verbose

So many pictures, even caricatures, are carried in this word.

Mostly used as an adjective, it means excessive wordiness in someone's communication that renders the speaker boring, pedantic or pompous.

Be mindful of the context in which you use it because of the negative connotations.

lumber

This interesting word is used differently and with various meanings across the US, Canada, Britain and Australia. It's worth exploring iin all those contexts.

As a noun, in the US and Canada, lumber refers to sawn logs or ready-to-use timber.

In contrast, in the UK, lumber, as a noun, refers to useless, irrelevant household articles that are stored somewhere out of sight. Imagine this.. One of those deserted manor homes with lumber in each cupboard of every room!

As a verb the word sustains its various geographical interpretations.

In the US and Canada, the verb 'to lumber' is associated with one working in the wood and timber industry - the 'lumbering' industry. A 'lumberjack' is someone who earns his living in wood and timber industries.

In the UK, the meaning of the verb 'lumber', implies that someone is encumbered with unwanted goods and materials or has had the same foisted upon them unwillingly. It is also used to indicate that one is burdened with a tiresome, tedious task or situation.

In Australia, the meaning is specific: it means to arrest or imprison and, not surprisingly, this usage arises in the 17 Century.

Cutting across all these conventions is the verb that describes a particularly awkward walk. When someone 'lumbers along' they are certainly struggling to walk and are likely to be physically encumbered while doing so. In this context, the verb can be applied to a living or mechanical modes of transport. Thus elephants, used as beasts of burden, would lumber along forest tracks in Thailand as much as a heavily laden goods train would lumber along its track, making a deafening noise as it did so.

I would encourage you to use this word as one of those that provides texture and mental pictures to your listeners. Placed in accurate context, it could serve well as a punch line or as an essential component of a narrative.

furphy

This uniquely Australian word is and most relevant on the eve of ANZAC Day.

The Furphy was a water cart made in Victoria in a foundry run by the Furphy family. The carts were used during WW1 to distribute drinking water to the troops.

In its language context, a 'furphy' is a rumour or unsubstantiated piece of information, or an entirely fictitious story. And, can you just see how the use of the word arose!

It is one of my favourites.

fossick

This word, uniquely from Australia and New Zealand, lends itself most generously to serious and humorous contexts.

Serious because, in its true sense, 'to fossick' is to dig for gold and precious stones in abandoned, deserted, remote places.

Light-hearted because we may choose to fossick for lost and mislaid items in our homes, places of work, cupboards and, without doubt, backyard sheds!

The word most likely arose from 'fussock', English dialect meaning 'to fuss'.

I'm sure you'll agree that its origin completes a glorious picture of the word.

beneficent

For some strange reason, when I hear or read this word, what comes to mind is the period of the Medici family's extensive influence in Italy and Europe.

Odd, because while the Medicis were generous with their wealth, doing much to advance culture and the arts, they were also splendid at intrigue and political game playing.

The term 'beneficent', carries within it the concepts of 'doing good' of 'kindness' and 'charitable acts'. And yes, in that context, the Medicis were benefactors.

capricious

This delightful word finds it source in caprice which draws its meaning from both French and Italian in the 17th Century.

The meaning is rich with story and includes sudden changes in behaviour and a shiver, as if one's hair is standing on end. The latter particularly from capo (head) plus riccio (hedgehog) which brings to mind the hedgehog's prickly spines which manifest when in danger or suspicion of attack.

Capricious is used as an adjective to capture impulsive, fickle changes in attitude or behaviour.

impostor or imposter?

Here is a delicious word that is full of meaning, intrigue and hints of unique story.  Currently, it can be spelt with an 'or' or an 'er'. Scrabble players - take advantage!

Used as a noun, it means someone who deceives others particularly via assuming a false identity.

It comes from the late Latin in 16th Century.  History shows that this was a time of great intrique, deception, political plotting and social and cultural upheaval across Europe.

How apt that the word entered the language at that time.