Today, we’re looking into word origins. Most words, other than simple words such as “oof,” are actually compounds made of two or more simple words.
Black + berry = blackberry.
Blue + berry = blueberry.
Pod + cast = podcast.
Cur + mudgeon = curmudgeon.
We could easily get carried away with this sort of thing, but that would be ex + cessive.
What’s Your Point?
The point is, Dear Reader, this old curmudgeon is now appearing on podcasts. Believe it or otherwise. You can catch one here, and another one here. And I’m lined up for more.
Stay tuned.
Only you don’t really tune podcasts. You just, uh, I don’t know . . . listen?
Six months ago I couldn’t even spell podcast. Now I are one.
Back to compound words.
Rasp + berry = raspberry. Did you ever notice how they’re kind of raspy?
But what must a berry do to be cran? Or mul? These things are cloaked in mystery.
As is podmudgeoning.
All I know is, I’m frightfully good at it. You should tune in. Or, uh, listen.
See, Here’s the Thing
I really don’t grok podcasts in their fullness. I’ve never figured out what the point of listening or watching something is, when you can read about it on good old reliable paper.
This wisdom, obviously, does not apply to football. Or Jeopardy! But every rule must have one or two exceptions.
The fact that I don’t listen to podcasts does not disqualify me from starring in them. As mentioned above, I’m frightfully good at it. (See here and here.)
But if I’m just an old curmudgeon, why would I want to star in podcasts, anyway?
To sell books, that’s why!
You see, I talk about my books, and how I wrote them, and millions of podcast listeners will rush to Amazon and buy my books.
Circling the Drain
Do you see the reasoning? Tons of people who like to listen to things, or watch things, are naturally going to rush out and pay good money to buy something they have to crack open and look at. And then it doesn’t say anything. It just sits there.
They’ll have to read it.
Why would they read something, when they can spend the time listening to something else instead?
Just because I’m so frightfully good at mudgeoncasting?
This remains to be seen. Or, rather, listened to.
Stay tuned.
And buy my books.
Blessings,
Larry F. Sommers
Your New Favorite Writer
