Woody and Tinny Words
up vote
0
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favorite
I watched this Monty Python about describing words: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-gwXJsWHupg
The characters give words different descriptions such as "woody" (gone, vacuum, caribou) or "tinny" (newspaper, litter-bin).
Is there a word to describe the emotion, sound (not in a onomatopoeic sense), mood, or feeling of a word? The context I might use this word in is: "the XX of the word lugubrious is slimy."
I do not quite understand ideophones and that may be appropriate.
single-word-requests
asked Dec 26 '14 at 2:06
user3235
312
add a comment |
up vote
0
down vote
favorite
I watched this Monty Python about describing words: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-gwXJsWHupg
The characters give words different descriptions such as "woody" (gone, vacuum, caribou) or "tinny" (newspaper, litter-bin).
Is there a word to describe the emotion, sound (not in a onomatopoeic sense), mood, or feeling of a word? The context I might use this word in is: "the XX of the word lugubrious is slimy."
I do not quite understand ideophones and that may be appropriate.
single-word-requests
asked Dec 26 '14 at 2:06
user3235
312
5
Remember, Python is parody. I believe the whole point of the sketch was to make fun of wine snobs and the like who attempt to assign possibly arbitrary words to highly subjective judgments.
– keshlam
Dec 26 '14 at 2:11
add a comment |
up vote
0
down vote
favorite
up vote
0
down vote
favorite
I watched this Monty Python about describing words: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-gwXJsWHupg
The characters give words different descriptions such as "woody" (gone, vacuum, caribou) or "tinny" (newspaper, litter-bin).
Is there a word to describe the emotion, sound (not in a onomatopoeic sense), mood, or feeling of a word? The context I might use this word in is: "the XX of the word lugubrious is slimy."
I do not quite understand ideophones and that may be appropriate.
single-word-requests
asked Dec 26 '14 at 2:06
user3235
312
I watched this Monty Python about describing words: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-gwXJsWHupg
The characters give words different descriptions such as "woody" (gone, vacuum, caribou) or "tinny" (newspaper, litter-bin).
Is there a word to describe the emotion, sound (not in a onomatopoeic sense), mood, or feeling of a word? The context I might use this word in is: "the XX of the word lugubrious is slimy."
I do not quite understand ideophones and that may be appropriate.
single-word-requests
single-word-requests
asked Dec 26 '14 at 2:06
user3235
312
asked Dec 26 '14 at 2:06
user3235
312
asked Dec 26 '14 at 2:06
user3235
312
asked Dec 26 '14 at 2:06
user3235
312
asked Dec 26 '14 at 2:06
user3235
312
312
5
Remember, Python is parody. I believe the whole point of the sketch was to make fun of wine snobs and the like who attempt to assign possibly arbitrary words to highly subjective judgments.
– keshlam
Dec 26 '14 at 2:11
add a comment |
5
Remember, Python is parody. I believe the whole point of the sketch was to make fun of wine snobs and the like who attempt to assign possibly arbitrary words to highly subjective judgments.
– keshlam
Dec 26 '14 at 2:11
5
5
Remember, Python is parody. I believe the whole point of the sketch was to make fun of wine snobs and the like who attempt to assign possibly arbitrary words to highly subjective judgments.
– keshlam
Dec 26 '14 at 2:11
Remember, Python is parody. I believe the whole point of the sketch was to make fun of wine snobs and the like who attempt to assign possibly arbitrary words to highly subjective judgments.
– keshlam
Dec 26 '14 at 2:11
add a comment |
2 Answers
2
active
oldest
votes
up vote
2
down vote
accepted
Timbre Merriam-Webster
: the quality given to a sound by its overtones: as
a : the resonance by which the ear recognizes and identifies a voiced speech sound
b : the quality of tone distinctive of a particular singing voice or musical instrument
This would be borrowing from music, but I believe it captures well the musical quality of words you're looking for.
answered Dec 26 '14 at 2:29
Coty Johnathan Saxman
1,69659
I think OP is looking for a word which describes certain classes of words which have an emotional or categorical sameness. To me, the words mortuary, cremation, undertaker and funeral home share a certain gloominess.
– IconDaemon
Dec 26 '14 at 5:42
This is the not quite what I was hoping for but the closest I think I'll get. Thanks
– user3235
Dec 26 '14 at 6:08
@IconDaemon Definition 'b' above is what I'm applying here. "the quality of [associations/connotations, etc.] distinctive of a particular [word or set of words]". If someone were to begin speaking to you about the timbre of a certain word, the concept wouldn't be particularly hard to grasp.
