Flashes of Panic

Sometimes I notice people using characteristic words and phrases when they talk. Scheherazade posted about such a person this weekend (last paragraph, “agricultural”) and it reminded me of talking to Josh Cox at the men’s marathon trials back in February.

Josh’s phrase was “jacked up.” I’ve heard people use “jacked” to mean excited, and it makes some sense that way; one’s energy level is elevated. Josh was using it to mean, “messed up” or otherwise not in good condition. I liked that usage more; it brought up images of cars jacked up for tire replacement, or on a lift in the garage.

I’ve decided this is how I’ll describe my current condition from now on: “My foot is jacked up.”

I’ve probably got quite a few of these myself, but it’s harder to find them in your own speech. (What? Not everyone talks like I do?) One that leaps to mind is “wound.” Past perfective of “wind.” Think “wound up,” in the mechanical toy sense (and think about winding that toy too far.) Or “tightly wound.”

Now playing: The Day I Let Glory Steer from This Town Is Wrong by Nerissa & Katryna Nields