I like words. Find them interesting. My favourite “video game” as a child was Encarta Encyclopedia 95, which I would play for hours on the computer. It had a game set in old English times where you could advance to the next level if you correctly guessed at various “topics of interest”. Im pretty sure I finished the whole game.

I also love lists. Sometimes I like to combine my passions and/or neuroticisms so below I’ve composed a list of words that sound like what they are.

Note that they aren’t necessarily Phonaesthetic words. Euphony, or euphonius is the effect of sounds being perceived as pleasant, rhythmical, lyrical, or harmonious. Cacophony (cacaphonous) is the effect of sounds being perceived as harsh, unpleasant, chaotic, and often discordant; Phonaesthetics encompasses both of these notions.

This is also not to be confused with “Onomatopoetic”, or Imitative words, that sound like what they are ie. Splat, Pop, Honk, Buzz, Sniff etc. These are simply words that in my minds eye have been correctly identified and to visualize it as any other word is simply not possible. For what purpose have I don’t this you ask? For absolutely no reason at all. Covid is getting to me or something. Just kidding, I would do this at any time.

  1. Booger. I see a little green dancing blob with arms and legs and this makes me think of the word, booger.
  2. Clutter. I picture a hoarders’ abode filled with junk to the ceiling and shutter at the thought of it, as well as this word. A cluttered room is a cluttered mind! (This is cacophonus).
  3. Turkey. Everything about a turkey looks like a turkey. Its gobbly gobble neck (this is onomonopeia), its pointy beak, plump body with short little legs. Its been appropriately named a turkey.
  4. Eliminate. Honestly, doesn’t it sound worse than ‘murder’?! I will eliminate you. Hits you in the gut. Anything that is removed or excluded, subtracted even, sounds profound when described as eliminated.
  5. Scab. Sounds gross, like it is.
  6. Inspire. The word itself is inspirational. Its just joyous and radiates all the possibilities that comes before you. (Euphonius)
  7. Grave. Its an impactful word, in both its’ meanings. Grave like in the gravesite, and grave as in serious.
  8. Plaid. Sounds like the asymetrical lines of assorted colours going back and forth on clothing.
  9. Sushi. What else would you name it? Fishy Rice Rolls?

Its a rolling list and I’ll add to it whenever I think of a new one.