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Is there such a word?

Posted: Wed Mar 06, 2013 1:19 pm
by angebunch
I'm looking for a word that describes a style of speaking that is slow, methodical, plodding, deliberate, drawn out.
Does any word come to mind?

Re: Is there such a word?

Posted: Wed Mar 06, 2013 3:00 pm
by Slava
Only in the sense of boring and torturous. :D

Re: Is there such a word?

Posted: Wed Mar 06, 2013 4:31 pm
by angebunch
Yes it can be. But is there a less derogatory word?

Re: Is there such a word?

Posted: Wed Mar 06, 2013 5:42 pm
by Perry Lassiter
Drawling?

Re: Is there such a word?

Posted: Wed Mar 06, 2013 5:51 pm
by Slava
Not so much regarding the speaking style as the speech itself, but there is "stem-winder." I've seen both positive and negative definitions.

Re: Is there such a word?

Posted: Wed Mar 06, 2013 9:12 pm
by gailr
ponderous? (adjective)

aphasia? (noun)
if due to an injury or stroke

Re: Is there such a word?

Posted: Wed Mar 06, 2013 11:29 pm
by Philip Hudson
Slava: I have heard and used "stem-winder" as a rousing, encouraging speech. I hope, among the many speeches I have given, some of them were stem-winders. The source of this word is in reference to a watch that has a stem for winding. It takes a deliberate action to wind a watch and speeches of deliberate rousing natures were called stem-winders. It can certainly be a positive speech if you and the speaker are in agreement, or a dull drawn out speech if you are not in sympathy with the speaker.

Gail: You suggested ponderous, which might come close. I would limit aphasia to a brain related disability to communicate. Following a stroke, I had total aphasia for almost two years. I could not talk or communicate in any way.

angebunch: I have racked my brain and cannot come up with a word that succinctly describes the speech you are thinking about. You could use slow, methodical, plodding, deliberate and drawn out.

Re: Is there such a word?

Posted: Thu Mar 07, 2013 7:04 am
by MTC
Angebunch, you have set the panelists off on a verbal snipe hunt. There is no single word which meets your unique requirements. Here is a list of styles of speech compiled by The Phonistery, a word site for unrepentant sesquipedalians:(http://phrontistery.info/speech.html) Among the fifty-four (54) styles listed is tardiloquent, the single word most apt. I think gailr came closest with ponderous, a word not on the list. Plodding would also be apposite. You might try concocting a creative similie or metaphor of your own, e.g., " a speech style like reciting the dictionary on sedatives."

Do the panelists receive a consolation prize?

Re: Is there such a word?

Posted: Thu Mar 07, 2013 10:47 am
by angebunch
I think ponderous is the closest yet, thought it carries the sense of heavy, as in the topic. Plodding is also quite close, though it can lend the implication that the speaker is not bright.
Wow! I can't believe there isn't a perfect word. Perhaps I will just try to avoid such speakers and then I won't be tortured trying to describe them. Though I may still have to explain why I'm avoiding them. Sigh.

Re: Is there such a word?

Posted: Thu Mar 07, 2013 12:24 pm
by call_copse
They could speak in a rhythmic, longiloquent drawl? :D

Re: Is there such a word?

Posted: Thu Mar 07, 2013 2:06 pm
by LukeJavan8
:D

Re: Is there such a word?

Posted: Sat Mar 09, 2013 6:08 pm
by Slava
I was just today reminded of two other possibilities:

Turgid
Torpid

I think the latter might be the better choice of these two. Whether either one suits the seeker is another question entirely.

Re: Is there such a word?

Posted: Sat Mar 09, 2013 7:21 pm
by Philip Hudson
angebunch: Why did you start this thread dissing my way of speaking and writing? To make it worse, there have been numerous other Alpha Agorans chiming in with further descriptions of me. I have a thick skin, but how much longer must I endure this censure?

Re: Is there such a word?

Posted: Sat Mar 09, 2013 8:23 pm
by Slava
angebunch: Why did you start this thread dissing my way of speaking and writing? To make it worse, there have been numerous other Alpha Agorans chiming in with further descriptions of me. I have a thick skin, but how much longer must I endure this censure?
Meant as humor, I do hope? :?

Re: Is there such a word?

Posted: Sun Mar 10, 2013 12:12 am
by Philip Hudson
Slava: Certainly. But my reply might have been too turgid or torpid or just plain dull to make any impact.