Make Your Point > Archived Issues > LACKADAISICAL

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"LACKADAISICAL" Pronunciation: lack uh DAYS ick ull Part of speech: Adjective. (Adjectives are describing words, like “large” or “late.” They can be used in two ways: 1. Right before a noun, as in “a lackadaisical attitude.” 2. After a linking verb, as in "Their attitude was lackadaisical.”) Meaning: Hundreds of years ago, we used the phrases "Alas the day!" and "Alack the day!" to mean "Ugh! Everything is going wrong! This is terrible!" Over time, these phrases morphed into one word, "Lackadaisy!" By the mid-1700s, we'd started using the word "lackadaisical" to mean "constantly complaining in a sentimental way." And, because people who spend a lot of time complaining don't spend much time getting things done, "lackadaisical" also grew to mean "lazy, not hardworking." That's what it means today. In other words, something or someone lackadaisical is both lazy and uninterested. Other forms: lackadaisically, lackadaisicalness How to use it: Pick this funny-sounding word to call extra attention to just how much of a slacker someone is being. Talk about a lackadaisical person, a lackadaisical attitude, a lackadaisical effort, a lackadaisical approach, a lackadaisical performance, and so on. You can be lackadaisical about something, as in "Quit being so lackadaisical about your homework," and you can talk about the lackadaisical way in which something is done, as in "the office staff's lackadaisical adherence to the dress code." Our high school choir director, Ms. Whitis, used to chide us for our lackadaisical singing and shout "ENERGY! ENERGY! ENERGY!" His lackadaisical assignments, when he even turns them in, reveal how utterly little he cares about his grades. Look away from the screen to explain the definition in your own words. You’ll know you understand what "lackadaisical” means when you can explain it without saying “half-hearted” or “passive." Think of something that you're only sort of interested in that you used to be really excited about, and fill in the blanks: "I used to really love _____, but now I just _____ lackadaisically." Example: "I used to really love celebrity news and being the person who delivered it, but now I just glance at the headlines lackadaisically." Spend at least 20 seconds occupying your mind with the game and quote below. Then try the review questions. Don't go straight to the review now; let your working memory empty out first. Playing With Words: This month's game content is protected by a copyright, so I can't reprint the trivia questions here--but check out the challenging, endlessly entertaining game; it's called Moot! A Point Well Made: Andre Gide: "The spirit of imitation; watch out for it. It is useless to do something simply because another man has done it." 1. The opposite of LACKADAISICAL is A. PRIMARY B. BUMBLING C. ENTHUSIASTIC 2. The university was _____ for its lackadaisical handling of alcoholism on campus. A. praised B. overlooked C. criticized Answers are below. To be a sponsor and send your own message to readers of this list, please contact Liesl at Liesl@HiloTutor.com. Make Your Point is crafted with love and brought to you each day for free by Mrs. Liesl Johnson, M.Ed., a word lover, learning enthusiast, and private tutor of reading and writing in the verdant little town of Hilo, Hawaii. For writing tips, online learning, essay guidance, and more, please visit www.HiloTutor.com. Disclaimer: Word meanings presented here are expressed in plain language and are limited to common, useful applications only. Readers interested in authoritative and multiple definitions of words are encouraged to check a dictionary. Likewise, word meanings, usage, and pronunciations are limited to American English; these elements may vary across world Englishes. Answers to review questions: 1. C 2. C