had an interesting conversation with my friend. we took turns coming up with one word that defined each of us, and he immediately blurted out the following word that he felt was me: rigmarole.while i had a somewhat negative image of what this word meant, i always liked the sound of it and it was an interesting word to say the least. i decided to look it up for further clarification. after referring to a traditional source, the oxford english dictionary, i found that i rather liked the definition, appreciated the origin of the word, and finally, embraced it as my own. i took it to mean that i simply live life, with all of its complications, and i share my stories, and though not all are long and rambling, i’m quite happy with that.
rigmarole
Syllabification: (rig·ma·role)
Pronunciation: /ˈrig(ə)məˌrōl/
noun [usually in singular]
- a lengthy and complicated procedure: she went through the rigmarole of securing the front door
- a long, rambling story or statement.
Origin:
mid 18th century: apparently an alteration of ragman roll, originally denoting a legal document recording a list of offenses
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Stories are a communal currency of humanity. – Tahir Shah
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Great word and fun idea to come up with a word to describe a friend!
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great fun too )
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This was such a clever post! Loved the twist it took me on! I could see a whole series of defining friends! ;)
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ty and that would be exciting )
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I’m afraid what my friends would come up for me.
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yes, there certainly is a bit of risk involved )
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And here I thought it was “rigamarole”…
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well, like you, i learn something each day. perhaps you can use this at a boring party and somehow work it into a conversation to liven things up a bit )
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I always think of you more as humorously adept but if you like rigmarole better, so be it. :)
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ty and there is no reason whatsoever that rigmarole need to exclude humor. )
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Agree. :)
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LOVE that word (and use it often) – we very well may have been separated at birth!
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ray – how much more evidence do you need? i love this word too )
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Oh my – that is a word I use a lot. I love your stories and this is no exception. Thanks hun. x
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ty jen and i’m happy you use it too )
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:-)
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rigmarole – not a word that one would have expected – quite original, I would say.
Have a great week ahead,
Eric
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i think that’s what was so surprising and fun about it eric )
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always love your stories, no matter what they’re called :-)
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ty liz – one woman’s rigmarole is another’s somethingorother i always say )
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heehee :-) Can I be somethingorother pleasepleaseplease?
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by all means )
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I think rigmarole is a mighty fine word. I am glad you are embracing it as your own.
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ty shoes )
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It is a good word, and thank you for adding this one :)
I wonder what else we can add to your persona? :) ;)
I could think of quite a few actually but then I am too
wicked for my own good so I will retreat gracefully and
wish you a most exciting Monday, free from any form
of ragman roll :) Be Good, like Me ;)
Andro xxxx
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an intriguing word your friend chose for you, fun idea!
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In case you’re interested, because you’re awesome <3
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thanks so much, that is really kind joanne )
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♥ :-)
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That’s cool….I think I’m full of rigmarole too…..and some other stuff. Entertaining post.
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thanks gof, and for some things there is just no word for them )
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Oh God. I shudder to think.
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scary, isn’t it? )
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shoooooooo nyc…<3
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It’s always great when we can take something that’s perceived as negative and put a positive spin on it.
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my mother can be best described by “rigmarole”…..and she writes haiku too. just saying.
i now have a new favorite in my “fascinating english words collection”
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interesting…you could be my long lost 4th daughter from another dimension perhaps?
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