vocab 101

C'est la vie.

It is what it is.

Nolens volens.

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I just love words, grammar, and vocabulary!!! I love the way certain words sound…the way they rrrrrooollll over my tongue…the rhythm (or lack of) that they may have. This is just one of my many personal quirks that make me…ME! [Shhhhhh…I even subscribe to the dictionary.com word-of-the-day…don’t tell anyone.] NUTTY...I know. But I just love WORDS! Although I don't know to whom to attribute these words...one of my favorite quotes about words is: Never use a big word where a diminutive one will suffice." True...maybe. But don't miss out on the fun!

On Wednesday of this week from dictionary.com, I received the word nolens volens. Latin, as you might guess…it means “whether willing or not; willy-nilly.” Subconsciously…I’ve been rolling this around in my head since then, and have come up with a bit of Saturday fun for you…somewhat reminiscent of the NPR ‘Sunday Puzzle’ by puzzle master Will Shortz. Woo whoooo you say!

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See how you do today…I’ll publish the solutions tomorrow...

Each solution to the clues below is a two word phrase with two syllables in each word:

1. Children’s dance: 'you put your right arm in…'
2. Beloved children's book
3. One of several characters in said book
4. He kissed the girls and made them cry
5. Brand of candy with a joke on the wrapper
6. Hand-held, portable, two-way radio
7. Grade-B horror flick
8. Short and plumply round
9. Favorite flavor of Ben & Jerry
10. Weak or indecisive
11. Disorderly; haphazard
12. A condition of extreme nervousness caused by fear
13. Unethical behavior; deceit
14. Counterfeit currency
15. President who was impeached
16. Long time radio announcer for the cubs
17. Retired Big-8 basketball coach with a volatile temper
18. Pet name for a sweetheart
19. Slogan used by hippies
20. Ciao! Bye! Ta ta! See ya...

And for extra credit…

The solution to this clue is four rhyming two-syllable words: Stages of group development per Tuckman (1965)

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Have fun!