Calling all logophiles

Learn some new words, for better writing and fun

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Episode Transcript

Speaker 1 (00:03):
Welcome to Before Breakfast, a production of I Heart Radio.
Good Morning, This is Laura. Welcome to the Before Breakfast podcast.
Today's tip is to learn some fun new words. A
robust vocabulary lets us express ourselves with precision and style,

(00:24):
and it's fun to occasionally throw a new word into
the mix that helps us see the world a little differently.
I write for a living and I read a lot.
Still I find myself coming across new words. I like
the word limb l i m in meaning to outline
or draw, but with connotations of light and the moon.

(00:47):
Frenetick is always a good one, sounding like the frenzy.
It implies. When I read or hear a new word,
I like to look it up in a good dictionary
if I'm at home or on my phone, if I'm
on the OH. I try to get my head around
the words meaning and its connotations and usage in origin too.
The next time I encounter the word, it won't be

(01:09):
a stranger and I'll get to know it a little
better well. My preference is to explore words I encounter
in the course of daily life. Some people enjoy learning
new words in a systematic way, like word a day, calendars,
and emails. There are even apps to help you build
your vocabulary. There are a few upsides to learning new words.

(01:30):
Doing so can make reading easier If you're playing a
lot of games like scrabble these days, a few choice
short words can help. And there's something to be said
for having words to express certain thoughts. I'm always impressed
by people who are calm in difficult times. I now
know a word equanimity to describe just that. Of course,

(01:56):
vocabulary can be a little dangerous thing. I'd actually advise
against using a thesaurus. Often the words that are listed
as synonyms aren't exactly the same. When I was writing
a story once I elected to use the word q
that's qu eu e to describe a braid. It is
there somewhere in the list, but my teacher noted that

(02:18):
almost anyone reading that word would think of the usage
that refers to a line we queue up for stuff.
I needed a different word. Also, there's no real benefit
and aiming for a long and complicated word when a
short and simple one will suffice. But I'm guessing we
could all add some short, simple words to our vocabulary.

(02:40):
My favorite are those that combine multiple words into one
more exact one. The rain doesn't fall fast, it pelts,
and an insect doesn't run fast, it's scurries. A good
vocabulary lets us write tight and it doesn't take much
time to develop at all. What's your favorite word you've

(03:02):
learned recently? You can let me know at Before Breakfast
podcast at iHeartMedia dot com. In the meantime, this is Laura.
Thanks for listening, and here's to making the most of
our time. Hey, everybody, I'd love to hear from you.

(03:24):
You can send me your tips, your questions, or anything else.
Just connect with me on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram at
Before Breakfast pod that's b E the number four, then
Breakfast p o D. You can also shoot me an
email at Before Breakfast podcast at iHeartMedia dot com. That

(03:44):
Before Breakfast is spelled out with all the letters. Thanks
so much, I look forward to staying in touch. Before
Breakfast is a production of I Heart Radio. For more
podcasts from my Heart Radio, you visit the I Heart
Radio app, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you listen to your

(04:04):
favorite shows. H