son of leftovers - 1

In my excursions through the dictionary, I stumble, trip and sometimes fall over odd words and those that are no longer in common usage. These words I find and don’t use right away are written down for later possible use – leftover words. One of these is the word “rogue” – not so odd until one thinks that it once described people of low morals and character, then it seemed to shift to animals – like a rogue elephant – then once again it has changed and people speak of rogue nations.

Another of the leftovers is “varlet” – it just doesn’t seem to be used any more. Also the word “knave” – these words have a similar definitions, yet this one is not used either. Their non-usage is probably a good thing - too many rap groups would be fighting to use them in - or as - their name. But then a name like the Knavish Varlets might not be pernicious enough – and maybe even sound too benignant. Aren’t leftovers fun?

Did you know that the words varia, gallimaufry, salmagundi, pastiche and mélange have the same basic meaning – albeit in different areas of life. They all mean a hodgepodge or miscellany – maybe even odds and ends. Woebegone seems to be falling from usage – how many times have you heard it used this week? Unless it was in the descriptions of that fictional (?) lake in Minnesota, spoken about by the guy on public radio – I think he lives on the left coast of that body of water.

One of the meanings of the word unction is something soothing or comforting. Could the word also mean the condition of being an uncle? This wouldn’t take into consideration those that were of a grumpy persuasion. Ever notice that grumpy people seem to always have something to blame that condition on? I guess they don’t know that they have a choice as to whether they are that way or not.

Here’s a leftover thought. I wonder what happens to all the blessings that God supplies if we don’t take them and make them a part of our life? Are they stored away somewhere - Good Will maybe? ec

To be continued.