nimble

As children, we learn some wonderful words without even realising the value that lives within them.

Do you recall the nursery rhyme, 'Jack be nimble, Jack be quick, Jack jump over the candlestick'?
The picture I remember is of a small boy with an eager expression on his face taking a run up to tall candlestick holding a lighted candle. The idea of him leaping over this candlestick was relatively daunting.


Nimble implies physical speed as well as dexterity, agility, skill at a specific task. It can also be applied to mental ability; as an alert, acute thinker and listener.

It originates from the Old English and holds three closely related concepts within the word. The source is the Old English verb 'niman' - to take which evolved into 'naeme' (quick to grasp) and numol (quick at seizing). 

All of these attributes were as relevant in those times and they are today.  Enjoy using the word!

Mire

Here is another apt, direct short word, one that can serve as a noun and a verb.

It finds it source in Old Norse and was first used in English in the late Middle Ages.

As a noun, the word means a marshy or boggy area of ground; a place where one is likely to become stuck in the mud and grime. Yes, dirt, mud and muck are clearly associated with mire.

As a verb, it means to become bogged or stuck in mud. It is a handy word to use if you need a metaphor for being bogged down in or by specific circumstances.


Look out for more four-letter words in future posts!

intransigent

This adjective means 'not willing to compromise'.

The addition of the prefix 'in' provides the negative which is neatly embedded in the word.

Taken from the Spanish in the 19th Century, 'los intransigentes' translates as 'the uncompromising ones' and was applied to a group of political extremists.

Its orgins lie in the Latin 'transigere' which means 'to settle'

This word is a splendid example of how new words are gathered into global usage and applied across general English language contexts.

sanctimonious

Depending on its context, this word carries a range of emotive responses to it.

Its meaning, 'affecting piety', confirms that some play-acting is taking place.

It is vital to read it as it stands, in a unique position, so that the emotive meaning is clear. It is one of those wonderful words that lend themselves to great vocal interpretation.

Arising from 'sanctity' in 17 Century Latin.

folly

English took this word from Old French (folie meaning madness) in the early Middle Ages.

At this time in history, travellers constantly crossed Europe, England and Asia Minor. They took language as well as goods, services, tales and cultures with them. It was truly a 'melting-pot' time.

It serves as a noun describing a state of foolishness, being rash, being stupid; or as the name of a mistake, an idea or a foolish action. Because it is seldom used, it can serve as a practical choice in work contexts if you want to draw attention to the possible negative impact of an idea or a concept.

 I appreciate 'folly' particularly as I have seen one on my travels!  Yes, it was a building in southern England, (though you find them anywhere) structured in the form of a castle. These 'follies' are create to satisfy a whim of a local leader or landowner and built with grandiose intentions.

The word is also used in the theatre to describe an elaborately constumed review.

Interestingly, its meaning has changed from the original. There, it brought to mind 'doing evil' and 'wickedness' with an implication of lewd or wanton behaviour accompanying the word.

provoke

As a verb, this word is a useful single alternative to using a group of words to describe the action of 'being driven to take action or respond'.

It is used in the context of strong feelings; anger, frustration and similar.

In some sentences it can imply a deliberate intent of the perpetrator to provoke a response in another.

When using this word in spoken contexts give weight and full clarity to the sounds [p] and [k] if you wish to emphasise a sharp, sudden action.  Full stress falls on the second syllable of the word.

'Provoke' is certainly a word to use sparingly and with clear intent in order to preserve its inherent power.

coerce

This word is often found on the lead pages of national and international newspapers.  It arises where the ideas and desires of a people and their government diverge or are in conflict.

When I hear it, I pick up the sharpness, the hard edge, the rough impact of the word on the ear.  This gives it a compelling sensory texture when spoken clearly.

It's a verb that means 'to compel or restrain by force of authority without regard to individual wishes or desires'.

Arising from the Latin and used in 17 Century, it has remained true to is original meaning 'to confine or restrain'.