Welcome to Wondrous Words Wednesday! Thank you for stopping by during this busy holiday week. We can’t let cleaning and turkey basting get in the way of our word nerdiness, right?
If you have time, or you want to procrastinate on the cooking, visit Kathy at Bermuda Onion for links to more cool words.
My friend Valerie recently shared a word that piqued her curiosity: idiosyncrasy.
I thought that as families and friends gather to celebrate Thanksgiving this week, there might be many idiosyncrasies being noticed out there, and that we could have fun with this word.
idiosyncrasy \i-dē-ə-sin-krə-sē\ noun from the Greek idio- + synkerannynai to blend
an unusual way in which a particular person behaves or thinks; an unusual part or feature of something
Word Nerd Workout
It’s easy to find idiosyncrasies in others, especially members of our families. For example, my grandmother kept EVERYTHING, and she always told us it was because she was “a child of the Depression.”
Or, my child #3 literally can’t go to sleep unless we go through a bedtime litany that includes phrases like “I love you” and “You’re the best mom in the world.” (Sweet, yes, but sometimes after 9pm I just want to kiss him and be done. Then I remember my friend Amy’s post on The Nine Minutes That Have the Greatest Impact, and I give him the love.)
We can all identify idiosyncrasies in others, but are you willing to share your own? I’ll go first. When I feel stressed, I talk to myself. Like, this week, as I prepare for 12 guests, I’m constantly chatting — with no one! “I need to get a load of laundry in first, then I can clean the veggies for the salad.” It must have something to do with auditory processing needs. (That sounds better than “insanity.”)
What are your idiosyncrasies? Share in the comments, and have a very Happy Thanksgiving!
Julia
Hmm. It’s hard to come up with my own idiosyncrasies. Oh – I have one. I start to panic if I’m in a store that is closing in less than 30 minutes. Have you ever been in Barnes and Noble when they come on the loud speaker and announce that the store is closing in — minutes? I have to get outta there. That is definitely unusual!
That is unusual, Dana. I wonder if you’re subconsciously worried you’ll get caught inside. Thanks for sharing your idiosyncratic side with us! (Thanks also for sharing the SAT prep card on Twitter!) 😉
One of my idiosyncrasies is that the heat or air conditioning has to be on an even number. Don’t ask me why because I don’t even know. I hope you have a wonderful Thanksgiving!
Have a Happy Thanksgiving! like your word.
Ha! That is a great word for families!
I just used this word yesterday . . . )
My kids are grown and living in their own homes so I can say one of my idiosyncrasies is having conversations with myself. I do it all the time! I think if I say it, I’ll remember it? Who knows. One thing for sure – I don’t argue with myself 🙂
Happy Thanksgiving!
How idiosyncratic of you!! Ha!
My little idiosyncrasy that often draws peculiar looks…I touch my nose. When I’m trying to recall something to memory, I’ll tilt my head and push on the tip of my nose. When I’m upset, I “pet” my nose to calm myself down. When I was in labor with Bella , I bruised my nose because of the pressure I applied trying to focus and keep my composure!!
We’re both weirdos
I’m going to watch for this- I think I have seen the head tilt/ nose touch. ;). Thanks for suggesting this word. Enjoy the snow day and have a very Happy Thanksgiving. You are truly a blessing that I’m thankful for.
Happy Turkey Day to you and yours as well! Your friendship is something I am very thankful not to mention the friendship our daughters share!