SMART TALK SMART TALK
By Dr. Verbos Metikulos
ENORMITY: Misuse of enormity is an indicator that English is not truly the speaker's/writer's first language. At the Center for English as a First Language, we automatically test patient for further evidence. These patients may resist treatment, because they often believe they don't need it.
Enormity is not a nice word. It means outrageousness, atrociousness, or heinousness, as in the enormity of the Syrian government's actions. Yes, the dictionary gives, last in line, the hugeness definition. As folks often point out, "ain't" is in the dictionary, too, that doesn't mean it's correct. A dictionary describes our language as it's used; it neither prescribes nor proscribes. For the latter, you need to come to Underbelly, Texas, and sign up with us.
Enormity's first five letters naturally make one think of enormous, but don't be fooled. As with niggardly, which means miserly and stingy, initial sound and spelling can trip the unwary. Enormous means huge. Enormity means shocking awfulness.
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You can often find local artist, Donna Faivre Roberts, exploring the shores of Cayuga Lake at Myers Point in Lansing. She finds peace and gifts there. After taking a moment to meditate, to deepen her connection to this place, to take in the sunlight, the breeze, and the air, Donna asks for a simple gift. Then she walks the shoreline searching, rooting around and there it is - a piece of soggy wood. In a piece of wood that you or I would likely have ignored, Donna sees wondrous spirits – angels, animals, Goddesses, or birds. “Spirit of the Wood”, the title of her show at The First Unitarian Church of Ithaca reflects the journey Donna takes with each artwork. 
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