Freedom Writing

SEPTEMBER 24, 2009 10:13PM

What's Your Favorite Word?

Rate: 9 Flag

Readers of my primary blog, Freedom Writing, from which most of my posts here originate, know that I am unemployed.

Having said that, today I am offering one of my rare Open Salon exclusives. I hope you will share your thoughts on this after you read it.

I don't really have much to say.

Today, I was filling out an application for a job opening for a writer/editor with a company that specializes in coffee table books. After I submitted my resume and a cover letter, I was asked to respond to a brief questionnaire. It seemed pretty routine until the last question, which was ...

"What is your favorite word? Why?"

Now, I have been writing all my life, and no one ever asked me that question before. In fact, I never gave it any thought before. I guess, as a writer, I like all words equally. Even words that describe terrible things. Because, when you get down to it, I believe what George Carlin said: There are no bad words. There are bad thoughts, bad intentions and words.

But I was required to single out one word so I chose "redemption." What was my reason? I said it was my favorite word because it implied that nothing was final. Everyone makes mistakes, but redemption says that you can learn from your mistakes instead of paying for them indefinitely.

And now, I'd like to hear from you. What is your favorite word? Why? 

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Felatio. It describes something dirty but it sounds so beautiful and sophisticated.
Nick Leshi
September 24, 2009 10:36 PM
my favorite word is . . . this is harder than I thought. Some words I like the sound of . . .some I would like to be more of. . .
guess I'd have to say . . . juxtaposition. I returned from a visit to Dubai to attend a bar mitzvah. The juxtaposition in my head was mindbending.
skeletnwmn
September 24, 2009 10:40 PM
My favorite word is"truth". There are so many versions of it too numerous to mention. I am still looking for that universal version of it that everyone on the planet can say, "yes" to without having to pay the price of blood or recrimination. Great post. I'm sure I will think of many more.
cartouche
September 24, 2009 10:50 PM
Perspicuous, Because I stumped a smarty pants, know- it- all type when he told me he was unstumpable in word definitions.

ps. Unstumpable, is pretty swell too. :))
Brie aka Barbara K
September 24, 2009 11:18 PM
It is an onomatopoeia (sounds like what it is):
splash

It sounds happy to me, unlike, say, croak.
Makes me think of carefree summer fun, every time.
eastinidaho
September 24, 2009 11:24 PM
Today, my favorite word is diabolical because it's fun to say and reminds me of cartoon villians.
However, I do like Mr. Leshi's input on this subject.
;-)
spotted_mind
September 24, 2009 11:29 PM
Off the top of my head I'd have to say Perspective is my favorite. It feels open and unlimited yet specific. Has the ability to change and be challenged yet no one can take it away from you.
Commcouns8
September 24, 2009 11:35 PM
Prowl is this week's word for me. Just say it, and it immediately sounds like you're alert and stalking something, and possibly up to now good. The way it sounds is very descriptive of it's meaning.

But if you ask me next week, I might say something completely different. =o)
Shiral
September 24, 2009 11:41 PM
I'm quite sure my answer will be different at a different time, but of late I think my favourite word might be "joy". It's a word I had filed away, set aside, boycotted even. But of late, I have discovered it can be a contagious word spread through even the most casual contact. Such a small word so full of big, wonderful things.
Wordsmith
September 24, 2009 11:46 PM
I think my favorite word is HOPE because everyone needs it.

I HOPE you get the job, David.
Natalie K. Munden
September 25, 2009 12:12 AM
berserk - it's not overused, it sounds funny, and it brings forth the image of all hell breaking loose, but in a slightly comical way.
fins2theleft
September 25, 2009 02:07 AM
My first thought was “Love” because, when practiced, it can solve most of our problems. But on reflection I think Love is too complex to be a single word so I would say “gratefulness” because I believe that when we are aware of and have a sense of gratefulness for the things about us we are able to live a more fulfilled life.
Travis Jordan
September 25, 2009 09:02 AM
My first thought was “Love” because, when practiced, it can solve most of our problems. But on reflection I think Love is too complex to be a single word so I would say “gratefulness” because I believe that when we are aware of and have a sense of gratefulness for the things about us we are able to live a more fulfilled life.
Travis Jordan
September 25, 2009 09:02 AM