Wednesday, October 2, 2013

Weird Word Wednesday and IWSG


Word

Definition

A sound or a combination of sounds, or its representation in writing or printing, that symbolizes and communicates a meaning and may consist of a single morpheme or of a combination of morphemes.

Uh-huh. Alex, I'll take morphemes for $200.

The funny thing about words is how convoluted they become, how their meaning often changes, how they slide in and out of fashion. I've decided it's my mission to bring you some senseless, preposterous, or otherwise engaging word each Wednesday. Why, you ask? Because I can. All with the goodness of morphemes added in. You'll be the hands-down winner at your next Scrabble tournament. I'll even give you a more plausible definition. No need to thank me. No, really. I'm happy to spread misinformation.

Today's weird word is:


Philalethist

Noun –

My definition:

A man from Philadelphia who enjoys drinking from the river Lethe to forget his personal problems.

The dictionary definition:

A lover of the truth

I ask you – which one is better?

*************************************
 
 
Today is also the Insecure Writers Support Group, founded by our favorite ninja, Alex “no hyperlink needed” Cavanaugh. The success of this group is due to the overwhelming support of so many great people – all of you who work tirelessly to help others and give encouragement or a helping hand.

I recently made a huge (for me, anyway) decision to basically start over with this pen name. That meant rebuilding Facebook, Twitter, Goodreads, etc...and no fan base. I'm okay with that. It was necessary and in some ways very freeing. I want to thank all of you for either following me over here or stumbling across me, as the case may be. I count you all as great friends and pillars of strength. Sorry if all my leaning crumbled your supports a bit.

*hands out cement patches*

Everybody here today is a reflection of what Alex envisioned when he formed this group. I'm thrilled to be a part of it.

Click here for the list of great blogs supporting the IWSG.

Posted by at
Labels: , ,

36 comments:

  1. Elephant's ChildOctober 2, 2013 at 12:37 AM

    In truth, your definition is much more better. So, you both are, and aren't a Philalethist...

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. River FairchildOctober 2, 2013 at 7:43 AM

      LOL! That's great, EC. I love being an are and an aren't...
      Did you know that's difficult to say? :D

      Delete
  2. Nancy GideonOctober 2, 2013 at 9:25 AM

    Being a writer is a constant reinvention. Let's see . . . how many pen names do I have? Launch boldly!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. River FairchildOctober 2, 2013 at 10:04 AM

      Thanks for the supportive words, Nancy...and the shove to launch boldly! :) I needed that!

      Delete
  3. UnknownOctober 2, 2013 at 10:41 AM

    I like both definitions. The second has the word, lover, in it. LOVAH!

    Your move will definitely pan out. How could it not? It's still you and that is just perfect. ;)

    M.L. Swift, Writer

    ReplyDelete
  4. Diane BurtonOctober 2, 2013 at 12:07 PM

    Best wishes on reinventing yourself. Sometimes starting over is the best thing that ever happened.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. River FairchildOctober 2, 2013 at 3:44 PM

      I agree, Diane. I'm looking forward to the "best thing that ever happened" part! :)

      Delete
  5. Ryshia KennieOctober 2, 2013 at 12:33 PM

    ReplyDelete
  6. Alex J. CavanaughOctober 2, 2013 at 1:23 PM

    That last line really hit it for me. It's incredible to see the support and encouragement come together.
    And we'll help you with rebuilding any way we can.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. River FairchildOctober 2, 2013 at 3:47 PM

      You have been a rock for me all along, Alex! Thank you. Yes, the support and encouragement of this group is awesome to see. :)

      Delete
  7. cleemckenzieOctober 2, 2013 at 3:53 PM

    I'm writing down your definition of philalethist. It suits my personality and the way I think.

    Thanks for stopping in at The Write Game today! Great to meet you.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. River FairchildOctober 2, 2013 at 4:36 PM

      I like my definition better too, Lee! And you already know me. ;)

      Delete
  8. Ron FritschOctober 2, 2013 at 5:08 PM

    And Wiktionary says that "lover of truth" thing is "obsolete." The word needs a new definition. I'll take yours, River. I guess I need a trip to the eye doctor. At first, I thought the word was "philatelist," a stamp collector." And please lean all you want. Nothing is crumbling here.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. River FairchildOctober 2, 2013 at 5:41 PM

      Yeah, I like mine a whole lot better, Ron. Stamp collector, huh? :D
      Thanks for being a strong support to lean against!

