please! (or two...) (and yes, i spose it should!)
no beer for you Albert.
welcome back home lynne, looks like it was a fantastic trip.
or indeed "Get stuffed!" Steve. (i'm not saying that to you ofc.....) ;-)
thanks for the link Kimy, i will check it out. i never knew there was so much stuff about, about stuff!
well edward, some stuff is and some stuff isn't.
trac i didn't! looks cool and interesting and worth checking out and... stuff...
Oh, the hours of enjoyment we shall have looking through the dictionary when you visit this summer...
Just popping over to say Hi and stuff x
haha gary, you're very funny. (or were you serious....i can't tell) anyway, how would i cope with your weird american spellings?
donna, hi honey, i hope you are okay.
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