The letter “O” is a leader…often out in front and sometimes herding the rear to keep the other alphabetic miscreants in line. Please note: O’Leary and Donofrio…”o” assumes the alpha and the omega positions while providing strong internal support to the Italian rendition. The “o” can represent wonder and joy as in the “Ho, Ho, Ho” bellowed by a certain red-clad elf during this time of year. Contradictorily the “o” can project fear or dismay as in “Oh no!” It’s obvious that “o” is versatile… a great all-purpose utility player for the alphabet and our language. The occasional linguistic omnipotence of the oblong letter is overwhelmingly obvious to one and everyone.
Situated beside our previous letter of note, “n,” “O” has a much more robust involvement in the linguistic delivery of thought and concepts. It is “O” that introduces some of our most sacred and revered music:
“O” is not always serious. The rotund letter does have a sense of humor and often leads us to laughing memories and funky weather reports. It plays a prominent role in this Nitty Gritty Dirt Band cover:
As a stark example that “O” is sometimes frivolous and laughable, consider that many in the news media identify our President with a simple “O.” It is no accident that “o” and zero are quite similar and often mistaken for one another. One can observe the cross identification when people verbalize telephone numbers and substitute the “O” for zero. “Two-four-“O” is a corruption of the proper “Two-four-zero” because “O” has purpose and value as a critical component of the alphabet family and should never be confused with the valueless “zero” or the worthless president. There I go….on another watch list.
The vowel “O” has a multiplicity of purposes such as expressing surprise or amazement as in “Ooooooooooo!” In addition “O’s” shape coincides with the placement of one’s lips when uttering the valuable vowel. This is a vital benefit for lip readers which should not be summarily dismissed. As a loyal Buckeye, I have a deep abiding fondness for the “O” at both ends of Ohio. There was a song we used to sing at 4-H camp called “Round on the ends and Hi in the middle….O….HI…..O.” Furthermore, the “Script Ohio” with its “O’s” prominently displayed is globally famous.
While the “o” initiates obfuscation, it also opens the word—obedience. Are you obstinate, obnoxious or obsequious? The pervasive “O” is the word-starter. Maybe you’re obtuse, obstructionist or obsessive…if so, the “o” is the leading edge of the descriptor. The “o”, it is clear, is essential for ongoing communication operations. No oppressive opposition can omit the operational opportunities orchestrated by the optimistic use of “o” in an orderly manner. O’ see, can you say “O?”
Friday’s column will examine Ee-yore.
Comment: cearlwriting@hotmail.com
Tonight (Wed-12-21-11) 6-7:00pm, 1370 WSPD, Toledo
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