A wonderful reader and fellow writer sent me this tonight:
“Mags… I’m working on a short based on the lack of use of “By Jove.” I need input…. may i use you and your readers?
I’ve classically reviled the expression of “damning” someone.
Hell is implied. You really don’t need to say, “I damn you to hell!” There’s really nowhere else you’d ever damn someone too…
“I damn you to your bedroom without dinner?” Great parenting!
It’s just not said.
“Horrible dance. The patrons hate you. Damn you to the upstairs rooms to perform private dances AND EARN!”
Not said.
But what if we turned it around? I’m guessing the accepted opposite of “Damning” someone is “Acceptance.” No? I’m not a religious man and am searching for a better word to make this work. Any writers out there? I need help with this thought.
and we publish as a team.”
What about “elevate”, my friend?? “to lift up” …I figure if damning is sending someone “down”, you could also go along with a “religious” theme and use “glorify” or “praise”?? What do you think??
maggiemaeijustsaythis 