Lady Rougepen Says: Learn Va-Va-Va-Voom Victorian Vocabulary

Break out your bonnet! It’s time to learn some some phrases from an era when Queen Victoria ruled England, and things were chaste, but interesting.

Butter up the bacon – a statement of excess. An alternate phrase is “over-egging the pudding.”

Cop a mouse – get a black eye

Gigglemug – a face, always on the verge of smiling or laughter

Got the morbs  – feeling blue or depressed, as in “morbid.”

Make a stuffed bird laugh – so ridiculous, cheesy.

Cat-lap – a weak drink, as in it’s too “soft.”

Other interesting history from this era:

The terms “light” or “dark” meat, to describe chicken, came about in the 1890s to replace the “obscene” words chicken “breasts” and “thighs.”

Cupid was a buffed, Adonis-type figure. The Victorians replaced it with a sweet chubby baby, devoid of any sexuality.

I personally love the Victorian era’s class, when it wasn’t being ridiculously prude. The ruffles, the cabbage rose-print on nearly everything. What are some of your favorite things from that era? I hope it’s not Jack the Ripper!

I’m pleased to announce the release of my 8th book, Skoll’s Diary.

Africans and African Americans left Earth in 1900, and went to another planet in The Milky Way to escape mistreatment…

It’s now the year 3005 on that terraformed planet. We get a peek into the life of a bright and sensitive teenaged boy, Skoll, through his journal. He loves his world, but is curious about life on Earth. Then suddenly, an epic event casts him in the middle of a difficult decision.  The fate of the planet’s community is in his hands.

Get the book here. I’d appreciate your leaving a review if you read it. Thanks in advance!

Trade in “Pretty” for Something More Attractive

Ditch the vanilla word “pretty” for these spicier words. Find out how in this under 2-minute video: https://youtu.be/bf_h8FmIr04

I’m pleased to announce the release of my 8th book, Skoll’s Diary.

Africans and African Americans left Earth in 1900, and went to another planet in The Milky Way to escape mistreatment…

It’s now the year 3005 on that terraformed planet. We get a peek into the life of a bright and sensitive teenaged boy, Skoll, through his journal. He loves his world, but is curious about life on Earth. Then suddenly, an epic event casts him in the middle of a difficult decision.  The fate of the planet’s community is in his hands.

Get the book here. I’d appreciate your leaving a review if you read it. Thanks in advance!

Lady Rougepen Says: Contronyms Are Cool

 

What is a contronym? It’s a word with 2 contradictory meanings. Examples:

Bolt –  to secure, lock up/to rapidly flee.

Bound – headed towards a destination/restrained with ropes or wraps.

Dust – to add fine particles with a brush or puff (to dust yourself with talcum powder)/to remove them with a feather duster.

Fast – quick (Jeff runs so fast)/or to hold on to, as in “steadfast.”

Left – to stay (as in left back or behind)/or depart.

Weather – to tolerate (weather the storm)/or to wear down (a weathered bench)

I’m pleased to announce the release of my 8th book, Skoll’s Diary.

Africans and African Americans left Earth in 1900, and went to another planet in The Milky Way to escape mistreatment…

It’s now the year 3005 on that terraformed planet. We get a peek into the life of a bright and sensitive teenaged boy, Skoll, through his journal. He loves his world, but is curious about life on Earth. Then suddenly, an epic event casts him in the middle of a difficult decision.  The fate of the planet’s community is in his hands.

Get the book here. I’d appreciate your leaving a review if you read it. Thanks in advance!

Trade “Good” for Better

Learn how to ditch the vanilla word “good” in under 2 minutes: https://youtu.be/yPBM1ctP6HU

I’m pleased to announce the release of my 8th book, Skoll’s Diary.

Africans and African Americans left Earth in 1900, and went to another planet in The Milky Way to escape mistreatment…

It’s now the year 3005 on that terraformed planet. We get a peek into the life of a bright and sensitive teenaged boy, Skoll, through his journal. He loves his world, but is curious about life on Earth. Then suddenly, an epic event casts him in the middle of a difficult decision.  The fate of the planet’s community is in his hands.

Get the book here. I’d appreciate your leaving a review if you read it. Thanks in advance!

Lady Rougepen Says: Fade to Black

 

In honor or Black Lives Matter, I thought Lady Rougepen should do some Ebonic (aka Black American English or African American Vernacular English) colloquialisms:

Put your foot in it – referring to delicious food. “Mmm-mmm. Candace really put her foot in that sweet potato pie!”

