“What is your favorite word?”
“And. It is so hopeful.”
An interview with Margaret Atwood
I fell in love with this thought and this sentiment the moment I read it. So many of us, in response to that question would probably have come up with a word that sounded wonderful to say out loud; that rolled over our tongues, that put a smile on our face as we just enjoyed saying it out loud. Like one of my favourites is discombobulate*. It's a stunner and one I learnt from my mum. The past tense is even better - discombobulated. I like when I actually feel this way because I get to say it! Mad.
But back to Ms Atwood and her remarkable wisdom.
This one really made me think as I walked along. The word 'and' is such a simple, run of the mill, regularly used word. I daren't think how many times a day I actually say it or use it writing, but she has discovered within its familiarity, a certain magic and specialness.
When I thought about it, it seemed to me that 'and' leaves a space for exploration and for inclusion. It means we are going to add something more to whatever we are saying and in that way I guess it is so hopeful. It also joins and brings things together. Like me and you.
Not so good if it is being used to describe a litany of bad behaviour or such; but in general usage I think it does offer the hint of added extras. You know those wonderful storytelling friends who have us in suspense and hoots of laughter as they say "and then, you wouldn't believe it but..."?
I think its wonderful that as a writer and a woman of words, she thinks so highly of 'and'.
*verb - to confuse or disconcert somebody (usually myself)
“And. It is so hopeful.”
An interview with Margaret Atwood
I fell in love with this thought and this sentiment the moment I read it. So many of us, in response to that question would probably have come up with a word that sounded wonderful to say out loud; that rolled over our tongues, that put a smile on our face as we just enjoyed saying it out loud. Like one of my favourites is discombobulate*. It's a stunner and one I learnt from my mum. The past tense is even better - discombobulated. I like when I actually feel this way because I get to say it! Mad.
But back to Ms Atwood and her remarkable wisdom.
This one really made me think as I walked along. The word 'and' is such a simple, run of the mill, regularly used word. I daren't think how many times a day I actually say it or use it writing, but she has discovered within its familiarity, a certain magic and specialness.
When I thought about it, it seemed to me that 'and' leaves a space for exploration and for inclusion. It means we are going to add something more to whatever we are saying and in that way I guess it is so hopeful. It also joins and brings things together. Like me and you.
Not so good if it is being used to describe a litany of bad behaviour or such; but in general usage I think it does offer the hint of added extras. You know those wonderful storytelling friends who have us in suspense and hoots of laughter as they say "and then, you wouldn't believe it but..."?
I think its wonderful that as a writer and a woman of words, she thinks so highly of 'and'.
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| ©2012 Fiona Dempater, 'Ampersand' taken with Paper Camera app. |
What a most charming post!
ReplyDeleteAn homage of sorts to and.
I'll look at the word in a whole new light now
and, quite possibly, be more aware of its usage.
One of my favorites is yes.
It holds such hope.
Opens doors and hearts,
imaginations and, well, the world.
Plus, the way the s sound
plays with the tongue at the end is pleasing.
Now...I'm off to start my day
and ponder AND a bit more.
Hi J - I hope you had a good day thinking about AND! You're right about yes as well - both what it offers and how it sounds/feels. What a quirky thing to start thinking about.
DeleteThis is wonderful. You have such an inquisitive mind. My favourite word is Chiaroscuro - the play of light and shadow. I'll admit I only learned what discombobulate meant a couple of years ago. Can you believe that when I found out what it meant, I heard it everywhere. In films, in conversations, on paper...
ReplyDeleteAnd is a very strong word. Thank you for putting this out there. Sometimes I do this when I am by myself. Me and you, Lou, off we go. But it's just me and myself.
My blog AND the wonderful blogs I read.
AND that means you !!! Love it. x
Hi Louise - glad you had a bit of fun with this one! I love your word - it sort of rolls around the tongue beautifully. I was very happy to hear how you chat with yourself when you are out and about - I do it all the time too.
DeleteI love Margaret Atwood AND I love your post(s)!
ReplyDeleteThanks Anna - I think she is wise woman of words; she write so beautifully and thoughtfully. As does her sister Margaret Drabble I think.
DeleteDefinite wisdom Atwood has.... and yet, maybe cause I'm so hopelessly aesthetically fixated, I love your word "discombobulated." One of my favorite words is "rain." I have no idea why, something in the sound of it. My favorite Greek word is more like yours... it is Karpouzzi (obviously spelled phoenetically) means watermelon - just LOVE saying that word.
ReplyDeleteHi Valerianna - isn't it fun to find words you just enjoy saying out loud because they feel so good? I must admit discombobulate is a fabulous one; but there is something special about the way she thinks about 'and'. Enjoy your watermelon word!
Deletethis reminds me of the wise words of my good friend jamie: "instead of 'i love you but you're an idiot', say 'i love you and you're an idiot'". makes all the difference.
ReplyDeleteHi Anca - its good to have wise friends hey? My bestie says "always listen to what comes after the but..." and in your example; that's the main message the person would get (ie they are an idiot). But replace it with and and there is love and care in there!
DeleteI love the way delicious AND passion play in my mouth. AND I love what I am reading about ampersands in Simon Garfield's book Just My Type. He would have it that AND rather than & almost signifies the end of a relationship ..... "the ampersand is far more than an abbreviation ....... is signifies more than just a link. It also signifies permanence ..... Dean & Deluca are clearly in it for the long haul, as are ..... Marks & Spencer .... Town & Country. But Simon and Garfunkle? No wonder they kept splitting up. Tom and Jerry? Of course they hate each other."
ReplyDeleteNot to take anything at all away from AND but Simon Garfield's writing about the ampersand gave me such a laugh. AND there is another delicious word ... laugh.
What a hoot that book sounds Susan! The man clearly has a passion for the ampersand - I'm quite fond of them myself. Some words do just feel so good or sound so good when we say them don't they? - or just are so good to do, like laugh. Go well.
DeleteFiona, I don't think I have a favourite word. I just love reading, hearing and using all of them. I do have a favourite Margaret Attwood quote of my own though - the one where she says 'everyone else my age is an adult whereas I am merely in disguise' or words to that effect. Speaking as a fellow 'adult in disguise' I just have to agree with her!
ReplyDeleteHi Lesley I would be hard pressed to actually choose one favourite word - there are so many that give me joy - or often their combinations do. It's a great mindset to have I think where you accept that you are only an adult in disguise; we have to keep up the pretence, but we know we're not not really!
Deletethank you, once again, fiona - for sharing beautiful words and thoughts... this is so very positive - and encouraging... am going to carry it about in my pocket today and pull it out as i need it!
ReplyDeleteHi MJ - glad you enjoyed this one - it was worth a ponder I thought. It made me think about how we use our words and what they convey. AND is mostly positive I think - it offers opportunity. Enjoy your days.
ReplyDelete