by Carina
As an artist and writer, finding inspiration can be difficult. There are many methods to boost creativity, but one of my favorites is using unique words and phrases. Sometimes I use them directly in my writing, and other times I get inspiration from their definitions. So, today I’ll be providing some unique words and digging deeper into their meanings, which will hopefully help you with your own writing. Trigger Warning: This article will bring up sensitive and difficult topics.
Effervescent: To be enthusiastic, bubbly, and lively. It can also be used to describe a bubbly or fizzy liquid.
To me, this word is about remaining happy and enjoying life. You could write about your happiness and enthusiasm. What makes you happy? What are you enthusiastic about? What brings you to life? What do you live for? What brings you joy when you’re down? What have been some of your happiest moments?
Petrichor: The smell associated with rainfall, especially after a dry period.
This word reminds me of cozy indoor days and memories made with loved ones. What are some of your pleasant memories with those around you? It can also be interpreted more metaphorically, being about abundance after a hard time. I suggest writing about your experiences with overcoming challenges to receive abundance. What rough times have you had? What has lifted you out of them? What kinds of abundance have you received or hope for?
Basorexia: The intense urge to kiss someone.
This word brings me thoughts of passion and longing to love someone. White all about your love for others. Who do you want to enjoy life with? Who do you wish would love you? Who remains just out of reach? What are some ways you show your love? How are you passionate?
Scintilla: A trace or tiny spark of a feeling or quality.
This word reminds me of brief memories of the past, almost like flashbacks. Write about your brief memories. What triggers them? How do they affect you and make you feel? Why are they important?
Wanderlust: The strong desire to travel.
This word makes me think of feeling stuck, yet needing to move. I suggest writing about feeling stagnant. What makes you feel stuck? Where do you wish to go? It also simply reminds me of traveling. You could write all about your traveling experiences and desires. Where do you enjoy traveling? Where do you enjoy traveling to? What memories and experiences have you gained from traveling?
Zenith: The time when something is most powerful or successful, or has reached its peak.
To me, this word is all about reaching your fullest potential and becoming successful. Try writing about your success, potential, and goals. When were you most successful/powerful? When will you reach your peak? What are your goals and aspirations? What will your success bring? Do you long for success and power? What gives you hope?
Absquatulate: To leave or flee abruptly.
This word brings thoughts of abandonment, parting ways without a proper goodbye, and fleeing out of fear. I suggest writing about being abandoned or you fleeing. What did you leave unsaid? How has being abandoned affected you? What causes you to flee?
Zeitgeist: The mood of a time in history.
This word reminds me of nostalgia, longing to feel how you once did, and old memories. Write about the past. What’s a time you’d like to go back to? How does the past make you feel? What memories from the past still affect you? It could also refer to historical periods, and how you think of them. Which is your favorite? Do you feel connected to some periods more than others? You might even want to take inspiration from a historical period.
Ylem: The hypothetical initial matter of the universe, what everything is made of.
This word makes me think about new beginnings and foundations. Try to write about starting new things and creating foundations for the future. What new beginnings have you created? What is still to come? How do you create new foundations? What are your goals? Additionally, it just being a hypothesis reminds me that we aren’t certain about everything.
Lethologica: Being unable to remember a word.
This word reminds me of not being able to fully grasp or remember something, yet knowing you can almost reach it. You could write about what you long for, yet can’t reach, or even forgotten memories. What do you struggle to grasp? What remains just beyond your memory? What goals can’t you reach? How do you cope with these difficulties?
Sphallolalia: Flirtatious talk that amounts to nothing.
This word brings me thoughts of unsuccessful attempts at love and rejection. I suggest writing about your failed attempts at love. How have your advances failed? Who do you long for? What kind of love do you dream of? What heartbreaks have you experienced? Who do you want to love?
Paroxysm: A sudden surge or expression of emotion.
To me, this word is about being impulsive and abrupt. Write about your impulsive emotions. When have you acted on impulse? When have you been tempted to act impulsively? When are you abrupt with your emotions? What have abrupt and impulsive moments caused?
Although it may seem unconventional, using unique words in order to spark your creativity is a great way to utilize them. There are many thoughts and ideas that these words can provoke, you just have to look below the surface. I hope that after reading this, you’ve gained some inspiration from these words and learnt to dig deeper into a word's meaning to keep fuelling your art.
Σχόλια