Monday, August 11, 2008

Plethora

Do you know what it means?

My dad, who is very smart, and always scores VERY well on the Reader's Digest vocabulary quizzes (did I word that ok dad?), asked me if I have ever heard this word this morning.

My sister used it in an article that she wrote for her church bulletin. When my dad read the article, he was surprised/impressed to see it and had to look it up in the dictionary. He commented to my sister and she said that EVERYONE knew that word. So, he called me. I guess that he assumed that I would make him feel better (!). But, nope, I don't pride myself on being great with vocabulary, but...ha, ha...I knew it....whew!

So, he requested that I post it in my blog to help find someone else that has never heard the word plethora.

This would be a great time to comment if you never had before. Let me know one way or another. You don't have to register to leave a comment, just sign in as "anonymous", but sign your name to the post so that I know who you are.

BTW, don't worry about this hurting my dad's feelings. He asked me to post this and he is tough. And, if you talk to my dad, try to work "plethora" into the conversation. LOL!!! Heehee!!

19 comments:

Anonymous said...

I did not know what that word means! Do I get bonus points from dear ole Dad???

Anonymous said...

Mr Conneely, isn't it nice to know you are not alone? My hubby didn't know either and I'm sure you will find a plethora of comments from people who also did not know.

Mishelle said...

Sorry "Grandpa"....I knew the word plethora! You know you are doing a good job since both of your daughters knew it!!

Numbered Daddy said...

As much as I would like to cast a vote for the guys in the family, I have to say I knew what Plethora meant too. Don't hold it against me, Mike!

Cathy said...

Hey Mike... I can stand on your side as I have never heard of that word! :) Obviously I am not very good when it comes to unique words like this... that's why English was one of my least favorite subject! LOL! But... on the other hand... Winni has heard of the word before. So it's a 50-50 split here in this household! LOL!! What's the next word???

Anonymous said...

Kelly, Patty and I had no idea what plethora meant. Sally

Anonymous said...

If you truly want to know if people understand the definition of 'plethora', it would have been helpful to post the word in context. And yes, I know what it means, and I predict that a plethora of your viewers will also be familiar with the word.

Anonymous said...

I hope a you get a plethora of comments on this subject. ;)

Michelle

Jennifer said...

I forwarded this posting on to a few people, so hopefully we'll get a pretty good idea of the popularity/ knowledge of the word. To my defense, I was not trying to sound super smart when writing the article. Next time I'll just use the term "a lot" a lot of times. :-)

Kelly said...

You guys are too funny!! Thanks for the comments. I enjoyed them and I am sure that my dad feels better now.

Cath, I don't think I know any more big words. I'll think about it.

Anonymous said...

Kelly, Jen and Mr. Conneely,
While I am familiar with the word plethora, I bet you can guess who has never heard of it... That's right, Big Ron is not familar at all. I even called him to make sure. Of course this is the guy who asked us to pass the "compliments" at dinner when he was requesting ketchup and mustard! love ya, dad!

Kelly said...

LOL Kristi! Now that is funny!!

Anonymous said...

Kelly and Jen,

Although I'm familiar with the word plethora, I used to mispronounce it, so I have become hesitant to use it in conversation. But I'll be sure to use it next time I see your dad! Very proud of your article in HSCC bulletin, Jen.

Anonymous said...

Wow a plethora of comments!!!

I'm glad that I'm not the only one that was goofing off the day they had the Plethora Lecture. Whenever Diane, Jennifer and Kelly were whispering about plethora I thought they were talking about a part of a woman's anatomy, so I minded my own business.

Just a thought, but I wonder if the enlightened didn't pickup the definition of plethora from the following lines from the movie THREE AMIGOS.

Jefe: I have put many beautiful pinatas in the storeroom, each of them filled with little surprises.

El Guapo: Many pinatas?

Jefe: Oh yes many!

El Guapo: Would you say I have a plethora of pinatas?

Jefe: A what?

El Guapo: A plethora.

Jefe: Oh yes, you have a plethora.

El Guapo: Jefe, what is a plethora?

Jefe: Why, El Guapo?

El Guapo: Well, you told me I have a plethora. And I just would like to know if you know what a plethora is. I would not like to think that a person would tell someone he has a plethora, and then find out that that person has no idea what it means to have a plethora.

Jefe: Forgive me, El Guapo. I know that I, Jefe, do not have your superior intellect and education. But could it be that once again, you are angry at something else, and are looking to take it out on me.

Anonymous said...

This is a word that I thought was so common that most people would know it.

Now Jennifer, let's talk about our tumultuous relationship!

Laura P.

Anonymous said...

I know it too...use it all the time! My husband, who also is not a vocabulary star, knows and uses it too...but Grandpa is still a star in my book!

Anonymous said...

Mr. Conneely,

This is Isabelle. A book we read in reading class, The Everglades, or something like that, had the word plethora in it. Everyone in my class learned what the word meant, so I have to side with Jennifer on this. :)

Kelly said...

Ewwwww Dad....female body part. Nice try. LOL!!

Kelly said...

Cath, I think Laura has provided us with the next word. And Laura, I always thought you and Jen got along so well. ;)

Isabelle, I'm glad those Naperville schools are giving you a good education. Way to go!!