Permalink Reply by Liz on November 9, 2008 at 22:35
I did say we could add our own personal faves...I like the word queasy because as soon as you say it you instantly act it out, maybe not 'beautiful' but a good word
I agree with you about palimpsest, Liz. I sometimes use it metaphorically, with wonderfully suggestive effect - or so it seems to me! Adumbrate is another favourite; and I must find an opportunity to use aestivate (= to pass the summer, especially in a state of torpor). Gorgeous!
For me... it must be.. emigrate .. OT on .. but after nearly living longer outside the UK as in and definitely living longer outside Harringay than within.. I have to say that they still have a great influence on me.. OT off...
However emigrate is the most important and nicest sounding word in the English language for me..
" HUMP" always makes me smile. If you want to show off, "SERENDIPITY" and "HEURISTIC" can be used in the same sentence.
But my favourite would be "BEER".
Well of course palimpsest's a perfectly wonderful English word. The fact that it's descended from Greek roots, 'palin' & 'psestos', via Latin, to describe an ancient recycling invention doesn't mean it's not English.
I don't suppose any of you small-l liberals will be cheering for the 2012 Republican ticket of PALIN & PSESTOS ?
And yes, 'gorgeous' is English - despite its Old French root 'gorgias' = elegant(adj) or wimple (noun)
i'm oringinally from yorkshire and two of my favourite words are "snicket" and "ginnel" (which mean different things depending on which town you're in)