... of the Week (#6):

This week – Word of the Week (#6):

This week we have a slightly more contemporary word:

mummerset

n. An invented English dialect that mimics the stereotypical English Westcountry accent (it is not, however, specific to any particular county).

The name is a play on words: the combination of "mummer", a slang term for a folk actor, and the name of the largely rural county of Somerset.

Anyone who’s heard Round the Horne will know this accent from a character called Rambling Syd Rumpo. These days though, it’s probably better recognised – particularly among my friends – in phrases such as “a’right my luvver” when spoken by non-native Westerners.

Apparently I have lately been subconsciously using this accent, saying words such as “foin” instead of “fine”… I really hope that folk will have a play with this week’s word, even if it’s adopting the meaning rather than the word itself.

... of the Week (#5):

This week – Word of the Week (#5):

There is a possibility that this week’s word might become personally relevant to me soon, but for today I picked it on the basis that it sounds quite nice.

whiffle

v. To move inconstantly, as if driven by a puff of wind.

.. of the Week (#4):

This week – Word of the Week (#4):

This week sees another offering from Samuel Johnson (It’s the only book I brought back to Bristol with me, so we’ll probably hear a lot from him). I really like this word and I hope that it’s one that you guys will have a go with during the next week.

gad

v. To ramble about without any settled purpose; to rave loosely and idly.

Shrinking

         I hate that shrinking feeling,

         It gets me every time.

            Morale growing ever smaller,

            Confidence knocked right back.

         He takes pride in it -

         It’s there in his eyes.

           Watching as you break.

            He’s meant to help -

         He knows it’s his job,

         And his manner seems kind.

            Then you actually ask

            And Jekyll turns Hyde.

Nothing else you can do,

So you shrink away.

No more support.

Fade away.

Disappear.

It’s World Mental Health Day today. I wrote this poem this morning – it’s very much a rough draft, and I’m never particularly comfortable without rigid forms to follow, but it’s a (very) vague idea of what part of being depressed can sometimes feel like.

Let me know what you think, I’m not sure I’ll keep it, but I wanted to mark today with something.

New Term, New Me?

Bristol University starts teaching again on Monday. It was touch and go, but I made it back - and am still on track for a Masters too. Although my overall year average wasn't amazing, I am taking comfort in the fact that I managed a 2:1 or greater in nearly half of the modules. I really hope to build on that this year, and to prove, to myself and some other people, that I can do this.

There are a bunch of you out there who really helped last year, supporting me both morally and, in some cases, practically (Thank you especially to JB and Harry on the ComSci front). I know that a few of the people that helped probably wish that they hadn't as I wasn't exactly a picture of confidence, and I am aware that this annoyed some folk. However, I am extremely grateful to all of you, and I really hope that, having got this far, I can push through to the end and earn the good will that you've been kind enough to send my way.

I hope that you like the word of the week slot, and I aim to share some more of the quirkier, more positive aspects of me in the future.

... of the Week (#3):

This week – Word of the Week (#3):

Short one this week, dedicated particularly to one of my cousins (snowingindoors – see the links on the sidebar) who has set herself up in business in this corner of the market.

kindergraph

n. Photograph of a child.

From the German kinder – child, and the Greek graphikos – picturesque.