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

Evelyn Nesbit with a rhapsodic grin via LaWhimsy
Word Nerd

Word Nerd: Rhapsodic

Rhapsodic is an extremely emotional word, and since it derives from the term rhapsody that's not surprising. I mean one can easily fall into rhapsodic raptures about so many things, whether it be an event, a gift, food, a memory, a moment, nature, etc. Rhapsodic is such a delicious descriptive word! I know I can… Continue reading Word Nerd: Rhapsodic

insouciance classic art by William McGregor Paxton collage via lawhimsy
Word Nerd

Word Nerd: Insouciance

Insouciance is a a word that almost has a lackadaisical tone to it, which seeing as insouciance means a calm, relaxed, indifferent state, is perfectly fitting. While I am usually rather wound-up, there are times when I do feel insouciant, whether it be just my mood or towards something. Insouciance is also one of those… Continue reading Word Nerd: Insouciance