Commitment, Italian style

I have a co-worker who lived in Italy for several years. When I asked how he was doing today, he responded by teaching me a fun phrase:

"Stabo abbastanza bene."

It's the subjuctive for "I'm okay," but literally translates to "I might/ could be somewhat well."

He added that this phrase is typically Italian — they always like to leave their options open.

Words I adore

I like the 'mouth feel' of many of these words. Some are obnoxiously fun to say. Others are here because I dig their meaning. And some ... some I like just because.

This is cross-posted to comment dit-on.

hooligan whilst loathe disdain ravenous ravage bwahahaha argh visceral contempt schadenfreude adore fabulous effing gleefully campy citrusy resonant resonate rife taunt inspire glistening chrissakes albeit incredulous wicked (really) sherpa atavistic frabjous avocation

avatar yearn addled buss caress bliss erstwhile accoutrements tchotcke diva noggin confluence sublime bemused avarice haunting ardor hoodwinked penultimate fervor penumbra renaissance rapture lust revel assail shimmy fucktard interspersed wonky

woven entwined arc fetish tenderness jones (as a verb) fancy (as a verb) yen philistines luddites heathens thespians dogmatic zealot fey doyenne eager scathing withering mocking hosed sylvan yellow (cowardly) caterwompus googly moogly askew shiksa yenta prolly apoplectic

luminescent luminous radiant bask ravish afterglow discern apt sheer shear revile madness ambling huzzah hooray yippee covet delicious hankering knickers predilection proclivity rapture awry aged (a-jed) danke whirl evanesce dissipate fierce

If only everybody could write good.

It was one part dare, one part serious, and all inspired.

Crappy Scientist suggested that we start a collection of particularly good bits of writing. I decided that it should probably include other things on language.

Here goes.