Word of the Day

[glennagirl.livejournal.com]

WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 15

Circumlocution

[sir-kəm-lo-KYOO-shən]Part of speech: noun

Origin: latin, 16th century

• Using more words than necessary to express a thought
• An indirect expression

Examples of Circumlocution in a sentence

• His drawn-out speech was not only boring, but it was pure circumlocution and made no real points.
• His attempt at circumlocution didn’t fool his mother when she asked where he was last night.

About Circumlocution

"Circumlocution" is a fairly direct translation from Latin: "circum" = around, and "locution" = talk. When a speaker is in the midst of circumlocution they’re circling around their point and using too many words. This could be a sign of deception or just a symptom of not knowing when to be quiet.

Did you Know?

Maybe you’re nervous, or maybe you’re trying to avoid giving a direct answer. Whatever the reason, if you’re “beating around the bush” you’re practicing circumlocution. Using that phrase would also be circumlocution — why use an idiom when there’s a perfectly good word?

A Little Drabble Do Ya

[glennagirl.livejournal.com]

A Rare Event - A Little DrabbleDo Ya! - Jan 15th

[jantojones.livejournal.com]

“Welcome back, gentlemen,” Alexander Waverly greeted his top team. “I’ve read your preliminary report and it beggars belief.”

“How so?” asked Illya Kuryakin; puzzlement crossing his face.

“Well, for one thing, you’re both in one piece,” the Old Man replied. “Not so much as a scratch between you. Add to that your expediency, the lack of any sort of obstructions, and absolutely no claims for expenses, this mission stands out as unique.”

“You make it sound like we aren’t always so efficient,” Napoleon complained.

Waverly’s response was to raise an eyebrow, before handing them the details of their next mission.

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