Big Word Wednesday-Week 18
Let’s get political. With the Republicans wrapping things up in St. Paul tomorrow night I thought we would visit a couple of words from the realm of promise breaking politics. In honor of Al Gore, who invented the Internet, Big Word Wednesday, Global Warming and Humility, I give you gravitas. It means; seriousness or sobriety, as of conduct or speech. It could also mean a serious or dignified demeanor, which would explain why Al Gore chose it to describe himself. He wanted to use “God-like”, but even he realized that using it would thwart his ability to earn millions giving speeches in the Middle East at the end of his term in office. His staff also had to talk him out of “Buddha-esque” and “Mohammed-ish”. Don’t fret for Al, though, he sold the rights to these terms to Obama and made a handsome profit. Our second word this week is casuistry. It means; Specious or excessively subtle reasoning intended to rationalize or mislead. Think High School when the object of your affection said; “Thanks for driving me to school all semester! And I really DO like you…as a friend”. Or Al Gore when he justifiably states; “We have a special needs Beagle; that’s why his 4,295 square foot doghouse has a pool and central air”. Even Obama is guilty when he says; “I am my brother’s keeper”. Too bad he forgot about his 1/2 brother who lives in a hut in Kenya on $12 a year. He’ll never be held to account; though, as months from now he can state; “I said I was my brother’s keeper, not my ‘brother from another mothers’ keeper”. Oh, semantics; gotta love ‘em. Don’t forget to check out the BWW Home Page for all of our selections thus far and DON’T FORGET TO VOTE! If you don’t, I don’t want to hear you cryin’ about it later.
Go by and say Hi to Joeprah, he’s finally resurfaced. He said the aliens treated him fine, but due to excessive “experimentation” by the aliens, he has to stay lying down for at least a week. Doctors orders. He also said he now prefers Reese’s Pieces to M&M’s. Wierd.
Weaselmooma
Excellent BWW. I like your spin on things. And after last nights speech, while we’re talking politics, I think I need to withdraw my name from the campaign and throw my support behind Sarah Palin for president(in 4 anyway).
(NukeDad) She’s something, isn’t she?
Weaselmoomas last blog post.."What A Maroon"- Bugs Bunny
Sep 04, 2008 @ 7:27 am
Melisa
“We have a special needs Beagle; that’s why his 4,295 square foot doghouse has a pool and central air”
Bwahahahahaha!!!
We always use the Brady Bunch episode about Greg getting grounded from driving (ANY car) when we talk about “saying what you mean”.
But the kids just roll their eyes, so I think we may need a new strategy. One of gravitas.
(NukeDad) I always thought “gravitas” sounded like a Greek dessert.
Melisas last blog post..My Furriest Baby, My Last Baby
Sep 04, 2008 @ 10:45 am
tom
Casuistry – great word. Never heard it before, but I’ve seen it practiced innumerable times around our home by the residents under five feet tall. Here’s a great word for you: vitriolic. I think “v” words are underused in our language, and that’s a shame.
Weaselmomma – don’t you dare back out. If I can’t vote the Nuke/Weasel ticket then I’m lost.
(NukeDad) They’re learning vocabulary younger and younger these days.
toms last blog post..Disneyland Or Bust
Sep 04, 2008 @ 11:50 am
Momo Fali
You’ll have to find a big word to describe Joe’s disappearance. I was getting worried! Don’t you ever go doing that to us Nuke Dad! If you leave, you at least need to let people know you’re not dead (Joe, I’m talking to you).
(NukeDad) Great suggestion. The only one that comes to mind immediately is “sabbatical”.
Momo Falis last blog post..How Not To Impress People
Sep 04, 2008 @ 12:39 pm
Tara R.
Great verbiage yet again. Thanks for the heads up on Joeprah.
(NukeDad) I just hope “The Grey’s” don’t come back for him anytime soon. Hopefully they’re out mutilating cattle somewhere.
Tara R.s last blog post..Alms for the poor…
Sep 04, 2008 @ 2:18 pm
Melisa
Re: Momo’s suggestion
How about Maxisabbatical? That’s longer and more descriptive.
(NukeDad) How about “Blogoschizophrenialism”? I’m such a Wordsmith!
Melisas last blog post..My Furriest Baby, My Last Baby
Sep 04, 2008 @ 4:30 pm
Melisa
NOT that I’m suggesting that YOU go anywhere. I’m just sayin’.
(NukeDad) Good. Cuz I get people telling me where to go all of the time.
Melisas last blog post..My Furriest Baby, My Last Baby
Sep 04, 2008 @ 4:31 pm
Audubon Ron
Correccion: Al Gore never invented the internet. It was a wire the military put up when Gore was smoking rope and thinking green in college. Gore was writing his first book, “An Inconvenient Seed in My Doobie” then. (POP!!!) People like Steve Kirsch invented the internet. I should know, I almost married Steve’s sister. Srsly.
(NukeDad) Thanks, Ron; I knew that. I was being sarcastic. Guess it didn’t work.
Audubon Rons last blog post..Hurricane Update (Between Midnight and Day)
Sep 04, 2008 @ 4:56 pm
BusyDad
Gravitas makes me crave biscuits. mmmmmm.
(NukeDad) The Gravy segue; nice!
BusyDads last blog post..Sooo Money
Sep 05, 2008 @ 3:34 am
trysh
Boy, I’ve been away from here too long – loving the words! And the opinions – great minds think alike and all that…
Gonna have to subscribe so I don’t miss any more vocabulary-building days, and any other goodies you have to offer!
(NukeDad) Welcome back, Trysh!
tryshs last blog post..It’s Friday – and I’m Counting My Blessings!
Sep 05, 2008 @ 11:30 am
Mike
Dude,
This election just gets better and better to watch. Of course with McCain’s choice you get young and inexperienced. I kind of like it that way…
(NukeDad) I’m just glad he didn’t have a “Baracropolis” Greek Column get up like the Dem’s.
Mikes last blog post..Frickin’, Flamingo Pink…
Sep 05, 2008 @ 6:41 pm
Karen
I thought gravitas were the invisible tethers that tie us all to the ground that all together are described as gravity and make it so we don’t all fall off the planet… Hmmm, maybe I didn’t pay enough attention in physics…
(NukeDad) Actually, I think you were paying TOO MUCH attention in physics!
Karens last blog post..Guess that Gizmo 9-5-08
Sep 07, 2008 @ 2:09 pm