Frank P. Hogan
FOREWORD
This lexicon had to happen since I’m a dyed-in-the-wool ‘nomenclaturist’ or ‘logotype.’ Would you believe: a (library) card-carrying ‘glossarian?’ I have an abiding interest in the names of things and the meaning of words. Let’s hope I’m not a ‘logastellus’ – which John McClellan described as “a person whose enthusiasm for words outstrips his knowledge of them?” Or, worse yet, a ‘sciolist’ – which Eugene Erlich defines as “a superficial pretender to knowledge?”
I always enjoyed playing around with “sound-alikes” or phonetically similar words. Some get pretty silly such as Londonderry Airs vs. London derrières. Others are just plain fun – juxtaposed weirdness like: ice cream vs. I scream. How about acts lowly & act slowly… Icelander compared with I slander… tried icing or try dicing… lake sailing as opposed to lakes ailing… bum pout vs. bump out? Ad infinitum…
This book, however, is all about HOMOPHONES that sound alike when spoken yet having different spellings and different meanings or definitions.
My pronunciation, or idiolect, has a Midwestern patois, a blend of Northern and Midland dialects, because I have lived in metro Detroit, Michigan for 65 years. I’m guilty of having a ‘lazy tongue’ that elides through certain vowels, ignores diphthongs and blends consonants even though I’m a very slow speaker. In addition to my Midwestern drawl, I speak with a slight nasal twang; some think, at first, I’m Canadian. Eh?
The book includes several ‘foreign’ words. Our shrinking world has incorporated such alien language into our vernacular. A few commercial words, mostly automotive, are also included that reflect our everyday discourse. You’ll find several ubiquitous acronyms, as well.
Frank P. Hogan, 70, was born in Philadelphia, PA of a Lithuanian mother and Irish father. His parents moved to Detroit, when he was only a toddler, to be a part of the ‘war effort.’ The oldest of five children, Hogan was taught the beauty and complexity of English by the Immaculate Heart of Mary nuns in grade school.
He was a Russian Translator in the Army Security Agency, stationed in (then) West Germany. He learned Russian at the Army Language School in the Presidio of Monterey, CA.
Hogan retired from a career in sales and marketing and has since done non-fiction freelance writing for several publications. His wife, Mary Lou, is a retired RN. They have four adult children and six grandchildren. He lives in Grosse Pointe Farms, Michigan.
A
Aalto - alto
('ahl-to)
Alvo Aalto was a famous Finnish architect. An alto is the second highest voice in a four-part chorus, a countertenor.
Abel - Abe’ll - able
('ae-bl)
Abel was the world's first fratricide victim, according to the Bible; he was not able to avert Cain's jealousy. Abe is our catcher; Abe’ll tag out the runner.
accede - axseed
(‘aks-seed)
To accede is to allow a point, to capitulate. Axseed is a flowering plant with blossom pedals resembling ax handles.
accidence - accidents
('aks-i-dens)
Accidence is a part of English grammar related to inflection. Accidents are unexpected occurrences often with catastrophic results.
acclamation - acclimation
(ak-leh-'mae-shuhn)
The club’s Election of Officers went quickly since the entire slate of candidates was elected by acclamation. To become accustomed to or adapted to is acclimation.
acetik – ascetic
(a-‘sit-ik)
Acetik is of vinegar. Ascetic means reclusive, hermit-like.
