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Words that just aren't used enough in (sports)writing

Discussion in 'Anything goes' started by Tom Petty, Sep 8, 2012.

Page 1 of 8
  1. Tom Petty

    Tom Petty New Member

    I so know what this will turn into by Page 3, but can we get a few serious responses before that time?

    I love great words that are underused in writing ... especially sportswriting. I'll toss out my fave:

    Hence


    Others?
     
    Tom Petty, Sep 8, 2012
    #1
  2. Moderator1

    Moderator1 Moderator Staff Member

    I loved the word "prowess" when I was younger and could not explain why. Still can't.
     
    Moderator1, Sep 8, 2012
    #2
  3. Tom Petty

    Tom Petty New Member

    Ha. I tried using prowess during the first girls sport (volleyball) I covered for a gamer ... way back in the day.
    An older sports editor to a young Tom Petty: "Tom, please don't ever use the fucking word prowess when referring to a high school girl's skills ever again, ok?"
    Me: "Why?"
    Old SE: "Just don't fucking do it, ok? I shouldn't have to explain."

    I fell out of love with that word that night.
     
    Tom Petty, Sep 8, 2012
    #3
  4. imjustagirl

    imjustagirl Active Member

    I can never think of any off the top of my head, but I always love seeing a surprise word in a story.
     
    imjustagirl, Sep 8, 2012
    #4
  5. SpeedTchr

    SpeedTchr Well-Known Member

    Evinced
     
    SpeedTchr, Sep 8, 2012
    #5
  6. da man

    da man Well-Known Member

    Redoubtable. I know, I know, I shouldn't use words that make readers scramble for a dictionary. I just love that word.
     
    da man, Sep 8, 2012
    #6
  7. Big Circus

    Big Circus Well-Known Member

    Fisticuffsmanship!
     
    Big Circus, Sep 8, 2012
    #7
  8. Brian

    Brian Well-Known Member

    Serendipitous
     
    Brian, Sep 8, 2012
    #8
  9. wicked

    wicked Well-Known Member

    Penultimate.
     
    wicked, Sep 8, 2012
    #9
  10. Amy

    Amy Well-Known Member

    Close to one of my favorites - kismet

    Schadenfreude and hubris make my words I like list, too
     
    Amy, Sep 8, 2012
    #10
  11. dooley_womack1

    dooley_womack1 Well-Known Member

    Paradigmatic
     
    dooley_womack1, Sep 8, 2012
    #11
  12. wicked

    wicked Well-Known Member

    Awesome, used in the proper context.
     
    wicked, Sep 8, 2012
    #12
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