As an avid reader and dedicated writer, the power of words never ceases to amaze me. I find myself drawn to certain words and repelled by others. The sound of a word on my tongue can sometimes overpower the sound of it in my mind.  The cadence of the syllables wraps around me as would a lilting instrumental melody. The image it plants in my mind is like a brand, hot and powerful searing into my subconscious and on my soul. They create a balance that speaks to me on a level that goes deeper than intellectual comprehension.

I love words. I should, I’m an author, an editor, a reader. My love for words goes farther than just enjoying the story. It’s the power they wield over me. They make me laugh, cry, and rage.  They make me question myself and the world around me. What would I be without words? A blank page.

I’m always curious about words, where they came from, what they mean, and how they’ve evolved. Most intriguing to me is when a word can have multiple meanings, hinging on how they are used by the speaker/author.

What words strike you? The ones that make you grin when you read them, savoring the familiar feel of them in your mind and on your tongue. Shall I share my favorite one with you…

What image did it put in your mind?  Did you imagine a villain, standing in the shadows his eyes blazing with fury?  Did you picture a witch or a warlock with a sinister smile playing on their lips?

Or did it bring something else to your mind?  A sinful thought? The desire to do something that you know is forbidden or that you promised yourself you wouldn’t do? What about using it to call something delightful or amazing?

The connotations of the word wicked can be positive or negative, depending on the context in which it is used. Both the good and the bad tangled up in one innocuous little word. This is why I love it so much. It’s the perfect representation of the connotations we give to words.

So tell me…what words do you like that have multiple associations?