It’s no secret that expert wordplay is the key to increasing your romantic attraction. After all, who doesn’t love a bonafide word nerd?
Today’s word journey includes slang and common words that sound similar. If you’re playing at home, turn your dictionaries to the “y” section.
Are we having fun yet? Let’s begin by examining the word “yet.” Although the exact origin of the word is unknown, in Old English, the words “get” and “gieta” mean “until now” or “thus far.” You can imagine how these words morphed along the way to arrive at the “yet” pronunciation we have today.
The small but mighty “yet” is a versatile word. As an adverb, “yet” means “at the present time” or “so far,” while as a conjunction, it means “though” or “nevertheless.” Yet can be used as an adverb, yet it can also function as a conjunction.
Let’s rewind a few dictionary entries ahead of “yet” and discuss the slang term “yeet.” My son uses “yeet” as a word to mean “throw strongly or wildly.” Originating as an exclamation of excitement around 2008, “yeet” is mainly used today the same way my son uses it: I yeeted the football over the house and into my neighbor’s yard.
Do you believe in the Abominable Snowman? If so, you believe in yetis. The yeti, not to be confused with its North American cousin, Bigfoot, is a legendary gigantic, hairy, humanlike creature who prowls around the Himalayas. The Abominable Snowman has done some great work in film, in movies ranging from the claymation classic Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer to Pixar’s Monsters, Inc..
Have you heard of a “yettie?” I hadn’t either, although — as it turns out — I am one. Like the word “yuppie” was coined to signify a young, urban professional, a “yettie” is a young, entrepreneurial and technology-based person. For my day job, I work as a technology copywriter for electronics components clients. In addition, I have at least two side hustles. I think this qualifies me as a certifiable yettie.
For our lightning round, know that a “yate” is a type of Australian eucalyptus tree. “Yatter” means to chatter or jabber. A “Yooper” is a person who lives in the Upper Peninsula of Michigan. “Yep” is an informal way to say “yes.” Are we clear on our wonky “y” words?
The next time you’re bored, open a physical or internet dictionary; you never know what word wonders you’ll discover!
— Curtis Honeycutt is an award-winning syndicated humor columnist. Connect with him on Twitter (@curtishoneycutt) or at curtishoneycutt.com.
By Curtis Honeycutt
Guest Columnist
