Tuesday, 22 April 2008 01:41 pm
(no subject)
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deckardcanineI've read (from a dated source, mind) that our recognition vocabularies are about thrice as large as our functional vocabularies. In other words, you understand a lot more words than you ever say or write. It's pretty rare for me to think of a word that has thus far been part only of my recognition vocabulary. It's rarer still for me to think of such a word that's actually quite broadly familiar in America. But I have one such word in mind: "unforgettable."
Yes, I just used it. I've used it in quotes, especially from Nat King Cole. Doesn't count for my independent usage.
A likely reason: I hate it. Seems to me that nothing is truly unforgettable. "Memorable" is fine, but "unforgettable" implies no exceptions. My memory system doesn't have the same priorities as most. I feel embarrassed when somebody calls something "unforgettable," like the last line of Chinatown, and I've completely forgotten it. It's like failing at a foolproof method.
...
In truth, I'm not that worked up over the matter. It is trivial, like so many of my language concerns. I just thought it was worth throwing out there.
Yes, I just used it. I've used it in quotes, especially from Nat King Cole. Doesn't count for my independent usage.
A likely reason: I hate it. Seems to me that nothing is truly unforgettable. "Memorable" is fine, but "unforgettable" implies no exceptions. My memory system doesn't have the same priorities as most. I feel embarrassed when somebody calls something "unforgettable," like the last line of Chinatown, and I've completely forgotten it. It's like failing at a foolproof method.
...
In truth, I'm not that worked up over the matter. It is trivial, like so many of my language concerns. I just thought it was worth throwing out there.