As freelance writers, or one might even go so far as to claim, a wordsmiths, I think it’s important to have many words to work with, don’t you? But what you might not know is that many of our beloved words are in danger! Yes, it’s true.  Every year lexicographers analyze the English language and decide which words have fallen out of usage, then summarily kick them straight out of the dictionary.

So this means we are in danger of losing words like cloakitively (adj. superficial) or succisive (ajd. of spare or extra time.)  Now, regardless of your opinion on language and how they all evolve, you have to agree that antipelargy (n. reciprocal or mutual kindness) is a pretty darn cool word and it would be a shame if it had seen its last printing in ol’ Webster’s.  Too bad there’s nothing anyone can do…

But wait! You can help. Visit Save the Words and adopt a word of your very own. Pledge to use it in conversation and keep it alive through, as the site suggests, bestowing it as a name on your pet or even hiring a sky writer to well… raise awareness. Or better yet, know any lexicographers? Send them a text message and casually throw in the word senticious (adj. prickly or thorny)

I adopted “murklins,” an adverb meaning “in the dark.” I can’t wait to get started saving it with the likes of, “I got dressed murklins this morning.” 

 Happy word saving!

(Bonus: If, like me, you happen to be married to someone who speaks English as a second language, this also has the added effect of driving that person CRAZY.)