An Uncommon Vocabulary

by Jim Boyd

Simple words can have powerful meanings. There are two activites in life that are essential to one's happiness. The first is to have one's day (to explore, engage and enjoy life) and the second is to say one's say (to say the words to oneself and others that are worth saying). "An Uncommon Vocabulary" is an A to Z book of common words and phrases that are described in a manner better suited to them in the opinion of the author. The concepts described herein are working definitions, definitions that can be brought to mind to facilitate one's thinking and actions with a given set of circumstances. When a working definition is properly occasioned (brought to mind at the appropriate time and in the appropriate circumstances) advantageous effects flow from it. In this way, one's personal narrative is made richer and more rewarding, and one becomes more coherent and positive in dealing with everyday events.

Genres: Writing, Nonfiction, Reference

190 pages, Paperback

First published December 8, 2012

Reviews

[Dave Donahoe · Rating 4 out of 5]

Read as a first reads selection.

This book could have gone either way as it is one man's opinion of the definition of words and phrases. However, from the simple to the sublime, Boyd made good on his promise of an uncommon vocabulary.

The book is a quick read in that it is essentially a dictionary, but there are some moments that will give the reader pause. A couple of my favorites are "Lie: an untruth that makes doubtful all the truth that preceded it and all the truth that follows it" and "Reality: the half-truths that one must generally accept as the whole truth in order to enjoy some semblance of happiness."

Well done, Mr. Boyd.

[Heather · Rating 4 out of 5]

A simple, easy-to-use handbook of phrases and words heard on a regular basis that everybody may not know the real meaning. Not a proper dictionary, it would be handy to have around for those vocab lists, or the words you struggle explaining the meaning to your child. Contains the vernacular and proper definition, but does not say what the word or phrase is (i.e., adj., noun..)

[Heidi Wiechert · Rating 3 out of 5]

I received a free (autographed) copy of this book through Goodreads First Reads. FTC guidelines: check!

This is a phrase book for those of us who appreciate or desire to have a truly Uncommon Vocabulary. I really enjoyed the precise and clever ways the author interpreted everyday sayings. He has a quirky sense of humor and a unique viewpoint.

Since this read is sort of self-explanatory, I thought I'd give two of my favorite phrases.

From An Uncommon Vocabulary pg 85: "Known Universe- The markedly insufficient understanding of reality that human beings can somewhat agree upon (or) A defective product of the human effort to understand the universe"

pg 124 "Realist- One who sees the rose discounted by the thorns (or) One who sees the thorns discounted by the rose (or) One who believes that reality can be perceived in some definite and final way"

See? Clever and quirky.

If you enjoy word puzzles, linguistic curiosities, and/or witty rejoinders, you will love this book.

[Wayward Skyril · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is like a dictionary for common phrases and some words one uses in regular vocabulary.

The definitions are said in clear, understandable language, and most of them are quite accurate.

To be honest, I don't know what more to say, other than ~thumbs up~

My personal favorite was the definition for "Unfortunate Jerk." :]

I won this book in a Goodreads giveaway.

[S · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is an interesting coffee table, or in my case, nightstand book. A pleasant read a few pages at a time. The author defines many common terms of the day. Through his definitions you begin to gleam a glimpse of his personality. It's a mixed bag kind of book. By the way, he defines "mixed bag" as a self-professed saint and a skulking scoundrel compartmentalized in the same human being. It is definitions like that which caused me to nod my head and smile in recognition (not of him personally, mind you!) It's a delightful light read. I can see myself sneaking a few peeks again later on.

I received this book free as part of Goodreads First Reads program.

[Michele · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received a copy of this book through a Goodreads giveaway.

An Uncommon Vocabulary by Jim Boyd takes the formal dictionary uses of a word or phrase and intermingles it with an urban meaning. Such as: "Panic - To paralyze oneself with one's own imaginings"; "Right Answer - The answer that relieves the tension of the question"; "Fearless Leader - The leader who ignorantly leads others into danger, and whose direction is not worth following".

Some will make you go "uh" and others are humorous.

I enjoyed his take on the various words and expressions and would recommend this book to others who like words.

[Chuck Ozment · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was expecting this book to be a great tool for expanding my vocabulary. Instead, it reads like a dictionary. Some of the definitions are really funny. Some are very accurate. I don't agree with the suggested meaning of some of the terms. However, the book was written based on the author's opinion. So, I'm not surprised. Overall, it is still a good resource and even entertaining.

[Jan · Rating 5 out of 5]

A sequential presentation of words and phrases with interpretations as indicated. An excellent resource for readers and authors alike, as well as useful for those involved in public speaking. See publisher's blurb.
Ms Will did an excellent job of keeping it from being a boring exercise, but it would be better as Whispersync.

[Lynn Brown · Rating 4 out of 5]

A very interesting way to define words. This is one of those books you can pick up again and again and find something new in it.

I truly enjoy words so this one was a treat for me. Most definitions leave you thinking about the authors twist.

I would recommend this to word addicts.

[Gill · Rating 3 out of 5]

Fun, quirky little book that makes you think again about what certain phrases mean and when you should (or shouldn't) use them.

[Devyn · Rating 3 out of 5]

I received this book from Goodreads.

An Uncommon Vocabulary: An odd and quirky sort of dictionary.

[Margarita Bastar · Rating 2 out of 5]

Re-worded dictionary written to make you smirk about words.. not what I expected but seems like it might be good for students of native language

[Jean · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very fun and makes you look at different ways of using a word. Have it in my guest room.