Shame Shame. This word works on righteous outrage and curiosity. How often have you read about a celebrity shame weekend drugs and drink-fuelled binge? Or a politician’s shameful double standards- voting to cut the budget to help people buy their first homes while using taxpayer’s money to buy another villa in France? Result? Indignation. It’s […]
Comfort/Comfortable Do you offer rooms in a Bed and Breakfast with all the comforts of home? Can those who visit your pub sit in comfort by the fire on icy days? Does your mindfulness course help people feel comfortable in their own skin? Can you give people the confidence to feel comfortable standing up […]
Effective If something is effective it does what it’s supposed to. Here’s what the Merriam-Webster dictionary says. No-one wants to waste their time or money on something that isn’t effective. Remember the advert for wallpaper paste from the ‘70s? If not, or you’re a little too young, check it out the link at the bottom […]
Vibrant Think about colour for a moment. There are three primary colours, plus black (the absorption of colour) and white (a mix of all primary colours). Think of all the shades and hues we can get from that. A brilliant kaleidoscope of shades from dazzling neon lights to shimmering fabrics. All of them vibrant. What […]
England Capital City: London Major Cities: Newcastle, Birmingham, Manchester, Leeds, Liverpool Language: English. There are also pockets of other languages like Cornish and strong dialects in places like Cumbria and Yorkshire and Northumberland that can sound very different to the English you’d learn at school. Population: 56 million Climate: Warm summers, cool winters. When to […]
Instant What do we want? [Fill in the blank!] When do we want it? NOW! In a culture of instant gratification, instant messages, instant films or TV series, it’s hard for us to wait. “Instant” or “instantly” taps into this desire to have things now. Your customers might learn a meditation secret as soon as […]
Confidential You hear Danny DeVito’s voice, against a backdrop of wholesome images of 1950’s American. . . He’s pulling you in with a voice rich in sordid delight… “Remember dear readers, you heard it here first. Off the record … on the QT … and very … Hush-Hush.” LA Confidential. It’s a great film. Corruption, […]
Controversial So, what was that secret I talked about last week? It’s all wrapped up in this next word. Scandal and controversy – we love it! But, handle with care. Words like “controversy” or “controversial” come with a warning label. A good copywriter knows when to push this hot button and when to back away. […]