Since we have a couple of new members, I thought it might be fun to start a new series that has lots of potential for member participation. If they’re of a mind to, that is…

We all love words, right? So, how about we share some of our favourites? Or those we find interesting in some way? Today I’m starting the ball rolling with the letter:

AMy ( Read more... )

As writers, I know you are always on the lookout for interesting addictions to your Word Hoard, and today I have a lovely fun word for you:

Stumblebum

noun, Informal.
1.
a clumsy, second-rate prizefighter.
2.
a clumsy, incompetent person.

Dictionary entry here.

There you go. I bet you can’t use that one in a story!

I’ve got a lovely old word for your Word Hoard.

Florid

1. having a red or flushed complexion
2. excessively ornate; flowery florid architecture
3. an archaic word for flowery

More here

After posting these words, I love watching them pop up all over my f-list! So go on - what can you do with florid…?

I’ve got another old word for you:

Stalwart

1. Having or marked by imposing physical strength.
2. Firm and resolute; stout.

Imposing physical strength? Who does that remind you of…?

More information available here

Also, don’t forget that our first Timeframe Challenge - 24 Hours is now running until the end of May.

Check it out!

Something for your Word Hoard today:

Valediction

1. An act of bidding farewell; a leave-taking.
2. A speech or statement made as a farewell.
3. A word or phrase of farewell used to end a letter or message

More here

I’ve got an interesting old word as an addition to your Word Hoard.

Curmudgeon

An ill-tempered person full of resentment and stubborn notions..

You can find out more here

I'm throwing a word into the word hoard: anamnesis.

The definitions from dictionary.com are:

1. the recollection or remembrance of the past; reminiscence.
2. Platonism: recollection of the Ideas, which the soul had known in a previous existence, especially by means of reasoning.
3. the medical history of a patient.
4. Immunology: a prompt immune ( Read more... )

If you are looking for something to do over the long weekend, how about making some kennings?

According to the free online dictionary, the definition of kenning is:

A figurative, usually compound expression used in place of a name or noun, especially in Old English and Old Norse poetry; for example, storm of swords is a kenning for battle.Some ( Read more... )

Following a recent discussion here at Toybox, I’m throwing the word defenestrate into the ring. Roughly, it refers to ’the act of throwing someone or something out of a window’.

So here is your prompt - see if you can find a relevant way to use defenestrate in your story.

If you want to find out more about the origins of the word, go here

Word Hoard

Words are fascinating. Changing a word, or even changing the emphasis on a word, changes the whole meaning of the sentence.

Let’s start off with the title of this particular category, Word Hoard. Yeah, I cheated as it’s two words, but some people do say it as one…!

The famous poem Beowulf has a line:

That noblest of men answered him ( Read more... )