chirography letter writing is a simple joy. Art collage by LaWhimsy
Word Nerd

Word Nerd: Chirography

Chirography is the art or study of handwriting in all of it's aspects (including scriptotherapy!). Chirography is distinct from typography in that it is focused on what is written by and from the hand, not printed fonts (which are an amazing category unto themselves - and quite rightly so). I am a huge fan of… Continue reading Word Nerd: Chirography

Lovely Lilting Lillian Gish gif via LaWhimsy
Word Nerd

Word Nerd: Lilt

Lilt is another one of those oh, so charmingly simple looking words (much like limn) that holds so much in it's definition. Lilt is a spirited, rhythmical, light, and pleasant way of sounding or moving and how utterly lovely is that?! While I defined lilt as a noun for descriptive means, lilt is also a… Continue reading Word Nerd: Lilt

tabula rasa in a new year, a fresh notebook via LaWhimsy
Word Nerd

Word Nerd: Tabula Rasa

Word Nerd is an on-going feature that shares and highlights unique, whimsical and sometimes forgotten or overlooked words. It’s dedicated to the logophile in us all. Tabula Rasa is a Latin phrase that most commonly translates to blank slate in English. It derives from the use of the Roman tabula - a wax slab that… Continue reading Word Nerd: Tabula Rasa

Krampus and St Nicholas yin and yang via LaWhimsy
Word Nerd

Word Nerd: Krampus

Krampus is an unusual word to define simply because Krampus is the name of a mythological creature who, in German/Alpine folklore is partner to Saint Nicholas. So Krampus is not so much a word, but a being, however, it's a being worth 'defining'. Krampus is the one who takes care of the naughty, selfish children… Continue reading Word Nerd: Krampus

hygge - live it, love it, create it, share it via lawhimsy
Word Nerd

Word Nerd: Hygge

Hygge (pronounced HU-guh) is a Danish word and way of living. Hygge, roughly and simplistically translated, means creating and fostering a warm, cozy atmosphere and enjoying it with the people you adore. I've been seeing hygge pop up here and there and the idea of it appealed to my quaintrelle soul. While hygge is not… Continue reading Word Nerd: Hygge

riparian paradise via lawhimsy
Word Nerd

Word Nerd: Riparian

Riparian is a new nature word for me, and a truly wonderful discovery at that. Riparian describes that place that lies between a stream or river and the land. I love the riparian banks, where moss grows, and where the dirt and grass turn to mud, sand, and dampness. The heady scent of a stream… Continue reading Word Nerd: Riparian