Chances are pretty good that you’re familiar with some of the phrases from Lewis Carroll’s poem “Jabberwocky” even if you don’t know the poem by heart (or by name). Maybe you’ve heard word “chortle,” for example, which Carroll coined to suggest something between a chuckle and a snort. It’s a fun (if here and there a little unsettling) little nonsense poem that does a great job of insinuating meaning with made-up words. There can be little doubt that the “beamish boy” returning triumphantly home in a “galumphing” way is bounding or galloping, even though “galumphing” wasn’t a word before Carroll invented it.
If, like the boy awaiting his foe the Jabberwock, you find yourself “in uffish thought” as you await inspiration for your next post, consider playing with nonsense words. It can be a great way to think about the rhythm of your writing without getting caught up in that pesky bear trap of meaning. It can also help you pay closer attention to the ways in which we form different parts of speech. Adverbs and adjectives and nouns are often constructed differently and fit together differently, and working with the forms minus the meaning can provide a neat perspective on the language.
Currently blogless? You’re a click away from sharing your story.
Create your blog at WordPress.com
First comment! 🙂
I had no idea Lewis Carroll created the word “chortle.” But I am a bit familiar with the poem, though. When someone makes a nonsense or non-sequitur comment on message boards I follow, I will often reply with a phrase from Jabberwocky, for instance, “And the mome raths outgrabe.”
LikeLike
Twas brillig and the ..erm..slithy toves, did gyre and gimble in the wabe. erm. i think. Loved Jabberwocky. 🙂
LikeLike
I have to thank you for this wonsome post that raigs and rontles in the mind. Full width of pleasure have I had, and gone thetinking back.
LikeLike
Nice. 🙂
LikeLike
Thanks for the encouragement! I do that sometimes when I speak but am afraid to do it when I write. I’ll keep it in mine.
LikeLike
Neat and inspirational. I’m new at blogging but sure do pay attention to your posts.
LikeLike
Great exercise in creativity. Thanks for the idea.
LikeLike
My students, after hearing the Muppets do the poem, created their own version of a Jabberwocky. Creative fun … with words and art. Thank you for the inspiration.
LikeLike
It’s a lovely poem, especially like the term – O frabjous day!
LikeLike
Reblogged this on bietnik.
LikeLike
brillig! frabjous!! & …….. funly helpsome
LikeLike
I enjoy nonsense poems as dont have to worry to much about meanings but with all writing i like to think no right or wrong answer just take from it what you willl i love the comment of uffish thought i am going to use that expression more if i can I often get in very moods due to my mind with ocd and asperegers and often say I am having a frazzzly wazzily the actual sounding of the words make me feel better \!!
LikeLike
Callooh callay! Great post- I enjoyed it! 🙂
LikeLike
nice to know abt this one……..
LikeLike