Words To Laugh By

Words To Laugh By

WRITING PROMPT - Finding things in life to laugh about is important for my mental health. What are two words or phrases that make you laugh? Why do you find them funny?

BONUS CHALLENGE - Make up your own hilarious word or phrase. Talk about what it means and why do you think it’s funny.

Do you remember sitting around with your siblings, your cousins, or your childhood friends, making up words for which only you know the meaning? It’s so important to bring that child like amusement into your adult life. It helps to keep your attitude light - and laughter reduces stress.

Certain words or phrases in evoke emotions and bring up memories that you completely forgot about.

I remember a sleepover at my friends house. I’m not sure why they called them sleep overs. We were awake all night talking and laughing. We were about 13 years old and were discovering boys. This particular conversation was very serious – especially at 3:45 in the morning. We were talking about what to do if a boy kisses you. And this is when it happened…. One of us ask the question that brought a lifetime of giggles!

Are you ready for this? I’m not so sure you are. But one of us asked what would happen if you were sitting there embracing, slowly leaning in for the big smooch, and you farted…. Oh, the giggles!

To this day, every time I hear the word "fart", I remember that that conversation, our discussion, our conclusion, and the seriousness we felt as we talked about this subject.

For me, it wasn’t about the word itself. I get a case of the giggles when I hear the word fart because of the seriousness of the conversation we were having. We were so obsessed with not looking stupid and we were so innocent at that time. It reminds me of the time in my life that everything was a big deal and I was so focused on fitting in.

Another phrase that makes me smile is “I’m normal.“

I had told the story so many times that other family members repeated as if they were there. But here’s what really happened.

I was walking out of my grandparents house. I was the only other person on that porch. My grandmother was cooking in the kitchen and nobody else was home. Sitting on the front porch to my left were my little cousin and one of the neighborhood girls. They were playing together, but their words suddenly got very loud.

The girl angrily stood up and yelled, “Oh, yeah? Well, at least I’m normal!” As she was storming off down the street, my cousin yelled, “I’m better than normal. I’m abnormal!”

Why was this so funny? Will because they were only about seven or eight years old and obviously didn’t know what those words meant.

It makes me smile at their innocence and brings back memories of a simple time when I wasn’t the adult and other people were in charge.

Making up your own words, your own language, or even hand signals can help you communicate when nobody else knows what you’re talking about.

My little brother, and I made up a word that we use for everything. It didn't have a particular meaning.  We used this word to confuse others, to make the other person smile, or as a substitute word when we can’t think of the word we’re looking for.

I’m not going to share the actual word with you, but I wanted you to know that if you make up a word, it doesn’t have to have a particular meaning. It can be used in any capacity you wish.

But don’t forget to make it fun! And please remember to smile and giggle. Laughter is very good for your health!