Words, of course, are an important part of my life as a copywriter, but they were also a hot topic of conversation many years ago during my university years, when some friends and I took it upon ourselves to rank our favourite words. This became a piece of Facebook ‘Notes’ history, a much-disputed living document called the All Time Top Ten Words List.
I know words. I have the best words. (image by Gage Skidmore via Wikimedia Commons)
It has been almost a decade since that list, and with ten years of life experience under my belt, I have decided to have another crack at ranking the best words. The criteria are - and always were - a little fuzzy, but judgements are based loosely on the sound of the word when spoken, the meaning of the word, the aesthetics of the written word, and anything else that appeals. I won’t lie, this isn’t a particularly objective list. Without further ado:
1 . Voluptuous
Although this great-sounding word is generally used only to describe the physical human form, I believe it is being shortchanged. It evokes ampleness and smooth curves, and could be put to good use to describe all kinds of things from coke bottles to waves to baked goods. Try it.
2 . Ominous
Almost onomatopoeic, “ominous” is a rumble of thunder that warns of difficult things to come. It’s a fantastic way to express a feeling that everyone knows, one of those words that just hits the descriptive spot.
3 . Evocative
This word has gotten me out of many a tight writing spot, and it perfectly captures a very vague concept - something which immediately and powerfully brings up feelings. It doesn’t matter what those feelings might be, it’s the feeling of being hit with them that matters. The word also has a pleasantly crisp feeling in the mouth, with the double “v” sounds and hard “c”.
4 . Crepuscular
This word is very satisfying to say, and has an almost sensual (or perhaps slightly gory) vibe to it which belies its quite scientific and specific meaning: of, relating to or resembling twilight, most often used to describe animals which are active at dawn and dusk.
5 . The
This is the workhorse of the list. A definite article which specifies or particularizes, often used in titles and to mark something superlative (the best word), it is invaluable for referring to all kinds of things in written and spoken English. The.
6 . Plethora
A word that means a lot to most people, “plethora” rolls off the tongue nicely. A “plethora” of something offers a little more information than simple “plenty” - it is overflowing and abundant. It is ample (another great word).
7 . Poignant
Like word number 4, “evocative”, “poignant” describes an intensity of feeling rather than a specific type of feeling. Something sad could be poignant, or something joyful, or something nostalgic. The context is important, but the word really nails that feeling of, well, feeling. It also offers a somewhat unexpected and unique sound with the “gn” diphthong, giving off a sound reminiscent of a water drop falling into a calm pond.
8 . Ethereal
A word with a sound which matches its meaning is always a good one, and this breathy collection of mouth-forward sounds - which stay far away from the more guttural utterances originating in the back of the mouth and throat - works very well with its definition: light, airy, seemingly not of this world. See also: “ephemeral”.
9 . Plonk
Short, sharp and comical sounding, this one helps the reader (or hearer) to envisage a very particular way of putting something down. It also describes cheap wine, and really, who doesn’t like cheap wine?
10. Swift
There’s something attractive about the way this word looks and sounds, and it imbues meaning that goes a little beyond the generic “fast”. Doing something fast just means that you do it in relatively little time. Doing something swiftly gives a sense of urgency, and speaks to the attitude with which it is done. I like the subtlety of this word.
With so many wonderful words out there, it’s hard to designate a top ten. Special mention goes to some other fantastic ones: bumbling, effervescent, lull, lilt, protagonist, minimum, dwindling and myriad more. Hit me with your favourites!