– Coty Johnathan Saxman
Dec 26 '14 at 7:47
@user3235: there are at least two types of reactions to a word. Are you referring to the feeling one gets from the SOUND of a word, or the feeling one gets from the connotations or associations based on the MEANING of a word, or both simultaneously?
– Brian Hitchcock
Dec 26 '14 at 8:31
@BrianHitchcock Primarily the sound. It is also likely that the meaning of a word informs the pronunciation of it and hence the sound.
– user3235
Dec 26 '14 at 23:57
|
show 1 more comment
up vote
1
down vote
This may have been a comedy sketch, but the characteristics of word sounds are something that people in the "funny-business" take very seriously. For example:
"What's that on my plate?" "It's a string bean" (Not funny)
"What's that on my plate?" "It's a pickle" (Funny)
(The hard-c, or "k" sound, is amusing, for some reason.)
"What's the matter?" "I have a cold" (Not funny)
"What's the matter?" "I have sinus congestion" (Funny)
(Consecutive "s" sounds also tickle the ear)
Timbre is a good descriptor, but it seems to refer more to the vowel sounds. You could simply use "tone".
answered Dec 26 '14 at 11:19
Oldbag
12k1337
This is a great expansion of my thoughts. Thanks
– user3235
Dec 26 '14 at 23:52
add a comment |
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2 Answers
2
active
oldest
votes
2 Answers
2
active
oldest
votes
active
oldest
votes
active
oldest
votes
up vote
2
down vote
accepted
Timbre Merriam-Webster
: the quality given to a sound by its overtones: as
a : the resonance by which the ear recognizes and identifies a voiced speech sound
b : the quality of tone distinctive of a particular singing voice or musical instrument
This would be borrowing from music, but I believe it captures well the musical quality of words you're looking for.
answered Dec 26 '14 at 2:29
Coty Johnathan Saxman
1,69659
I think OP is looking for a word which describes certain classes of words which have an emotional or categorical sameness. To me, the words mortuary, cremation, undertaker and funeral home share a certain gloominess.
– IconDaemon
Dec 26 '14 at 5:42
This is the not quite what I was hoping for but the closest I think I'll get. Thanks
– user3235
Dec 26 '14 at 6:08
@IconDaemon Definition 'b' above is what I'm applying here. "the quality of [associations/connotations, etc.] distinctive of a particular [word or set of words]". If someone were to begin speaking to you about the timbre of a certain word, the concept wouldn't be particularly hard to grasp.
– Coty Johnathan Saxman
Dec 26 '14 at 7:47
@user3235: there are at least two types of reactions to a word. Are you referring to the feeling one gets from the SOUND of a word, or the feeling one gets from the connotations or associations based on the MEANING of a word, or both simultaneously?
– Brian Hitchcock
Dec 26 '14 at 8:31
@BrianHitchcock Primarily the sound. It is also likely that the meaning of a word informs the pronunciation of it and hence the sound.
– user3235
Dec 26 '14 at 23:57
|
show 1 more comment
up vote
2
down vote
accepted
Timbre Merriam-Webster
: the quality given to a sound by its overtones: as
a : the resonance by which the ear recognizes and identifies a voiced speech sound
b : the quality of tone distinctive of a particular singing voice or musical instrument
This would be borrowing from music, but I believe it captures well the musical quality of words you're looking for.
answered Dec 26 '14 at 2:29
Coty Johnathan Saxman
1,69659
I think OP is looking for a word which describes certain classes of words which have an emotional or categorical sameness. To me, the words mortuary, cremation, undertaker and funeral home share a certain gloominess.
– IconDaemon
Dec 26 '14 at 5:42
This is the not quite what I was hoping for but the closest I think I'll get. Thanks
– user3235
Dec 26 '14 at 6:08
@IconDaemon Definition 'b' above is what I'm applying here. "the quality of [associations/connotations, etc.] distinctive of a particular [word or set of words]". If someone were to begin speaking to you about the timbre of a certain word, the concept wouldn't be particularly hard to grasp.
– Coty Johnathan Saxman
Dec 26 '14 at 7:47
@user3235: there are at least two types of reactions to a word. Are you referring to the feeling one gets from the SOUND of a word, or the feeling one gets from the connotations or associations based on the MEANING of a word, or both simultaneously?
– Brian Hitchcock
Dec 26 '14 at 8:31
@BrianHitchcock Primarily the sound. It is also likely that the meaning of a word informs the pronunciation of it and hence the sound.
