There are some words which have fallen into disuse which just deserve to be revived. Their renewed use would make our language so much richer, so much more enjoyable to speak, and so much more memorable to read.

For example, instead of saying that we live in the hill country of Arkansas, we could say we live in a bucolic setting. And, no, we’re not hillbillies; we live a more pastoral life.

Instead of telling our children to eat their vegetables, we could fool them and serve them pulse. Well, they probably wouldn’t eat that either, but it's worth a try!

When our bosses are a bit contrary, we could speak of them as being froward. Since most probably wouldn’t know what the word meant, they might even take it as a compliment.

Those of you in English classes could assay to write essays. Farmers could speak of dams without cursing. Instead of just cleaning your plate, you could eat every whit. Instead of voicing your disagreement in opinion, you could say, “I trow not.”Instead of boasting and bragging about all your accomplishments, you could just vaunt yourself.

A husband could speak of his wife’s beauty by describing her comeliness (though having a dictionary at hand to provide a quick definition may be wise).

Instead of just hating evil, you could eschew it. Instead of not telling lies, you might avoid speaking guile and leasing.

Instead of just saying that there’s a fat chance you might get to it tomorrow, doesn’t it sound better to say, “Perhaps on the morrow”? And, when you just have to ask one of those hypothetical questions, don’t say, “What if…” Try, “Peradventure....”

Prove it for yourselves and see if quickening some words from yesteryear might not improve your lot in life.

Don’t say, “Whatever!” Use, “Whatsoever.”

Don’t say that you didn’t go anywhere last night. Try, “Yesternight, I went no whither.”

Don’t look foolish when asked a question by answering, “I don’t know.” Say instead, “I wot not.”

Though spell-check may accuse you of grievous transgressions when reviving archaic dictums, a dictionary of a near span in thickness will acquit you.

And now, lest you become wearied with my jangling and upbraid and rail against me, I shall cease anon.

Randy Moll is the managing editor of the Westside Eagle Observer. He may be reached by e-mail at rmoll @ nwaonline .com.

Opinion, Pages 6 on 10/13/2010