Trifling – a bum; lazy; worthless. “Rodney is so trifling that he always asks for rides, but never offers to pay for gas.”

Just a squirrel, trying to get a nut – struggling; just trying to make ends meet; fighting to survive. “Nathan didn’t realize how expensive things were until he moved out of his parents’ home. Now, he’s just a squirrel, trying to get a nut.”

Split your wig – a violent act, literally meaning to bust open your head. “Scott fell off his bike, and needed stitches. He nearly split his wig!”

See the receipts – show me the proof. “My son said he studied for the spelling test, but I wanted to see the receipts, so I quizzed him myself.”

Jump the broom – get married. This was literally the only ritual Africans had to signify their union on plantations. “Minerva and Robert jumped the broom only six months ago, so they still have that newlywed glow.”

Playing with angels – used to describe the uncontrollable movements of an infant. “Look at sweet little Sarah, waving those arms. She’s really playing with those angels!”

Don’t let the doorknob hit you where the good lord split you – literally, a kiss-off message, meaning don’t let the door knob hit you in the behind when you leave. “Beatrice told Tammy ‘don’t let the door knob hit you where the good lord split you,’ after she found out Tammy started that rumor about her.”

Crib – home; place of residence. “I’m headed back to the crib.”

Fun fact: The words “bling” and “24/7” are Ebonic words that have made it into vernacular American English.

I’m pleased to announce the release of my 8th book, Skoll’s Diary.

Africans and African Americans left Earth in 1900, and went to another planet in The Milky Way to escape mistreatment…

It’s now the year 3005 on that terraformed planet. We get a peek into the life of a bright and sensitive teenaged boy, Skoll, through his journal. He loves his world, but is curious about life on Earth. Then suddenly, an epic event casts him in the middle of a difficult decision.  The fate of the planet’s community is in his hands.

Get the book here. I’d appreciate your leaving a review if you read it. Thanks in advance!

Lady Rougepen Asks: Do You Believe in Magic?

 

“Magic” is an ancient word, derived from “mageia.” Persian priests, “magosh,” were the first to perform magic tricks. The magician’s jargon “abracadabra” means “I will create as I speak.” It’s Hebrew.

We have two cultures to thank for this amazing, slight-of-hand art!

I’m pleased to announce the release of my 8th book, Skoll’s Diary.

Africans and African Americans left Earth in 1900, and went to another planet in The Milky Way to escape mistreatment…

It’s now the year 3005 on that terraformed planet. We get a peek into the life of a bright and sensitive teenaged boy, Skoll, through his journal. He loves his world, but is curious about life on Earth. Then suddenly, an epic event casts him in the middle of a difficult decision.  The fate of the planet’s community is in his hands.

Get the book here. I’d appreciate your leaving a review if you read it. Thanks in advance!

Lady Rougepen Presents: Yeehaw Words

Oh, give me a home where the buffalo roam, and the deer and the antelope play… Some words we still use from The Old West:

Ace in the hole – it literally meant the perfect hideout, or a well-hidden gun, but we use it to mean we have it made.

Bee in your bonnet – either upset, or a great idea.

Caterwauling –  to moan or sing badly

Fit to be tied – angry

Lickety split – rapid

Varmint – wild animal, or bad person

Yellow belly – coward

Yeehaw! I think that’s pretty cool. Tell me what others you know.

 

I’m pleased to announce the release of my 8th book, Skoll’s Diary.

Africans and African Americans left Earth in 1900, and went to another planet in The Milky Way to escape mistreatment…

It’s now the year 3005 on that terraformed planet. We get a peek into the life of a bright and sensitive teenaged boy, Skoll, through his journal. He loves his world, but is curious about life on Earth. Then suddenly, an epic event casts him in the middle of a difficult decision.  The fate of the planet’s community is in his hands.

Get the book here. I’d appreciate your leaving a review if you read it. Thanks in advance!

Lady Rougepen Says: Of Biblical Proportions

We get many sayings from The Good Book. Here are some of the most common:

• See the writing on the wall. (Daniel 5:5-6; to be warned of something detrimental)
• Forbidden fruit (Genesis 2:16-17; something that’s more appealing because you can’t have it.)
• Land of milk and honey (Exodus 3:8; paradise)
• Apple of my eye (Deuteronomy 32:10; adored one)
• Bite the dust. (Psalms 72:9; death, as in we return to the dust, upon death)
• For everything, there is a season. (Eccelesiates 3:1; you can’t force something to happen if it’s not time.)
• Cross to bear (Matthew 16:24; personal hardship)
• The eleventh hour (Matthew 20:6; the moment before it’s too late, just in time)
• The powers that be (Romans 13:11; authority figures)

What’s your favorite? Or would you like to share more? Please do!

