Ursine

ursine, adj. “[1] of or relating to a bear or bears. [2] bearlike” (dictionary.com) (pronounced ER-sine).

This word jumped out at me for two reasons.

First, I remember learning the Latin word for bear in middle school: ursus. It brings to mind long, confusing (but interesting) Latin lessons, practicing a dead language, and wishing people would still speak it so I could actually use it. Now I wonder why I learned the word “bear” (or remembered it, for that matter), but never learned how to ask where the bathroom was, or when dinner would be…

Second, it’s hilarious. Imagine saying you gave someone an ursine hug as opposed to a bear hug. Or that you enjoy consuming ursine candy as opposed to gummy bears. You’d certainly sound more intelligent…maybe…or you just might get some strange looks. :/

Anyway, I will be adding this word to my vocabulary. Subscribers, I’ll let you know if anything weird happens. If you’re not subscribed, feel free to sign up! Just check the right sidebar for details.

Have you ever gotten any weird looks from a word you’ve used? Tell me about it below! Or do you think this word is too strange for daily use and that you’ll be shunned? Tell me that too.

*Like my last post, this one contributed to my 500 word a day challenge, started by Jeff Goins! You can check out his blog here. He has a lot of inspiration for writing, but also for life in general. The challenge helps you set aside time to write instead of just thinking, dreaming, or talking about it, or if you feel dry or uncreative. Don’t quit! You have something powerful to say!*