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The Importance of Vocabulary
I found last Friday's front-page headline interesting: "Editor Change at Press-Republican." After over 45 years at the Press-Republican, editor Jim Dynko is retiring. Having worked his way through the years from general assignment reporter to editor, Jim has seen all aspects of the newspaper business and, no doubt, he's one of the best! I have an inkling that he'll have no trouble finding something to occupy his self-imposed "days off."
The new editor, according to the news story, will be Bob Grady. And I can understand why. Bob knows his vocabulary. Bob's been involved in the newspaper business for over 40 years, a respected journalist who has received recognition for his fine writing. He probably doesn't realize this, but I think I played a role in his promotion.
You see, in December when I was asked to meet with the editorial staff of the Press-Republican to hear their ideas about writing a blog, Bob, of course, was there. In addition to all the esteemed members of the editorial staff, Bob Parks, the newspaper's publisher, was there, notepad in hand. I was impressed with the big table we all sat at and the distinguished way they were dressed. I mean, suits and ties and all. Not Lois, though. She wore a beautiful dress, very proper for the occasion. I noticed their clothing because I was there in my jeans and polo shirt.
Before long I was learning all kinds of things about blogs, and I was very happy the editorial staff was considering me for the position of their first blogger. They seemed to have no doubt that I could handle the task. But what really cinched it, what really put me in the front row as their candidate, was when Bob Grady told me that I was a "pundit and raconteur in the community." I did a double-take! I've been called many things through the years, especially by angry students upset with my stern classroom rules, but never in my 57 years had I been called a "pundit," let alone a "reconteur."
I think publisher Parks was very impressed, because I saw him immediately make some notes on his notepad. I think it had to do with Bob Grady's effective use of vocabulary. Because the next thing you know, Jim Dynko is retiring and Bob Grady is making the front page news as the new editor.
In my classroom for 35 years I tried to stress the importance of vocabulary. I used big words, no sissy words that would be too easy. I instructed my students on the intricacies of words such as "ultimatum," "optimistic," and, my all-time favorite, "penultimate." Bob Grady was never one of my students, but he got the message somehow, nevertheless. I mean, not everyone can call someone a "pundit and raconteur" and get away with it! But Bob has taken the use of vocabulary right to the top!
Good luck to Jim Dynko in his retirement and best wishes to the new editor, Bob Grady. He knows his vocabulary!
Afterthought: Pundit, according to the Merriam-Webster Dictionary, means "a learned man; one who gives opinions in an authoritative manner; a teacher or critic." The synonyms for this word include bookworm, brain, egghead, expert, thinker.
Raconteur, according to the Merriam-Webster Dictionary, means "a person who excels in telling anecdotes."
Comments
I am a college student in China. I am quite agree with you. I did a lot of work on studying vocabulary.
Posted by: Terrence | May 18, 2007 10:53 PM
Aah yes, vocabulary. I'm still in the habit of putting a mark in my book when I find a "Foxy word". I would like to bestow a "nice job" to the venerable Foxy Gagnon on a well written blog.
Please, notice the 'rare double' in that sentence.
(Foxy's note: Emily was an outstanding student in my 8th grade ELA class last year. Her "rare double" would have earned her 2 bonus points! I am proud that my vocabulary lives on, even though I no longer work for the Plattsburgh City School District.)
Posted by: Emily Burdo | February 22, 2006 10:05 PM
Mr. Foxy,
If you want to discuss vocabulary, let's get back to pony tail, mane or whatever the heck it is. When are we goona see it? Last report is that you showed it to some people and then nothing. Your faithful fans are being held captive to your lack of information. I purposely sought you out in public and was distraught to see that you still were not sporting the tied down look. What's up. Your adoring faithful deserves to know.
(Foxy's note: Stevie, I have decided my ponytail is not quite ready for public consumption. Kind of like taking the cake out of the oven too soon. All that preparation, and the cake tastes terrible. Be patient, Stevie, it will be worth the wait!)
Posted by: Stevie Blunder | February 4, 2006 8:59 AM
Having worked at the Press several years ago, I had the opportunity to get to know Bob Grady. I think the Press made a wise choice, selecting from within to fill such an important position.
Posted by: Chris Heckard | February 3, 2006 8:21 AM
That Grady fella sounds like quite a guy. I'd like to meet him someday. His vocabulary maybe top notch but I hear his math skills are somewhat questionable!
Posted by: casey | February 2, 2006 11:12 AM