Word of the Week: WUSS
Unusual words thrill me, but words that sound like what they mean have a special place in my heart. This Word of the Week comes 
courtesy of former Governor Ed Rendell, and his new book, A Nation of Wusses.
In the book, his point is that America's leaders (politicians) have lost the guts to stand up for who they are-not acknowledging what they know to be true, because it will ruffle some feathers.
He says being wusses keeps us from getting things done. It keeps us from doing good things, the right things, BIG things. (click here to see entire interview)
"WUSS" is a word that Rendell has a fondness for. In a TV interview, he explained....he had called the Philadelphia Eagles "wusses" when asked for comment about their canceling a football game when there was a forecast of 11 inches of snow. His response was that this is what football was, you didn't cancel if because of bad weather, that it was 'further evidence of the wussification of America.'
Word of the Week is not (overtly) political, but the application is universal. Don't we all know someone who tries too hard to be all things to all people? Who bends over backward to avoid the elephant in the room? Who sugarcoats because they can't bear the unvarnished version?
Easier, softer ways may buy you time, or get you "A" job, but ultimately they do not get you the best results. As a Home Stager, I choose a kind way to persuade a client why they need to take pack away the wall-to-wall photos of little Bobby and Susie (both, now in their 30s)... but if I ignore or dance around it, it's just more pain, and one more conversation to have in a few months when the house is still unsold.
WUSS is a bold word, but not rash or reckless. It's not a flattering word, and certainly not an accolade; more of a nudge or a goad, but perhaps a rallying cry. WUSS is used by confident people, who have a vision of greatness for the future, at a time when they believe it can happen... Given where we all have been coming from the last few years, how cool is that??
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"Home Staging is anything that betters the market position of a property, while easing the minds of both the seller, and Realtor" ~TRH
Our spaces affect us profoundly. Whether you are buying, selling or staying-The Refreshed Home is your Westchester County Decorating, and Home Staging specialist. Bettering Westchester and lower Fairfield County CT homes since 1981, we know it's about more than a good visual.
The Refreshed Home helps you plan, and make good decisions. It's creative and quality direction for the DIYer, full service to the busy, or out of the area homeowners/landlords.
Need to sell? Have listless listings? Just ready for a change? Know that something needs to be done, but don't know where-or how-to start? Let The Refreshed Home be your partner in change. Because when your space works, so many other things fall into place!
Marie Graham ASP, IAHSP, IDS Your Stager With A Mission!
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7 Comments on Word of the Week: WUSS
Marie, our government is full of wusses.....that is why we are at a stand still. They are so afraid of making a decision and alienating their voters.
Our democracy is well over 200 years old and it never would have happened if the Signers of the Declaration of Independence were Wusses! It is truly unfortunate for all of us that politics has become a career rather than a public call to duty and service. Great word, excellent post!
Hi Marie,
Great analogy for our business - and I'm with Emily. Government service should never have become an easy path to riches. Isn't the corruption that we have right now what our founding fathers tried to escape? Sad. But candidates and officials are not afraid of the voter, they are afraid of upsetting their DONERS. The rest of us simply don't matter anymore.
And oddly enough (thankfully enough) WUSS does not rhyme with MUSS! Whew! Good word of the week AND book review!!
Let me tell you, I was listening with one ear Friday morning, and when I heard the title of this book I RAN into the LR to turn it up and listen to it all the way thru. I LOVE this word because it really does come from a strong place, a place that wants things to be better.
Thank you for all catching that thread. I've seen the swing in the business-and hopefully this is an attitude that will prevail in the season to come. Emily-you have inspired me to get 'The Founding Fathers' out of the library and see it again. SO powerful!
Nick-it just came out this week I think-it's on my short list too!