Neolowhatnow?

An important step toward becoming a successful poet is the mastery of the art of the neologism. A neologism is a "new word," or a new meaning for an existing word or phrase. Language itself is a dynamic process, and we must do our part to help create a direction toward which natural communication flows. This is, of course, what we will be practicing this time with our daily Moments.

To be sure, however, we will put a little constraint on our new expressions. And since this is Kentucky, we will do our part to add to what is affectionately known as the Redneck Dictionary.

If you are not familiar with the Redneck Dictionary, you may be wise to watch a few performances by comedic legend Jeff Foxworthy. The object is simple: reinvent the definition of a word by listening to how it sounds in a sentence with your best southern drawl. For example:

HEAVY DEW - phrase. A request for action.
Usage: "Kin I heavy dew me a favor?"

ALL - noun. A petroleum-based lubricant.
Usage: "I sure hope my brother from Jawjuh puts all in my pickup truck."

(Both of these terms lifted from http://www.countryhumor.com/redneck/dictionary.htm)

Sure, you may think this is goofy. It is; that's the point. It's both creative and fun, which is perfect for Moment art.

Of course, too, this could fit into a style of constrained poetry. It could also be viewed as a sort of riddle, a confusion of the signifier and signified. Or heck, call it a monostiche if you're particularly fond of literary terms.

Either way, we're having fun. You may find that it isn't so easy to create one that is clever, humourous, and relevant.

Now to be fair, here's mine:

Mausoleum: (verb) To remove something would serve no purpose.
Usage - "Mausoleum there; they dead."

Until next time, happy neologinatin'!

-SRT