Have you ever fallen in love with a word at first sight? A word that leaps from the page or tickles your ear?
I must confess. I have a crush on the word “winklepicker.”
As if the word’s light-hearted clicking in your mouth were not enough, just take a gander at an actual winklepicker:
source: https://www.ancient-origins.net/news-history-archaeology/winklepickers-0015435
You can choose an old-school winklepicker:
source: https://gucinari.co.uk/shoes/boots/the-history-of-winklepickers/
To me, the winklepicker’s personality walks a fine line between comedian and villain.
source: https://www.gettyimages.ca/photos/winklepicker-shoes
How could you not be intrigued by a shoe with that imagination, that wit, that je ne sais quoi?
source: https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Renaud_de_montauban_banquet.jpg, public domain
Beyond its zany frivolity, the winklepicker serves a function as well. The name came from the notion that the winklepicker’s pointy toe might be used to pick a winkle (or periwinkle, a small mollusk) from its shell.
source: https://www.climatewatch.org.au/species/marine/blue-periwinkle
The highly-stylized curled winklepicker (as might be worn by a jester) nullifies function and embraces pure form.
source: https://www.istockphoto.com/photos/winklepicker
Of course, things can be taken to an extreme.
source: Mexican Pointy Boots - VICE Video: Documentaries, Films, News Videos
I leave you with a brief winklepicking poem …
Winklepicker
I wink. I pick.
I winklepick.
I kick a winkle with my toe.
He twinkles in the foamy flow.
I wink at him – he seems to know.
I’ll pick you, winkle, with my toe.
I winklepick, and I watch him go –
stolen by a stealthy crow.
(c) Tracey Kiff-Judson, 2024
Please visit the delightful Linda Mitchell at A Word Edgewise for some wonderful clunkers and this week's Poetry Friday fiesta! Want to learn more about Poetry Friday? Check out Renee LaTulippe's post.