I was watching television the other day when a commercial came on (advertising what, I don’t remember), and the actor in the ad suddenly started saying, “Blah, blah, blahbity blah.” Well, in my opinion, that pretty much expresses how I’m feeling about everything that is being thrown at us during this weird and wild election year. We’re being bombarded with words, but what does it all mean? More importantly, will it ever stop?
Despite all of the verbal mudslinging happening on both sides of the electoral process, I still love language and words and the power and wonder of human communication. A well-turned phrase, a finely crafted sentence — these are things that rock my world. So, it only makes sense that books about words rate high on my list of must-reads.
Thinking that perhaps the current state of election-speak is wearing you out, too, I’m offering a selection of titles that highlight and celebrate the English language — its origin, importance, influence, adaptability, and, yes, even it’s ability for comic relief. If you don’t think words can be funny, give these a try: burgoo, kumquat, pogonip, skedaddle. Combine them in a sentence, and what do you get? The winter arrival of pogonip prompted Boris to skedaddle to Bora Bora where he learned to cook burgoo and cultivate kumquats. What’d I tell ya? Language is a hoot!
• “Accidence Will Happen: A Recovering Pedant’s Guide to English Language and Style,” by Oliver Kamm.