– user3235
Dec 26 '14 at 23:57
|
show 1 more comment
up vote
2
down vote
accepted
up vote
2
down vote
accepted
Timbre Merriam-Webster
: the quality given to a sound by its overtones: as
a : the resonance by which the ear recognizes and identifies a voiced speech sound
b : the quality of tone distinctive of a particular singing voice or musical instrument
This would be borrowing from music, but I believe it captures well the musical quality of words you're looking for.
answered Dec 26 '14 at 2:29
Coty Johnathan Saxman
1,69659
Timbre Merriam-Webster
: the quality given to a sound by its overtones: as
a : the resonance by which the ear recognizes and identifies a voiced speech sound
b : the quality of tone distinctive of a particular singing voice or musical instrument
This would be borrowing from music, but I believe it captures well the musical quality of words you're looking for.
answered Dec 26 '14 at 2:29
Coty Johnathan Saxman
1,69659
answered Dec 26 '14 at 2:29
Coty Johnathan Saxman
1,69659
answered Dec 26 '14 at 2:29
Coty Johnathan Saxman
1,69659
answered Dec 26 '14 at 2:29
Coty Johnathan Saxman
1,69659
1,69659
I think OP is looking for a word which describes certain classes of words which have an emotional or categorical sameness. To me, the words mortuary, cremation, undertaker and funeral home share a certain gloominess.
– IconDaemon
Dec 26 '14 at 5:42
This is the not quite what I was hoping for but the closest I think I'll get. Thanks
– user3235
Dec 26 '14 at 6:08
@IconDaemon Definition 'b' above is what I'm applying here. "the quality of [associations/connotations, etc.] distinctive of a particular [word or set of words]". If someone were to begin speaking to you about the timbre of a certain word, the concept wouldn't be particularly hard to grasp.
– Coty Johnathan Saxman
Dec 26 '14 at 7:47
@user3235: there are at least two types of reactions to a word. Are you referring to the feeling one gets from the SOUND of a word, or the feeling one gets from the connotations or associations based on the MEANING of a word, or both simultaneously?
– Brian Hitchcock
Dec 26 '14 at 8:31
@BrianHitchcock Primarily the sound. It is also likely that the meaning of a word informs the pronunciation of it and hence the sound.
– user3235
Dec 26 '14 at 23:57
|
show 1 more comment
I think OP is looking for a word which describes certain classes of words which have an emotional or categorical sameness. To me, the words mortuary, cremation, undertaker and funeral home share a certain gloominess.
– IconDaemon
Dec 26 '14 at 5:42
This is the not quite what I was hoping for but the closest I think I'll get. Thanks
– user3235
Dec 26 '14 at 6:08
@IconDaemon Definition 'b' above is what I'm applying here. "the quality of [associations/connotations, etc.] distinctive of a particular [word or set of words]". If someone were to begin speaking to you about the timbre of a certain word, the concept wouldn't be particularly hard to grasp.
– Coty Johnathan Saxman
Dec 26 '14 at 7:47
@user3235: there are at least two types of reactions to a word. Are you referring to the feeling one gets from the SOUND of a word, or the feeling one gets from the connotations or associations based on the MEANING of a word, or both simultaneously?
– Brian Hitchcock
Dec 26 '14 at 8:31
@BrianHitchcock Primarily the sound. It is also likely that the meaning of a word informs the pronunciation of it and hence the sound.
– user3235
Dec 26 '14 at 23:57
I think OP is looking for a word which describes certain classes of words which have an emotional or categorical sameness. To me, the words mortuary, cremation, undertaker and funeral home share a certain gloominess.
– IconDaemon
Dec 26 '14 at 5:42
I think OP is looking for a word which describes certain classes of words which have an emotional or categorical sameness. To me, the words mortuary, cremation, undertaker and funeral home share a certain gloominess.
– IconDaemon
Dec 26 '14 at 5:42
This is the not quite what I was hoping for but the closest I think I'll get. Thanks
– user3235
Dec 26 '14 at 6:08
This is the not quite what I was hoping for but the closest I think I'll get. Thanks
– user3235
Dec 26 '14 at 6:08
@IconDaemon Definition 'b' above is what I'm applying here. "the quality of [associations/connotations, etc.] distinctive of a particular [word or set of words]". If someone were to begin speaking to you about the timbre of a certain word, the concept wouldn't be particularly hard to grasp.
– Coty Johnathan Saxman
Dec 26 '14 at 7:47
@IconDaemon Definition 'b' above is what I'm applying here. "the quality of [associations/connotations, etc.] distinctive of a particular [word or set of words]". If someone were to begin speaking to you about the timbre of a certain word, the concept wouldn't be particularly hard to grasp.
