Optimism

Optimism is defined by Martin Selligman, the author of Learned Optimism, as a habit of thinking positively, feeling proud of one's achievements, and seeing failures as challenges instead of giving up. It is an attitude that one has control over one's destiny.
Antonym: helplessness.

The dictionary says it means an inclination to put things in a favorable perspective and to anticipate the best possible outcome. It is from Latin and is related to the word opulence.

Opulence- - wealth, affluence; abundance; luxury.

Superfluity

Speaking of superfluity, I am intrigued by the pronunciation of this word. Especially how the emphasis differs from the word, superfluous.

It's like outrage and outrageous.

Outrage means extreme anger. Outrageous means extremely good. Or is that the connotation? It could also mean egregious.

Therefore, outrageous is one of those rare words which means something and its opposite!


Flummoxed. Did I discuss this word already, or am I confused with flamboozled?

A few other intriguing words: Flummery and Frippery.

NO Ma'am

I wanted to say that I didn't get ma'ammed this morning.

I am now living a No Ma'am zone. Picture a big circle with the work Ma'am in it and a slash through it.

Regarding the word, "ma'am," my policy is just don't say it. (unless you are in the military.)

I am rambling.

Bodacious Bodhisattva

Bodhissatva -- someone who exhibits peacefulness and encourages peace in and between others...

Very Bodie!

maybe we can use the word, "bodacious" to describe someone who exhibits those qualities above.

Bodacious Bodhissatvas. A great name for a band, or a movement which promotes nonviolence in the high schools!

Do you remember The Beverly Hillbillies, an old TV show? Jed's nephew, Jethro, was often referred to as "bodacious." I remember looking this up many years ago and NOT finding it in the dictionary, so I thought it was a mispronunciation of Audacious, or just something the hillbillies made up. I just found it in my dictionary! I'm surprised to see it there.

Bodacious -- outright, unmistakeable, remarkable, and it does indicate that it is more common in the South and Midland, presumably of the U.S, and probably originated there.

Well, don't that just beat all?! It was audacious of me to try to use an already lexiconated word and adapt it to my own purpose. Bodacious!

Y'all come back now, y'hear?!

(maybe I'm just experiencing a flashback)