Sean C. Wright is the author of 8 books. For more information about her writing skills and how she can assist you with yours–business or consumer–visit https://seanarchy.wordpress.com.

 

I’m pleased to announce the release of my 8th book, Skoll’s Diary.

Africans and African Americans left Earth in 1900, and went to another planet in The Milky Way to escape mistreatment…

It’s now the year 3005 on that terraformed planet. We get a peek into the life of a bright and sensitive teenaged boy, Skoll, through his journal. He loves his world, but is curious about life on Earth. Then suddenly, an epic event casts him in the middle of a difficult decision.  The fate of the planet’s community is in his hands.

Get the book here. I’d appreciate your leaving a review if you read it. Thanks in advance!

Lady Rougepen Says: Luck be a Lady

The word “fortune” derives from the Roman goddess of luck, Fortuna. She is said to be Jupiter’s daughter, and also to bring forth bountiful farming, if in a good mood. She has ties to the cornucopia or horn-of-plenty, which is the cone, spilling fruits and vegetables we often see in autumn decorations.

Fortuna was not all about good luck. She brought bad luck too. It depended on how you played your cards (no pun intended). She might give you your just desserts if you were naughty, according to legend. Think of Fortuna the next time you say, “Good luck!”

Sean C. Wright is the author of 8 books. For more information about her writing skills and how she can assist you with yours–business or consumer–visit https://seanarchy.wordpress.com.

 

I’m pleased to announce the release of my 8th book, Skoll’s Diary.

Africans and African Americans left Earth in 1900, and went to another planet in The Milky Way to escape mistreatment…

It’s now the year 3005 on that terraformed planet. We get a peek into the life of a bright and sensitive teenaged boy, Skoll, through his journal. He loves his world, but is curious about life on Earth. Then suddenly, an epic event casts him in the middle of a difficult decision.  The fate of the planet’s community is in his hands.

Get the book here. I’d appreciate your leaving a review if you read it. Thanks in advance!

Lady Rougepen Presents: Va-va-va-voom Vocabulary

Oevre – an artist’s particular piece

Example: Monet’s beach oevre is showing at the art museum, next week. Would you like to go with me?

Gelastic – provoking a fit of laughter

Example: Lucille Ball’s physical comedy never fails to produce gelastic results for me.

Hygge – an atmosphere of profound comfort or coziness

Example: It was a cold, gray day, so I created ideal hygge with cinnamon rolls and hot chocolate.

Panacea – a cure-all, or solution to a laundry list of problems

Example: My grandmother swears that bananas are a panacea for everything from joint aches to low energy.

Madeleine – 2 meanings: something that recreates a memory, or a small cake, shaped like a shell.

Example: Shelly brought madeleines to Jeff’s birthday, and they were a big hit.

Pescatarian – someone who only eats fish

Example: I’ve been a pescatarian for two years now, and my bloodwork results are much improved.

Indolent – slow or lazy

Example: The teenager’s indolent attitude angered his father.

Aphorism – a short, wise or instructional statement

Example: “Life is not fair” is probably one of the most popular aphorisms. Don’t you agree?

Lugubrious – extremely mournful, or sad

Example: The toddler was lugubrious after flushing his action figure down the toilet.

Ardent – Fiery or intense enthusiasm

Example: Thanks to my gardener’s ardent efforts, my lawn is dandelion-free in the spring and summer.

Quaff – to gulp heartily

Example: The winning team cheered and quaffed Gatorade back in the locker room.

Vainglorious – boastful, or swollen pride

Example: Brad was so vainglorious about winning the tennis match this afternoon that I refused lunch with him at a later date.

Happy writing!

Sean C. Wright is the author of 8 books. For more information about her writing skills and how she can assist you with yours–business or consumer–visit https://seanarchy.wordpress.com.

 

I’m pleased to announce the release of my 8th book, Skoll’s Diary.

Africans and African Americans left Earth in 1900, and went to another planet in The Milky Way to escape mistreatment…

It’s now the year 3005 on that terraformed planet. We get a peek into the life of a bright and sensitive teenaged boy, Skoll, through his journal. He loves his world, but is curious about life on Earth. Then suddenly, an epic event casts him in the middle of a difficult decision.  The fate of the planet’s community is in his hands.

Get the book here. I’d appreciate your leaving a review if you read it. Thanks in advance!