The word aplomb first came to my attention through Woody Allen's masterful work, "Without Feathers", a book which at least one other person I know worships.* I thought aplomb was the funniest-sounding word I ever heard.
What does a aplomb mean?
A. A bomb disguised as a plum.
B. A plum disguised as a bomb.
C. Poise, self-assurance.
D. A short plumber.
Believe it or not, the correct definition of aplomb is C. One carries oneself with aplomb when one is calm, cool and collected.
Onomatopoeia is when a word sounds like what it means. But what do you call it when a word sounds opposite of what it means? A word like aplomb, which to me sounds awkward and shaky. There should be a word for that! Any suggestions?
*Actually it might have been in "Side Effects". I can't remember. Both are well worth reading.
Scrambled Toast ... Word Sell
Wednesday, June 20, 2007
Words for Nerds--Aplomb
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2 comments:
Very funny, Brad! (And you have a good memory regarding fans of "Without Feathers".) Unfortunately mine is not so good either on which of the two books "aplomb" was covered in. It's definitely Woody, though!
Hope you're recharging well today.
Hooray. I finally got a Word for Nerds correct!
See you soon!! :)
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