Is 'Splendiferous' a Real Word? Exploring the Enchantments of Language

The English language is a vast and ever-evolving universe, teeming with words that might seem quaint, whimsical, or even redundant. One such word that has piqued curiosity is splendiferous. Is it merely a product of 19th-century whimsy, or does it stand as a legitimate word in the lexicon? This article delves into the historical origins and usage of the word, as well as its related adjectives, to provide a comprehensive understanding of these words.

The Word 'Splendiferous'

According to etymological research, splendiferous is indeed a real word. The Anglo-Latin roots of the word suggest that it means "bearing splendor." Interestingly, the Medieval Latin word splendorifer was in use, which further supports the legitimacy of splendiferous. However, the English word itself is a 19th-century creation, first appearing in an 1887 book titled Dictionary of Americanisms.

While splendorous is listed in the online dictionary, it is often used in a manner similar to splendiferous, as a formal or informal adjective. The word conveys the meaning of "bearing splendour," but it is more often utilized for humorous or decorative purposes. Its historical roots can be traced back to the mid-19th century and is an example of the elaborate and ornate word formation that was popular at the time, much like absquatulate, which means to run away.

The Word 'Spry'

Adjacent to splendiferous is the word spry, which is often associated with older individuals who exhibit energy and enthusiasm. This term has several layers of meaning. Originally, spry referred to a vegetable oil. However, over time, it evolved to mean an active elderly person, as seen in the phrase, "Ol' John McClellan is pushin' 90 but he's still pretty spry."

Interestingly, the neighborhood where I reside is called Spryfield, named after Captain William Spry. A memorable encounter a few years ago involved seeing a man wearing a t-shirt declaring, "SPRY TILL I DIE," a statement that perfectly encapsulates the essence of the word spry.

The Adventures of Alice and Lewis Carroll

To fully appreciate the malleability of language, one can turn to the whimsical world of Through the Looking-Glass by Lewis Carroll. In this fascinating exploration, Humpty Dumpty states, "When I use a word, it means just what I choose it to mean—neither more or less," emphasizing the subjective nature of language. This concept is poignantly illustrated in the following dialogue:

“The question is,” said Alice, whether you can make words mean different things.”
“The question is,” said Humpty Dumpty, which is to be master,— that’s all.”

This exchange highlights the flexibility of language and how it can be manipulated for various purposes, not just for the creation of whimsical words like sploot but also for everyday communication. The word sploot, a playful term derived from online communities, exemplifies the fun and creativity that language can offer.

Conclusion

In conclusion, splendiferous and spry are not just whimsical creations but actual words that have stood the test of time. Both words have unique and often humorous connotations, reflecting the rich and dynamic nature of the English language. As we continue to explore and evolve our linguistic landscape, these words serve as a reminder of the joy and flexibility that language can bring to our lives.