When Only the Right Word Will Do

   I’m a writer.  Which means words are important.  They are the only tools at my disposal to convey a message to my audience.  I can’t rely on facial expressions or tone of voice.  My message has to come through via the words I have selected to appear on the page.

   Which leads me to this blog, a bit of a rant if you will.  It seems to me, that more and more, words are being grossly misused.  Here’s a list of six words I’ve been hearing more frequently, all of which aren’t being used as their original intended dictionary definition.

1. Wicked.  A word meaning evil, harmful, or morally wrong.  Yet, “wicked” is often used to convey a sense of awe or amazement.  For example, John Travolta introduced a performer at this year’s Oscars as “wickedly talented.” 
2. Bad.  Young children are taught that bad is the opposite of good.  I suppose it was Michael Jackson who changed the way “bad” is used and instead of it being a condemnation, it is now used as a compliment.  Being “bad” implies you are one of the best.  Rather than a negative, “bad” is used to brag and boast.
3. Fresh.  I go grocery shopping for fresh food; food that is not expired or stale.  Others, however, use “fresh” to describe non-food items as in “Those shoes are fresh.”
4. Tight.  Tight is used in many instances, but most often conveying a close-fit or describing something that is hard to open.  Nowadays, though, it is common to hear someone complimenting another’s performance, such as “That beat was tight” or “Jordan’s dunk was tight.”
5. Dope.  Often, it’s a word used to describe an illegal drug.  Sometimes, it’s used to define a person who isn’t too bright.  But, then there are the instances when someone uses dope to mean “really good” or “amazing” as in “That song was dope.”
6. Sweet.  Generally, sweet means “sugary in taste.”  It can also mean “pleasing, delightful.”  However, there are those that use “sweet” as the answer to someone else’s statement.  

“I finished my homework.”  

“Sweet.”  

or

“My package arrived in the mail.”  

“Sweet.”

Readers, if you have any words you think should be added to my list, please let me know!