My family has always been a little strange. Not strange in the, “Hey look, they’re performing ritual animal sacrifices in their front yard!” way, just strange in the, “Only they would get a kick out of that!” way. Take, for instance, our love of an oddity in the world of grammar known as heteronyms. What are heteronyms, you ask? Well, they are two words that are spelled alike, but have two completely different meanings and pronunciations. And, for those of you who may be thinking you learned about these in grade school, I am not referring to synonyms (two words that mean the same thing) or homonyms (two words that sound the same). Heteronyms are their own breed—their own, strange breed.

Example (I found this one a few years ago—one point for me!): Invalid

First meaning and pronunciation: My grandmother is an invalid.

Second meaning and pronunciation: That answer is invalid.

My family loves finding heteronyms. My parents have a running list on their refrigerator that has been there since Chase and I were in high school. It’s been so long, I don’t even remember how the whole thing started. We’ll find them in the strangest places and race home to check the grand master list to see if anyone has found it yet. My dad, of course, is the heteronym master, but we’ve all contributed.

Anyway, I think I’ve stumbled onto one this morning while teaching that is not on the master list: console.

First meaning and pronunciation: I went to console my friend.

Second meaning and pronunciation: Flip the switch on the console to start the engine.

I’m a little afraid to check the master list on the off-chance someone has already found it, but I’m proud of this one and sincerely hope I’m the first one to discover it. Ah, the simple pleasures in life…

So, when you’re sitting at home wondering if your family is the only strange one in existence, rest assured…you are not alone!

And, incidentally, if you find any heteronyms, send them our way!