Did you ever notice that there are certain "compound words" that really aren't at all? Allow me to illustrate my point with a few examples. For instance, you can be overwhelmed or even underwhelmed, but you can never just be whelmed, can you? If you could; however; I guess you would be "O.K."
"How are you today, Bob?"
"Oh, I'm whelmed."
How about "extraordinary"? We all know what the prefix "extra" means, so shouldn't "extraordinary" just mean "really ordinary"? It makes sense to me.
Here's a great word: despise. I love it! It includes the prefix "de", which is negative, making the meaning for the word the opposite of the meaning of the root word, Root word??? What would that be, you say? Spise, of course! When was the last time you told someone that you liked them by saying, "Hey, I totally spise you."? I haven't, but I will now.
I like the word "inclination". People can get an inclination to do something any time, but do they ever simply get a clination? I think a clination involves spending your day on your couch, eating chips, and channel surfing. Just sayin'.
Finally, how often do you hear a waiter say, "Sir, I'm sorry, but your card has been declined."? Fairly common, right? Now, have you ever heard a waiter say, "Sir, I'm pleased to inform you that your card has been clined."? That would mean it was approved, by the way, but alas we don't ever hear that.
Our language is an interesting and funny thing. These are just a few of the silly things that clog my headspace. Please feel free to share your own.
humor
