Interesting...

So I had this conversation yesterday, where an experience was described as ‘interesting’. Immediately rankled me, to me the word didn’t quite describe the episode especially when I know that the verbiage and cant of the speaker is par excellence.

Another conversation with Anjali yesterday when we made a pact to use words henceforth in our conversations, that aren’t common parlance so that we challenge each other and ramp up each other’s vocabulary. Which we’ve been doing for years with pronunciation of words, we’re both Daniel Jones aficionados and quiz each other, tease mercilessly at an erratum and edify.

A quote that Tom Schulman wrote but was made famous by Robin Williams in the movie Dead Poets Society, “‎"So avoid using the word ‘very’ because it’s lazy. A man is not very tired, he is exhausted. Don’t use very sad, use morose. Language was invented for one reason, boys - to woo women - and, in that endeavor, laziness will not do. It also won’t do in your essays” is a personal favorite.

“I know your head aches. I know you're tired. I know your nerves are as raw as meat in a butcher's window. But think what you're trying to accomplish - just think what you're dealing with. The majesty and grandeur of the English language; it's the greatest possession we have. The noblest thoughts that ever flowed through the hearts of men are contained in its extraordinary, imaginative and musical mixtures of sounds. And that's what you've set yourself out to conquer, Eliza. And conquer it you will.” Professor Higgins in the “Pygmalion” by George Bernard Shaw.

Always been impressed by the way Professor Higgins loved the language, the lexicon and its perfect enunciation and been inspired to up my language skills.

So back to the word interesting and I’m being a snob, maybe ‘cos I was snubbed? Say curious, exciting, intriguing, pleasing, stirring, stimulating and refreshing maybe?

After all when you’ve got the gift of the gab… use it generously!