Ululation
We're getting so close to the end. It's going to feel very strange, to not have these easy posts to write every morning. To not feel obligated to visit as many blogs as possible each day.
If you're taking part in the challenge, then you'll probably want to prepare for the reflections post on May 7th (see the badge over there on my sidebar).
ul·u·la·tion [uhl-yuh-ley-shun] n. the act of howling, wailing, or lamenting loudly
Synonyms: I don't think there are any real direct synonyms for this word, but the internet claims they are: howling, wailing
Etymology: 1590s, from L. ululationem (nom. ululatio) "a howling or wailing," noun of action from pp. stem of ululare "ululate," a reduplicated imitative root (cf. Gk. ololyzein "to cry aloud," Skt. ululih "a howling," Lith. uluti "howl," Gael. uileliugh "wail of lamentation," O.E. ule "owl").
wow. Just saying the word sounds like a yodel. Totally fitting.:)
ReplyDeleteI think after the challenge we should all ululate at once as a sign of unity and achievement. I can't believe we only have 5 letters left after today.
ReplyDeleteI've never heard this word! It's fantastic.
ReplyDeleteI love choral/musical ululation! Take care
ReplyDeletex
This is another great word, Matt. ;D
ReplyDeleteOur Emma-Pup ululates a LOT, but especially when my daughter plays the recorder.
ReplyDeletelol As soon as I saw the word I heard it in my mind. I can't do it myself though.
ReplyDeleteHah! I love to go out and howl, especially on a full moon night. I bet your not surprised.
ReplyDeleteAs a matter of fact, I'm gonna howl loudly when we reach May 1. This has been fun kinda, but I'm fried.
I thought that was just the thing that hangs down at the back of your throat.
ReplyDeletehaha, i couldn't help but see the above comment--me too :)
ReplyDeleteI have always loved this word. A bit onomatopoetic, don't you think?
ReplyDeleteBut it's one of those clever words that will stump people!
ReplyDeleteSo is it considered ululation when I heavily sigh or scream with my mouth closed? Or in other words - my stress relieve mechanisim's so I don't "beat" a kid.
ReplyDeleteLooking forward to the Reflection posts.
ReplyDeleteLoved your post today.
Yvonne.
I thought you might do a post on that thing that hangs in the back of the mouth and looks like a pink punching bag.
ReplyDeleteYou were just waiting for U to use that word, weren'tcha?
ReplyDeleteGood one.
ReplyDeleteI haven't used the word (that I recall), but I've always liked it. I would probably substitute howl or some other similar word, because I don't like using uncommon words, but you're right, there is no good substitute. The other words need modifiers to capture the same meaning.
ReplyDelete- Eric
I just looove that word - so expressive... But hardly ever used, I feel...
ReplyDeleteI have learned another new word. I like this one.
ReplyDeleteYeah i mean, i think wailing comes close, but for me, wailing suggests sadness, whereas ululation is just the sound
ReplyDeleteOooo, good word. Slightly onomatopoeic too :)
ReplyDeleteJamie
Fellow A-Z Buddy
Doing a monumental blog catch-up
Mithril Wisdom
That is really hard to pronounce! PS: no reflections post for me. I'm participating in a book launch for a friend.
ReplyDeleteI've been ululating a lot at work today.
ReplyDeleteI have 2 sled dogs, a husky & a malamute, and they do this ALL. THE. TIME. Seriously. I call it singing! Even the word sounds like singing.
ReplyDeleteI think I'll also ululate when this challenge has finished. if enough of us do it, do you think we'll be heard around the world? If anyone lives in Switzerland or Austria, they could just yodel instead.
ReplyDeleteWhat a great word!
ReplyDeleteThat is such a terrific word. I love how it sounds, as well as what it stands for.
ReplyDeleteI love that word. It's so fun to say!
ReplyDeleteI've never even seen that word before.
ReplyDeleteAs a music blogger, I cannot thank you enough for adding this word to my vocabulary haha.
ReplyDeleteI see that word and think ululating, and I think Middle East, possibly even Native American, not animal.
ReplyDeleteThe word does kinda sound like the meaning of the word. It's a fun word to say.
ReplyDeleteEasy posts! Bah on that!
ReplyDeleteI love the sound of this as I repeat it...:)JP
ReplyDeleteCome May 1 I'll be ululating over having to think on my own what to write next. I've really enjoyed the focus A to Z has given me.
ReplyDeleteOH, PS -- does everyone else actually SEE a badge on the sidebar? I see a clear box with a small red X in the upper left corner.
ReplyDeleteI had forgotten about that word. Thanks for the reminder, as it is not only worth of the attention, but I hope to find a reason to insert it into conversation very soon!
ReplyDeleteSo it all goes back to owls. A regular onomatopeia.
ReplyDeleteAnd Ololyzein should be a Greek heavy metal band.
Glad I stopped by. I had no idea about the reflections post. :-)
ReplyDeleteHi Matthew .. it's a great U word - which needs more exposure .. especially at foreign funerals where they wail ..
ReplyDeleteThanks for this .. Hilary