– Coty Johnathan Saxman
Dec 26 '14 at 7:47
@user3235: there are at least two types of reactions to a word. Are you referring to the feeling one gets from the SOUND of a word, or the feeling one gets from the connotations or associations based on the MEANING of a word, or both simultaneously?
– Brian Hitchcock
Dec 26 '14 at 8:31
@user3235: there are at least two types of reactions to a word. Are you referring to the feeling one gets from the SOUND of a word, or the feeling one gets from the connotations or associations based on the MEANING of a word, or both simultaneously?
– Brian Hitchcock
Dec 26 '14 at 8:31
@BrianHitchcock Primarily the sound. It is also likely that the meaning of a word informs the pronunciation of it and hence the sound.
– user3235
Dec 26 '14 at 23:57
@BrianHitchcock Primarily the sound. It is also likely that the meaning of a word informs the pronunciation of it and hence the sound.
– user3235
Dec 26 '14 at 23:57
|
show 1 more comment
up vote
1
down vote
This may have been a comedy sketch, but the characteristics of word sounds are something that people in the "funny-business" take very seriously. For example:
"What's that on my plate?" "It's a string bean" (Not funny)
"What's that on my plate?" "It's a pickle" (Funny)
(The hard-c, or "k" sound, is amusing, for some reason.)
"What's the matter?" "I have a cold" (Not funny)
"What's the matter?" "I have sinus congestion" (Funny)
(Consecutive "s" sounds also tickle the ear)
Timbre is a good descriptor, but it seems to refer more to the vowel sounds. You could simply use "tone".
answered Dec 26 '14 at 11:19
Oldbag
12k1337
This is a great expansion of my thoughts. Thanks
– user3235
Dec 26 '14 at 23:52
add a comment |
up vote
1
down vote
This may have been a comedy sketch, but the characteristics of word sounds are something that people in the "funny-business" take very seriously. For example:
"What's that on my plate?" "It's a string bean" (Not funny)
"What's that on my plate?" "It's a pickle" (Funny)
(The hard-c, or "k" sound, is amusing, for some reason.)
"What's the matter?" "I have a cold" (Not funny)
"What's the matter?" "I have sinus congestion" (Funny)
(Consecutive "s" sounds also tickle the ear)
Timbre is a good descriptor, but it seems to refer more to the vowel sounds. You could simply use "tone".
answered Dec 26 '14 at 11:19
Oldbag
12k1337
This is a great expansion of my thoughts. Thanks
– user3235
Dec 26 '14 at 23:52
add a comment |
up vote
1
down vote
up vote
1
down vote
This may have been a comedy sketch, but the characteristics of word sounds are something that people in the "funny-business" take very seriously. For example:
"What's that on my plate?" "It's a string bean" (Not funny)
"What's that on my plate?" "It's a pickle" (Funny)
(The hard-c, or "k" sound, is amusing, for some reason.)
"What's the matter?" "I have a cold" (Not funny)
"What's the matter?" "I have sinus congestion" (Funny)
(Consecutive "s" sounds also tickle the ear)
Timbre is a good descriptor, but it seems to refer more to the vowel sounds. You could simply use "tone".
answered Dec 26 '14 at 11:19
Oldbag
12k1337
This may have been a comedy sketch, but the characteristics of word sounds are something that people in the "funny-business" take very seriously. For example:
"What's that on my plate?" "It's a string bean" (Not funny)
"What's that on my plate?" "It's a pickle" (Funny)
(The hard-c, or "k" sound, is amusing, for some reason.)
"What's the matter?" "I have a cold" (Not funny)
"What's the matter?" "I have sinus congestion" (Funny)
(Consecutive "s" sounds also tickle the ear)
Timbre is a good descriptor, but it seems to refer more to the vowel sounds. You could simply use "tone".
answered Dec 26 '14 at 11:19
Oldbag
12k1337
answered Dec 26 '14 at 11:19
Oldbag
12k1337
answered Dec 26 '14 at 11:19
Oldbag
12k1337
answered Dec 26 '14 at 11:19
Oldbag
12k1337
12k1337
This is a great expansion of my thoughts. Thanks
– user3235
Dec 26 '14 at 23:52
add a comment |
This is a great expansion of my thoughts. Thanks
– user3235
Dec 26 '14 at 23:52
This is a great expansion of my thoughts. Thanks
– user3235
Dec 26 '14 at 23:52
This is a great expansion of my thoughts. Thanks
– user3235
Dec 26 '14 at 23:52
add a comment |
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5
Remember, Python is parody. I believe the whole point of the sketch was to make fun of wine snobs and the like who attempt to assign possibly arbitrary words to highly subjective judgments.
– keshlam
Dec 26 '14 at 2:11