Greek Yogurt Chocolate Cupcakes and Misused Words

The English language is not easy. We have SO many different words.

As some of you know, I also speak Hebrew. Although I think Hebrew isn’t much easier, at least it doesn’t have as many words as the English language to confuse.

So its no surprise we sometimes misuse words or make up our own to sound intelligent or help get our points across.

I thought I’d clear up some of the confusion

Word: Ironic

What people think it means: An amusing coincidence

Actually means: “An outcome that is the opposite of what you’d expect”

So, if a porn star moved to say, Virgin, Utah, that would be ironic. If the same porn star bought a house in Boner Knob, Montana, that would not be ironic. (yes, those are real cities).

Should you care? I realize this is a technical point. But, it’s almost worth taking a stand because the word has been abused to the point that it can mean anything. 

“She always said she wanted to marry a dentist! And then she married Bob, who is a dentist! Isn’t that ironic?”

“I went on my cigarette break, but there was a No Smoking sign! Isn’t that ironic?”

“I just pooped in your aquarium! Isn’t that ironic?”

We have to draw the line somewhere, don’t we?

Word: Enormity

What people think it means: Enormous.

Actually means: Outrageous or heinous on a grand scale

War crimes and Charlie Sheen antics are enormities. Extra-big bouncy castles are not.

Should you care?
This is one of those words you really don’t need to be using anyway, unless you’re giving a speech at the U.N. Just remember that if you are a man saying this to a girl “I hope you’re prepared for the enormity of my package,” you’re implying that your “package” is responsible for several acts of evil on the scale of ethnic genocide. This may or may not turn her on, depending on the girl.

Word: Irregardless

What people think it means: Regardless

Actually means: Actually, this is not a word. Now, I have no problem with making up words (if a particular soda can only be described as “burpalicious,” I reserve the right to call it so). The problem with this one is that “regardless” already means something that isn’t worth regard (that’s why the “less” is there) so adding the “ir” to it means… it’s worth regarding again? Who knows.

Should you care?
If there’s ever a time to speak up as the grammar police, this is probably it. Mainly because this is one of those words used almost exclusively by people trying to sound smarter than they are. Remind them that when using fake words to at least try to use ones that have some kind of meaning, if they want to avoid unnecessary cockulance when speaking.

Alright, so do you have a favorite word people always misuse? Maybe you can think of other funny example of the ones above.

 

Ok, enough grammar lessons, I promised some recipes and I have a fantastic one! For these “chocolicious” (yes, another approved made up word) cupcakes, you will need:

3/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder

3/4 cup all-purpose flour or for a gluten free version try brown rice flour

1/2 teaspoon baking powder

1 stick unsalted butter, room temperature

1/2 cup sugar

3 large eggs

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

3/4 cup greek yogurt or sour cream

1/2 cup chocolate chips (optional, for topping)

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Line 12-cup standard muffin tin with paper liners. Into a medium bowl, sift together cocoa, flour, and baking powder and set aside. In a mixing bowl, cream butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Add eggs, one at a time, beating well after each, then beat in vanilla. With mixer on low speed, add flour mixture in two batches, alternating with the addition of the greek yogurt. Pour batter into cups, filling each 3/4 full. Top each cupcake with about a tablespoon of chocolate chips. Place in the oven and bake for about 20 to 25 minutes. (Makes about twelve).

PS, I’m so impressed by the improvement of my photography!