Word of the Day

I used the word "abreast" the other day with my children. I have this weird theory that if I use strange, new words with them they will grow up with a larger vocabulary. So every now and then I'll throw something out at them. This was not the wisest choice with preteen kids.

My daughter eyeballed me up and down and said "WHAT?!!!" I repeated the word and explained what it means. They didn't really hear. They were in a giggling fit.

And it's obviously a word one should avoid when talking to a man as well. I told my husband about the kids' reaction and I don't think he even heard how the kids reacted. He was grinning, with that look in his eye.

So much for culture.

18 comments:

Bluepaintred said...

LMAO

Next time try it in front of a group of 12 year old boys!

AutoSysGene said...

LOL! I do the same. I haven't gotten to the abreast word yet, especially since I'm trying to get Hope to drop the boobie talk...

Keep us abreast of how them learning this word goes ;)

Kellan said...

So funny!!! I love the thought of you husband not listening because he was waaaaay back there - thinking about - you know! What a cute story. Take care, Kellan

Kidzmama said...

That's exactly how my husband is too! He just stops thinking after a word like that.

Karen said...

Melissa - I'll definitely keep you abreast. Or maybe two breasts. (My kids have made all kinds of jokes like this, of course.)

Kellan & Kidzmama - Men are all alike, aren't they?

The Sports Mama said...

*sigh*... in this testosterone laden household, there is always the risk of ANY word being taken, twisted, and made side-splittingly funny...

Take the word "twitch". Innocent enough, right? Oh no. When I happened to say that word, my teenager piped up: "Hehehe... that's what dad said I should call ~insert ex-girlfriend's name here~ instead of what I wanted to call her."

Madame Queen said...

Men are such boys! We were watching a Victoria's Secret commercial the other day and one of the "angels" was on. I said "She has kind of big teeth." My husband said "She had teeth?"

As We Sail... said...

Sooo funny, your family must keep you cracked up.
Your Christmas letter was very well worded and informative.

Burgh Baby said...

Since I married a man that can twist absolutely any word into something worthy of a giggle fit, I do not dare use that particular word. He's not exactly a mature adult. But at least he's not the only one ;-)

Karen said...

BB's Mom - I don't think any man is a mature adult. It's an oxymoron.

Unknown said...

LOL!! My hubby would be the first to giggle. I loved Madame queen's comment!! That has sooo happened at our house!!

Christina

Sarah said...

Keep up the effort! I've never talked "down" to my little girls and my toddler is always amazing people with her language and comprehension skills. Kids are smarter than you think. Husband, on the other hand...well, let's not go there.

Rachel said...

lol!

That's hilarious!

Cecily R said...

I am so a 12 year old boy! That word makes me laugh too!

Your theory by the way is right on (in my humble opinion, which I know isn't worth all that much). I do not dumb down my vocabulary when I talk to my kids. When they don't know what I mean, they ask. Or ignore me. Usually the latter, but I feel better about it!

Maria said...

That's funny. I don't think I would have had the guts to say that to my kids. I know what their reaction would be!
BTW, a pool party in December is one of the best times to have one. We had one for my daughter's birthday in December a few years ago and it felt SO good put your bathing suit on and swim in nice warm water in a nice warm pool room while it's snowing outside. And I live in PA, too. You should try it sometime!

Maria (also Bia) said...

They just opened a Dick's Sporting Goods in our area and, well, imagine four boys in the van on the ride home from school with that one!

Zoe said...

HA! i know what they would do with a word like that at my home!

Shellie said...

So true! So true!