maarmie's musings

Wednesday, September 14, 2005

Undecidedly Unplural

Last night, I was talking with a friend on the phone, and, somehow, the conversation turned to definitions. And, somehow, I got my mind set on finding the perfect word that would describe or define me - or at least come very, very close.

I started with geek. Gangly? Antisocial? A freak? Not quite. Nerd? Similar, but not as severe. No. Outcast? Close. Then, my friend - who is excessively charming and has an entirely brilliant mind - had an idea as I began using many words to describe myself hoping that one of us could come up with the next word that would spark the next word and so on.

Luckily, he's a big fan of Sherlock Holmes. Luckily, there was a word Mr. Holmes used frequently that stuck in my friend's brain. Singular. BINGO.

Only the definitions that could be used in this context are included here, but this is according to Webster.

Singular - Sin´gu`lar. Pronunciation: sĭņ´gũ`lẽr
Separate or apart from others; single; distinct.

(Logic) Existing by itself; single; individual.

Standing by itself; out of the ordinary course; unusual; uncommon; strange; as, a singular phenomenon.

Distinguished as existing in a very high degree; rarely equaled; eminent; extraordinary; exceptional; as, a man of singular gravity or attainments.

Departing from general usage or expectations; odd; whimsical; - often implying disapproval or censure.

Being alone; belonging to, or being, that of which there is but one; unique.

Related Words
abnormal, absurd, alone, anomalous, atypical, conspicuous, curious, deviant, different, distinct, divergent, dotty, dual, erratic, esoteric, freakish, funny, idiosyncratic, irregular, isolated, kinky, kooky, lone, notable, noteworthy, nutty, oddball, off, offbeat, one and only, outlandish, outre, outstanding, quaint, queer, quintessential, quirky, screwy, separate, significant, special, superior, twisted, unanalyzable, unconventional, unimaginable, unique, unordinary, wacky, weird, whimsical, whole, wondrous

The related words certainly do ring a bell. Now, for a lovely quote about singularity.

To be singular in anything that is wise and worthy, is not a disparagement, but a praise. - Tillotson.

7 comments:

Anonymous said...

If I had to choose a word from the list you supplied, I would say "deviant" is more accurate.

Anonymous said...

Or maybe "oddball."

Anonymous said...

"freakish."

Anonymous said...

SCREWY

Anonymous said...

I heard Maarmie was more "irregular."

Anonymous said...

Nah, I think singular suits you perfectly.

Anonymous said...

We all love a bit of pointless pedantry don't we?

Esopteric doesn't fit in that list.

Also Mer mer mer mer mer