Really? She’s back and she’s already at it? Aren’t there enough words in the English language? Why does she have to make up more? Sheesh!
Maybe it’s all the talk about who our next president couldn’t possibly be.
Maybe it’s all the hype about the Star Wars trailer (when did a movie trailer become such a big deal?).
Maybe it’s all the kids who came to my door dressed in superhero Halloween costumes, none of whom I recognized (the kids or the costumes).
Trick or treat, old lady! Doesn’t matter to me. I’m Ant-Man and I’m gonna ruin your picnic either way.
Or maybe it’s that I overheard someone asking about the difference between omnipotence and omniscience (and a vague concern about why the person wanted to know).
That’s probably it.
I just got to thinking about “omni” words.
When I say, “thinking,” I mean, I said to myself (or maybe out loud), “How many ‘omni’ words are there? Are there ‘omni’ words for every possible super power? And if not, could I make some up?”
Yeah, I know. I really need a hobby.
My hobby will NOT be gardening. The world doesn’t need more mutants. You’re welcome.
So, “omni” (as a prefix) means “all.” Simple enough.
Let’s review the famous “omnis.”
Omnipotence means all-powerful (I suppose that means you can, by just being you, move heavy stuff, unclog hopelessly turded-up toilets, and make people do stuff you don’t want to do–kind of like a mega construction boss).
The purr-sonification of power, Baby!
Omniscience means all-knowing (not to be confused with thinking you know everything, which is just annoying).
Omnipresence means all over the place or being everywhere at the same time (which is just creepy).
But there are lesser known “omnis” (except to those with omniscience who would already know everything).
Omnidirectional means all directions (which could apply to, oh, I don’t know, me driving around downtown Portland while my navigation system is politely telling me that she is “recalculating”).
I guess I should go this way, huh?
Omnifarious means all groups or kinds or categories (I thought it meant all villains, which would make it such a great word, but it doesn’t so it’s not–are you confused yet?).
Omnivore means eats all foods (I don’t even want to think about what some people define as edible).
Ick. No wonder they call it “sweetbreads.”
Now for the “omnis” that don’t currently exist but, in my opinion, should.
Omniveracious would mean all right. No. Not as in “everything is fine,” but as in “you are always correct.” Again, this does not apply to people who think they are always speaking the truth; this would apply to people who are really always speaking the truth. Granted, discerning the difference may be difficult.
Nope. Not an omniveracious person in the bunch. And, by the way, have these guys ever once done a story about a fox?
Omnioptical would mean all-seeing or able to see everything…every little thing. Imagine that! I haven’t sorted out the privacy issues yet.
Omniaffectation would mean all feeling (as in emotions). I actually have this. It’s about time we stop calling it a condition and start calling it something awesome.
Omnihearken would mean to hear all or everything. You’d be very well-informed, but you probably wouldn’t have many friends. Oh well.
Can you think of any “omni” words that we should have but don’t? Please share!
Perhaps omnivoracious (all eating) or omnivexing (all trouble). Both could work… See how easy this is?
