Lagniappe -- (LAN-yap) a French word that means (my translation) "delightful extra things you didn't deserve"; it's the idea behind the baker's dozen of paying for a 12 donuts and getting 13. Lagniappe represents the generosity and party atmosphere that characterizes both Cajun Country's "let the good times roll" and what I have known of God's grace.
Vocation -- from the Latin vocare meaning "to call" and I know that because of a seminary paper I wrote at least 20 years ago! I love this word because it inspires me and reminds me of why I do what I do when I don't remember. It is also the antidote to un-church-like words like "hire" "job" and "volunteer."
Picnic -- I have always loved this word! "Picnic" sounds like the party it is! To declare "picnic!" is to set aside regular schedules and table manners, pack a basket, go outside, play games, eat finger food, take naps in the sun ... the list could go on and on. And you have to add a crazy "K" before you add "-ed" or "-ing"!
Careful -- Word that inspires trust and comfort and sometimes slows me down in a good way.
Y'all -- The English language is bereft of a plural "you" and so we have made up our own. My greatest linguistic prejudice (blush -- there are many!) is that I cringe every time I hear the northern plural slang of you -- "youse" or "you's" and sometimes "youse guys" -- my skin is crawling to even write those. When I hear "y'all" I know I am close to people who get me.
Thanks, Jan, for the Friday Fun!