      Delete
  9. Susan Gourley/KelleyOctober 2, 2013 at 6:34 PM

    I love your definition much better. I love your pen name.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. River FairchildOctober 2, 2013 at 6:47 PM

      Thanks, Susan, on both counts! Thank you for being one of the wordsmiths on the new IWSG site too. :)

      Delete
  10. UnknownOctober 2, 2013 at 6:51 PM

    I love, adore and am a little afraid of all your personas. Cheering you on with this fresh start. I predict great things for you (in my crystal ball).

    Also, I love your definition. It's so you. But maybe the guy's NAME is Phil? Just a thought...

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. River FairchildOctober 2, 2013 at 6:55 PM

      I'm not scary...*Jezebel snickers* Love your crystal ball and all its sparkly...oh. Those aren't sparkles, are they? Never mind.
      You can call me Phil, or you can call me Bill, but call me something, will ya?

      Delete
  11. Chrys FeyOctober 2, 2013 at 8:02 PM

    You know, I've been wanting to post weird words too, but on my Facebook page. lol ;) I like your definition. It is clever and funny.

    You know I love your pen name, and in time you will get your fan base back up. I am glad I can call you a friend. :)

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. River FairchildOctober 2, 2013 at 8:08 PM

      And we met because of IWSG! I'm happy to call you friend, Chrys. Thanks for the pep talk...and the weirdness that explains us. ;)

      Delete
  12. Jay NoelOctober 2, 2013 at 9:26 PM

    You made the right decision. I too had to completely start over and dump a brand I spent from 2005-2010 building. But I needed to do it to kick myself in the ass and GET WRITING. Happy for you, girl!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. River FairchildOctober 2, 2013 at 9:34 PM

      I didn't know you had to go through that, Jay! Wow, that's a long time to dump but I hear ya on the kicking-in-the-ass part! I'm feeling good about my decision. :)
      On a side note, blogger liked your comment so much it posted it 3 times!

      Delete
  13. ilimaOctober 3, 2013 at 12:26 AM

    You gotta do what you gotta do. BTW I LOVE your pen name!

    --Ilima Todd (IWSG co-host)

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. River FairchildOctober 3, 2013 at 7:16 AM

      Thanks, Ilima! I'm really happy with it too. And thank you for being an IWSG co-host! :)

      Delete
  14. Carol KilgoreOctober 3, 2013 at 6:00 PM

    "Because I can." I totally relate to this :)

    We do what we need to do. No matter what. And I have a good feeling about River Fairchild and her future.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. River FairchildOctober 3, 2013 at 8:28 PM

      Thanks, Carol! :D I have a good feeling about her too!

      Delete
  15. Gwen GardnerOctober 3, 2013 at 6:52 PM

    Your definition is the best one!

    Starting over IS hard, but it can also be exciting reinventing yourself. Good luck, River! You're going to be fine. Just keep on truckin'

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. River FairchildOctober 3, 2013 at 8:29 PM

      Ima trucking, Gwen. Ima trucking! ;) You and the rest of UR have been loads of supportive help to me.

      Delete
  16. klahanieOctober 4, 2013 at 10:20 AM

    Hey River!

    I know, I know. You've been anxiously waiting for one of my comments. Ta da, here you are!

    You enjoy your new pen name, a river has, hopefully, a nice flow to it. Better than a certain creek. My pen name is "BIC".

    I'm off to Philadelphia in search of cream cheese....

    A good weekend to you and all is going to fall into place. Penny the Jack Russell dog and modest internet superstar has told me this.

    Penny's alleged human,

    Gary )

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. River FairchildOctober 4, 2013 at 10:32 AM

      I am honored that Penny speaks of me, Gary! Please tell her thank you for me and don't fall into the water while you're searching for the cream cheese in Philly. ;)

      Delete
    2. klahanieOctober 4, 2013 at 10:35 AM

      Penny is pleased. I have passed on your thanks. Now she has gone back to her well deserved doggy nap. Good grief, tubs of cream cheese in the water....

      Delete
  17. Julie FlandersOctober 4, 2013 at 1:43 PM

    I definitely prefer your definition. :D
    You are so right about this group and I know I for one can't wait for River's debut.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. River FairchildOctober 4, 2013 at 3:34 PM

      Thank you, Julie! The word "debut" in the same sentence with River brings to mind standing up on a stage, wearing a tutu and motorcycle boots...just so you know. ;)

      Delete
  18. M PaxOctober 9, 2013 at 12:43 PM

    I'm sorry I've been such a space cadet lately...

    I like your definition a lot better. It's much more colorful. You'll do fine starting over.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. River FairchildOctober 9, 2013 at 1:40 PM

      You're not a space cadet, Mary! That's been my title... ;)
      Yeah, I'm beginning to like starting over. :D

      Delete

Have something to say? Tell me! Tell me! Tell me!

Subscribe to: Post Comments (Atom)