Banned Word: Emboldened

Sat, 17 Feb 2007 10:33:46 GMT

I don't watch a lot of TV. I am currently watching Rome on HBO, and I opportunistically watch other shows that my wife watches, like Scrubs. Recently, I've caught the last 2-3 episodes of Heroes. Then I try to catch the news in the morning when I'm getting ready for work and in the evenings as we're winding down. I don't want to hear the word emboldened every time I watch the news.

I've heard it too often that it has lost its meaning. Politicians and their speechwriters should be asked to come up with their own explanation of what they're trying to say instead of latching on to the latest political meme.

If I were a speechwriter, I should be fined 5% of my pay every time I used the word "emboldened" in a speech. There are so many other words in the English language that are more interesting. Here are a handful from reference.com: Pollyannaish, blithe, rose-colored, upbeat.

Wouldn't you actually prefer to hear this?

"Our actions will cause our enemies to be Pollyannaish."

Wildchicken: News and politics

Banned Word: Emboldened