We now use only two superlatives, and, unimaginatively, they both begin with the letter, “A.”

In addition to the demise of excellent spelling and grammar from habits like acronym e-mailing and texting, I have been noticing over the last several years that many of us express enthusiasm and excitement with only two superlative words, and they both begin with same letter and an obvious one at that. Vocabulary used to be about learning and using a variety of interesting and inspiring words. For enthusiasm we now use only two. 

The lone two superlatives are amazing and awesome. Those two words certainly do mean what they say, amazing and awesome experiences. But there are many other words that also express wonder and excitement, which, in themselves, add to the superlative expression. I want to share some others I like that express the same thing. They also not only don't (a correct double-negative) begin with the first letter of the alphabet, but they begin with a variety of letters. Here are a few: wonderful, terrific, marvelous, splendid, superb, magnificent, excellent, lovely, beautiful, gorgeous, titilating, luxurious, impressive, sensational, incredible, unbelievable, fantastic, and supercalifragilisticexpialidocious! 

There is nothing wrong with the two words, amazing and awesome. They are both very legitimate superlatives. But to default to them (and the first letter of the alphabet) nearly every time is neglecting our creative imaginations and making the wide variety of superlative (and any other) words very lonely! It also limits the music and poetry of our own verbal and written expression. I have to confess that I start to feel desensitized when I hear these two words used so often. Not only is it uninteresting to hear the same two words, ad nauseum, but not everything can always be amazing and awesome. Quality is sought and earned, not automatic.

However, instead of eliminating words let’s amaze and awe ourselves by expressing our superlative feelings and reactions with a much more rich and extensive vocabulary! That would be truly amazing and awesome!!