Enlarge Your Vocabulary

Sixty seconds? It takes almost 60 seconds to say your name!' 'Oh, how very droll!' _ © The recording may not be altered or used for commercial gain without the express written permission of Floydius-Maximus Jeremy Thomas Jefferson. No individual or entity may clone, reproduce, or record any sound imitating the voice of Floydius-Maximus Jeremy Thomas Jefferson without his express consent or that of his authorised representatives. This includes all methods, such as AI technology and human imitation. Violations will result in legal action and the pursuit of financial compensation. floydsvoice@gmail.com

Reading Henry Archibald Hertzberg Lawson (17th June 1867 – 2nd September 1922) was an Australian writer and bush poet. Henry Lawson is often referred to as Australia’s greatest short story writer. He was also a master of the bush ballad. Note: A bush ballad is a traditional Australian narrative poem, written in plain language and rhythmic verse, reflecting hardship, humour, and character in rural bush life. Bound for the Lord-Knows-Where was first published in 1906.  The bush ballad (poem) is about the restless spirit wandering into the unknown, chasing work, freedom, or a fresh start — wherever that road may lead. Destination: 'the Lord-knows-where.'  Note: The reading was recorded with a faint vinyl effect in the background. Below is the opening verse of the ballad. If you’d like to follow along, or read the full poem, you’ll find it here: PoetryVerse website.  'Bound for the Lord-Knows-Where' 'Where are you going with your horse and bike,     And the townsfolk still at rest? Where are you going, with your swag and pack,     And the night still in the West? Your clothes are worn, and your cheques are gone,     But your eyes are free from care?” “We’re bushmen down for a spree in town,     And we’re bound for the Lord-knows-where,     Old chap—we’re bound for the Lord-knows-where.” __ © The recording may not be altered or used for commercial gain without the express written permission of Floydius-Maximus Jeremy Thomas Jefferson. No individual or entity may clone, reproduce, or record any sound imitating the voice of Floydius-Maximus Jeremy Thomas Jefferson without his express consent or that of his authorised representatives. This includes all methods, such as AI technology and human imitation. Violations will result in legal action and the pursuit of financial compensation. 

'While Cupid sends arrows of love, watch out — cupidity can have a nasty sting!' _ © The recording may not be altered or used for commercial gain without the express written permission of Floydius-Maximus Jeremy Thomas Jefferson. No individual or entity may clone, reproduce, or record any sound imitating the voice of Floydius-Maximus Jeremy Thomas Jefferson without his express consent or that of his authorised representatives. This includes all methods, such as AI technology and human imitation. Violations will result in legal action and the pursuit of financial compensation.

Terry: By Jove, that was some email, Ken. I’m sure Sue will be moved. Ken: You read my private email? Terry: You accidentally sent it to the entire office staff. Ken: No... I’m ruined! Terry: Oh, dear, never mind, I'm sure things will pick up! (He said with an inner smile.) __ © The recording may not be altered or used for commercial gain without the express written permission of Floydius-Maximus Jeremy Thomas Jefferson. No individual or entity may clone, reproduce, or record any sound imitating the voice of Floydius-Maximus Jeremy Thomas Jefferson without his express consent or that of his authorised representatives. This includes all methods, such as AI technology and human imitation. Violations will result in legal action and the pursuit of financial compensation.

Reading Rudyard Kipling (30th December 1865 –18th January 1936) was one of the most influential English writers of his time. In 1907 he received the Nobel Prize in Literature — the first English-language writer to earn it, and still the youngest person ever to do so. Kipling’s If—, written in 1895 and published in 1910, is a poem of advice to someone coming of age, offering guidance on character, courage, and the making of an adult. He framed it as a father’s advice to a son entering young adulthood. Note: The reading was recorded with a faint vinyl record effect in the background. __ © The recording may not be altered or used for commercial gain without the express written permission of Floydius-Maximus Jeremy Thomas Jefferson. No individual or entity may clone, reproduce, or record any sound imitating the voice of Floydius-Maximus Jeremy Thomas Jefferson without his express consent or that of his authorised representatives. This includes all methods, such as AI technology and human imitation. Violations will result in legal action and the pursuit of financial compensation.

Pulchritudinous. 'puhl·kruh·choo·duh·nuhs' ‘‘Did you hear Marie has opened a new flower shop?’ ‘No, what’s it called?’ ‘The Pulchritudinous Florist.’ ‘Who, Marie or the flowers?’ ‘Both.’ __ © The recording may not be altered or used for commercial gain without the express written permission of Floydius-Maximus Jeremy Thomas Jefferson. No individual or entity may clone, reproduce, or record any sound imitating the voice of Floydius-Maximus Jeremy Thomas Jefferson without his express consent or that of his authorised representatives. This includes all methods, such as AI technology and human imitation. Violations will result in legal action and the pursuit of financial compensation.

