Word Crimes Part 1: Vocabulary

Weird Al Yankovic is back! Who is Weird Al? Do a quick Google search, and you may recognize his iconic look, or perhaps his song parodies. My memory of his music dates back to the ’90s, and his comical (funny) versions of trendy (popular) songs make it hard not to dance and sing along. One of his current hits off the album, “Mandatory Fun,” is a song that’s perfect for this blog, and for language learning! It’s called “Word Crimes.” I was stoked (so excited) when a dear friend shared it with me, and it has inspired me to use it for multiple learning opportunities. The first being… VOCABULARY.

What is a word crime?
Oh, we’ve all seen them. It’s the incorrect use of articles, using “it’s” as a possessive instead of a contraction, saying eXpresso rather than espresso, and using letters and numbers to spell words. These, of course, are just a few, and Weird Al points out a lot more in his song. I will definitely be highlighting some of the grammar mistakes he pokes fun at (makes fun of), but will start off defining some of the vocabulary so you fully understand the song and meaning. You can watch the video here, which includes some of the lyrics.

However, to read all of the lyrics, go here. (if these links don’t work, just Google the video and lyrics: Weird Al Yankovic – Word Crimes)

VOCABULARY

1. conjugate:  grammar: to list the different forms of a verb that show number, person, tense, etc..
2. flunk: to get a failing grade in a course/subject / [+ object] to give a failing grade
3. mock (someone):  to laugh at or make fun of (someone or something) especially by copying an action or a way of behaving or speaking
4. familiarize: to make someone familiar with, give them knowledge about something
5. nomenclature: a system of names for things especially in science
   
6. literacy: the ability to read and write
   
7. stammer: to speak with many pauses and repetitions because you have a speech problem or because you are very nervous, frightened, etc.
8. raised: chiefly US : to take care of and teach (a child) : to bring up or rear (a child)  [*EX: “..like people who were, Never raised in a sewer..” -Word Crimes]
9. sewer: a pipe that is usually underground and that is used to carry off water and sewage
10. moron: an idiot, someone stupid
11. apostrophe: the punctuation mark ʼ -used for contractions, possessives, or plural form of letters/numbers
12. mangling:  to do (something) badly : to ruin (something) because of carelessness or a lack of skill
13. danglin’: shortened from- dangling: grammar: when a word isn’t accurately attached to another part of a sentence
14. drama: a situation or series of events that is exciting and that affects people’s emotions
    
15. cunning: cleverness or skill especially at tricking people in order to get something
    
16. homophones: a word that is pronounced like another word but is different in meaning, origin, or spelling
    
17. emphasis: special importance or attention given to something
    
18. coincidence: a situation in which events happen at the same time in a way that is not planned or expected
    
19. smack: to hit something/someone hard
    
20. crowbar: a metal bar that has a thin flat edge at one end and is used to open or lift things
    
21. apparent: easy to see or understand/ obvious
    
22. incoherent: not able to talk or express yourself in a clear way that can be easily understood; not logical or well-organized : not easy to understand
23. prose: writing that is not poetry : ordinary writing
    
24. lost cause: a person or thing that is certain to fail
    
25. give up: [phrasal verb]- to quit; to stop trying to do something
    

 Vocabulary: Courtesy of Merriam Webster Learner’s Dictionary

Hopefully this list of vocabulary will enhance your repertoire (collection) of English vocabulary, and help you understand the song. Check back soon for some grammar explanations related to this song, and…

please share this information with someone who loves English, grammar, vocabulary, Weird Al…or just, life ♥  Happy Studying ♥ 

Are there any other words you don’t understand, or other lyrics that do not make sense? Don’t be shy! Feel free to ask for more explanations and definitions in the comment section below.