From time to time I use the following words earnestly, but incorrectly. On this day, 17 September 2012, I have decided to use them less in the future–if possible not at all. I won’t explain entirely why, and I’ll let you speculate if you choose.

[highlight class=”highlight_yellow” style=””]Cathartic[/highlight]– When I say what I mean to say I will instead say “life-giving” or even “salubrious” instead of this word. When I want to say what this word actually means, I’ll say “Diarrhetic” –and will likely be in the company of the doctor, not a dinner party.

[highlight class=”highlight_yellow” style=””]Panacea[/highlight]– If it only cures one thing it’s not a panacea, so I’ll only use this when I truly mean something new is curing all things. Perhaps Christ’s blood is the only true panacea.

[highlight class=”highlight_yellow” style=””]Disinterested[/highlight]– I’m uninterested in using this word anymore in the wrong way.

[highlight class=”highlight_yellow” style=””]Haberdashery[/highlight]– I’ve yet to see a button seller outside of a Dickens novel. Too bad. This one was nice while it lasted.

[highlight class=”highlight_yellow” style=””]Fortuitous[/highlight]– I’ll say “lucky” instead, or “providential.”

[highlight class=”highlight_yellow” style=””]Literally[/highlight]– I’ll say, “practically,” since “That salsa was so hot I was literally breathing fire” is a statement only a real-life dragon should say.

[highlight class=”highlight_yellow” style=””]Notorious[/highlight]– I’ll stick with “infamous,” as anyone of notability merits this word.

[highlight class=”highlight_yellow” style=””]Peruse[/highlight]– A word so misused it’s defined by it’s misuse at times. I never “use thoroughly” when I mean to “peruse” something.

[highlight class=”highlight_yellow” style=””]Instant[/highlight]– Really? What have I actually done in an instant? Minute rice tells the truth. Instant rice lies.

[highlight class=”highlight_yellow” style=””]Nostalgia[/highlight]– A longing for the past is not as precise as longing for home. The past is not home, and never will be, and we can’t go to the past–while we can always go home.

How about you? What’s your take on words you’re going to use less, or that you think others should?