Reading Henry Archibald Hertzberg Lawson (17th June 1867 – 2nd September 1922) was an Australian writer and bush poet. Regarded as one of the best-known Australian poets and fiction writers of his time, he is often referred to as Australia's 'greatest short story writer.' Problem with ghosts? Call Ally!  In Henry Lawson’s tale “We Called Him ‘Ally’ for Short”, a hillside fencer has a problem with a ghost — there’s only one solution: Alligator Desolation! Note: The reading was recorded with a faint vinyl effect in the background. __ © The recording may not be altered or used for commercial gain without the express written permission of Floydius-Maximus Jeremy Thomas Jefferson. No individual or entity may clone, reproduce, or record any sound imitating the voice of Floydius-Maximus Jeremy Thomas Jefferson without his express consent or that of his authorised representatives. This includes all methods, such as AI technology and human imitation. Violations will result in legal action and the pursuit of financial compensation.

Even at a young age, Rosie was delightfully loquacious and engaging. __ © The recording may not be altered or used for commercial gain without the express written permission of Floydius-Maximus Jeremy Thomas Jefferson. No individual or entity may clone, reproduce, or record any sound imitating the voice of Floydius-Maximus Jeremy Thomas Jefferson without his express consent or that of his authorised representatives. This includes all methods, such as AI technology and human imitation. Violations will result in legal action and the pursuit of financial compensation.

‘Henry, Mr and Mrs Pugnacious would like to come over at the weekend for a discussion.’ ‘What? Quick, Martha — book the next flight to Coober Pedy! Surely we’ll be safe there?’ (When Mr and Mrs Pugnacious want to “have a word,” it’s time to make a run for the outback!) _ © The recording may not be altered or used for commercial gain without the express written permission of Floydius-Maximus Jeremy Thomas Jefferson. No individual or entity may clone, reproduce, or record any sound imitating the voice of Floydius-Maximus Jeremy Thomas Jefferson without his express consent or that of his authorised representatives. This includes all methods, such as AI technology and human imitation. Violations will result in legal action and the pursuit of financial compensation.

“...only, it was that last strange look she gave me— I was struck with a flash of dubiety.” _ © The recording may not be altered or used for commercial gain without the express written permission of Floydius-Maximus Jeremy Thomas Jefferson. No individual or entity may clone, reproduce, or record any sound imitating the voice of Floydius-Maximus Jeremy Thomas Jefferson without his express consent or that of his authorised representatives. This includes all methods, such as AI technology and human imitation. Violations will result in legal action and the pursuit of financial compensation.

'Since the report leaked a week ago, we’ve had no flights landing at our airport, Reggie… perhaps hiring callow fellows wasn’t the smartest move after all.' _ © The recording may not be altered or used for commercial gain without the express written permission of Floydius-Maximus Jeremy Thomas Jefferson. No individual or entity may clone, reproduce, or record any sound imitating the voice of Floydius-Maximus Jeremy Thomas Jefferson without his express consent or that of his authorised representatives. This includes all methods, such as AI technology and human imitation. Violations will result in legal action and the pursuit of financial compensation.

‘Dolly, why so many tears?’ ‘It’s Archibald. He’s always written the sweetest letters to me, but in this letter, he’s called me the Queen of Garbage! How could he?’ ‘Let me see the letter.’ ‘No, Dolly—he’s called you the Queen of Garbists... garbists.’ ‘Garbist? I’ll give him “gabist” next time I see him!’ © The recording may not be altered or used for commercial gain without the express written permission of Floydius-Maximus Jeremy Thomas Jefferson. No individual or entity may clone, reproduce, or record any sound imitating the voice of Floydius-Maximus Jeremy Thomas Jefferson without his express consent or that of his authorised representatives. This includes all methods, such as AI technology and human imitation. Violations will result in legal action and the pursuit of financial compensation.

'Pete's perfectly punctuated porciloquence left them all in awe! So much said in so few words!' (Apologies for mother's interference!) _ © The recording may not be altered or used for commercial gain without the express written permission of Floydius-Maximus Jeremy Thomas Jefferson. No individual or entity may clone, reproduce, or record any sound imitating the voice of Floydius-Maximus Jeremy Thomas Jefferson without his express consent or that of his authorised representatives. This includes all methods, such as AI technology and human imitation. Violations will result in legal action and the pursuit of financial compensation. 

