For example, my all time favorite word, 'argyle' is, perhaps, the coolest sounding word known to man. I mean, its not complicated with multiple syllables. There are no unwieldly emphasizers or gratuitous umlauts. Its beauty is almost magnified by its simplicity. Additionally, if you sound it out you can almost hear the word tell a story. I mean, its a story that starts painfully 'ARGH!' put is soothed and comforted at the end 'gyllllllllllll'. Its very dramatic.
There are some words that at some point or another I thought were contenders to "argyle's" throne (not thrown, which is a homonym for throne. 'Homonym' is another word that is pleasing to hear). For example, 'egregious'.
Some words try to emulate the success of 'argyle'. 'Gargoyle' for example, which puts a spin on the same story that 'argyle' relays (Same harsh beginning: 'GARRR!'; same attempt at consolation: 'go-ah-ulllllll'). I feel, however, that 'gargoyle' fails to deliver the same simple, but majestic, beauty of our reigning word monarch. 'Gargoyle's consolation comes across as melodramatic and forced; like its trying much too hard.
Other words try not for emulation, but for grandiose overabundance. Such a word is 'onomatopoeia'. This word reminds me of the actress at one of those award shows who tries to bring attention to themselves with glaring make-up (applied by spackle knife) or ultra-revealing clothing. Sure, we notice, but what we're thinking isn't at all flattering. 'Onomatopoeia's attempt at pleasing overtures is ludicrous (not Ludicris, who is a rapper, but is definitely not a wrapper) and glaring. Can I just say, less is more, 'onomatopoeia', less is more.
In what may be another delicious irony, 'sanctimonious' flips the 'less is more' axiom right upon its ear. As 'argyle' infers an exquisitely short drama, 'sanctimonious' is surely a romcom on a deserted island with a steamy sex scene tossed in for the resigned boyfriend (or girlfriend, I'm not here to make assumptions). Sound it out and (hear) for yourself. 'Sanctimonious' does with flair that is simply casual what 'onomatopoeia' attempts to do with brazen exhibitionism.
I'm not sure how long 'argyle' will stand as the icon of audio aesthetics; the czar of the scrumptiously spoken; the paragon of the pleasant pander; the ( I could go on like this for some time, but at this point I believe an intervention is what is required) -* At any rate, whatever word succeeds in dethroning the champion shall have conquered a valiant opponent.
Top Five Words - Audio Aesthetically Speaking
1) Argyle
2) Michael
3) Sanctimonious
4) Pretentious
5) Brazen
PS - 'Personification' is also an ok word, but its story is complete and total pornography.
3 comments:
I used to play the same kind of game when I worked in Tech Support - only with people's names. The best name that I used to love to say (when he called in):
Alden Bienvienu
I once read that a study, done in Switzerland with non-English speakers, found that they thought the prettiest English word is "diarrhea."
Don't be hating on onomatopoeia.
I remember once hearing my teacher read the following phrase from a story: the tinkling of little bells. And I thought, how awesome is that, that the phrase "the tinkling of little bells" sounds just like little bells tinkling.
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