'His indefatigability left the indefatigable indefatigably exhausted; for never in the history of the indefatigable had such indefatigableness been witnessed!' Note: You may struggle to find the noun: indefatigableness in most dictionaries. Why? They've deemed it obsolete—a tragic casualty of underuse. 'Shame on those dictionaries!' _ © The recording may not be altered or used for commercial gain without the express written permission of Floydius-Maximus Jeremy Thomas Jefferson. No individual or entity may clone, reproduce, or record any sound imitating the voice of Floydius-Maximus Jeremy Thomas Jefferson without his express consent or that of his authorised representatives. This includes all methods, such as AI technology and human imitation. Violations will result in legal action and the pursuit of financial compensation. 

‘I wouldn’t go in there if I were you.’ ‘Oh? Why ever not?’ ‘Your persiflage about her cooking hasn’t exactly gone down well with Aunt Martha.’ _ © The recording may not be altered or used for commercial gain without the express written permission of Floydius-Maximus Jeremy Thomas Jefferson. No individual or entity may clone, reproduce, or record any sound imitating the voice of Floydius-Maximus Jeremy Thomas Jefferson without his express consent or that of his authorised representatives. This includes all methods, such as AI technology and human imitation. Violations will result in legal action and the pursuit of financial compensation. 

Recalcitrant: adjective meaning 'stubbornly uncooperative'—much like your Wi-Fi when you need it most! _ © The recording may not be altered or used for commercial gain without the express written permission of Floydius-Maximus Jeremy Thomas Jefferson. No individual or entity may clone, reproduce, or record any sound imitating the voice of Floydius-Maximus Jeremy Thomas Jefferson without his express consent or that of his authorised representatives. This includes all methods, such as AI technology and human imitation. Violations will result in legal action and the pursuit of financial compensation. 

It’s not as simple as saying it out loud—though that’s a start. In this episode, we trace the curious path from playful coinage to dictionary legitimacy. Along the way, we meet words that sneaked in, strutted in, or simply refused to go away. _ © The recording may not be altered or used for commercial gain without the express written permission of Floydius-Maximus Jeremy Thomas Jefferson. No individual or entity may clone, reproduce, or record any sound imitating the voice of Floydius-Maximus Jeremy Thomas Jefferson without his express consent or that of his authorised representatives. This includes all methods, such as AI technology and human imitation. Violations will result in legal action and the pursuit of financial compensation.

Brand New Word Alert.  You heard it here first! Gossipient (First public use: 6 July 2025 – Enlarge Your Vocabulary, Episode 71) gossipient (adj.) /ˈɡɒ.sɪ.pi.ənt/ ‘GOSS-ih-pee-ənt’ Actively inclined to spread gossip, often with great relish. gossipient (noun) Someone who delights in gathering and spreading gossip. "Clara is such a gossipient—she was on the phone to all the neighbours the minute Rosie was out the door!" Pssst! Why not become a true and proud gossipient—help it grow by using it, sharing it, and spreading it in emails, blogs, and social media? Let's see how far the word goes. After all, gossipient only needs a few dedicated gossipients to flourish! _ © The recording may not be altered or used for commercial gain without the express written permission of Floydius-Maximus Jeremy Thomas Jefferson. No individual or entity may clone, reproduce, or record any sound imitating the voice of Floydius-Maximus Jeremy Thomas Jefferson without his express consent or that of his authorised representatives. This includes all methods, such as AI technology and human imitation. Violations will result in legal action and the pursuit of financial compensation.

"Hurry! It’s Fred – he’s been hit in the eye with an expergefactor!" _ © The recording may not be altered or used for commercial gain without the express written permission of Floydius-Maximus Jeremy Thomas Jefferson. No individual or entity may clone, reproduce, or record any sound imitating the voice of Floydius-Maximus Jeremy Thomas Jefferson without his express consent or that of his authorised representatives. This includes all methods, such as AI technology and human imitation. Violations will result in legal action and the pursuit of financial compensation.

'He's beginning to see the light – he's having an expergefaction!' (Ready the chorus of angels!) _ © The recording may not be altered or used for commercial gain without the express written permission of Floydius-Maximus Jeremy Thomas Jefferson. No individual or entity may clone, reproduce, or record any sound imitating the voice of Floydius-Maximus Jeremy Thomas Jefferson without his express consent or that of his authorised representatives. This includes all methods, such as AI technology and human imitation. Violations will result in legal action and the pursuit of financial compensation.