New Quarantine Vocabulary
Maybe it’s the lack of responsibilities as of late.
Maybe it’s my need to turn everything into a pun.
Or maybe it’s the fact that I have finally lost my marbles.
Whatever it is, my family has developed a new vocabulary during this time of quarantine. Please feel free to use these terms and write to Webster’s on my behalf. I’d like to get this vocabulary worked into pandemic life. Here you go. Don’t worry, there won’t be a test.
Quaran-teen
“Quaranteen”–(Noun) an individual between the ages of 13-19 who went from being over-involved to social distanced in a matter of hours. This is my “quaran-teen”. Before the pandemic, he had me running to and from to keep his social calendar in check. One day, I counted three sports activities in 12 hours: football before 7 am, baseball in the afternoon, and wrestling at night.
Now, he is a “quaranteen”. His activity levels have gone down and he comes up with many different workouts in our backyard on his own. My quaranteen’s angst is kept in check by his ability to dream up athletic challenges for himself and then perform them in lieu of a practice or game. My “quaranteen” is doing his best to keep a positive attitude about all of this, but he is dying to get back with his teams and his friends.
Quaran-Queen
“Quaran-queen”–(Noun) a pre-tween daughter who exerts fashion and fun in spite of COVID-19. This is my “quaran-queen”. No amount of lockdown or social distancing will stop her from getting in a dress, wearing earrings, and putting on makeup. She is a lady in the midst of the pandemic, and no COVID-19 will take away her shine. She is 100% diamonds and high heels at all times. She is glamour and glitz in the face of this virus. She is a phenomenal “quaran-queen”.
Quaran-Clean
“Quaran-clean” –(Adjective) for all those kids living an *ahem* “relaxed life. Even though many are using this time to deep clean their houses, my kid is going the route of “quaran-clean” Which means my husband and I aren’t sure when he last showered or picked up his room until it’s too late. I pray for all of the “quaran-clean” people in this world. With no social pressure to keep them in check, their post-pandemic lives could require more maintenance. I’m working on my son’s cleanliness level, but I honestly think all of us are a little “quaran-clean” at this point.
Quaran-Dream
“Quaran-dream”–(Noun) Describes imaginations that run wild during this time of uncertainty. These come to me during the dark hours of the afternoon, sometimes following a snowstorm. My “quaran-dream” is for us all to be safe and back to each other once again. I have many “quaran-dreams” of being with friends, of outdoor concerts, of yummy restaurants, and of packed stadium seats. My “quaran-dreams” get bigger the longer we’re on lockdown, and I can’t wait to make them a reality.
Quaran-Seen
“Quaran-seen”–(Verb) interacting in a new, pandemic appropriate way. Since we can’t see our friends the way we usually do, I have now “quaran-seen” many of them. My family has “quaranseen” friends by driving by their houses, sitting at least six feet apart in lawn chairs, Zooming for happy hours, or having virtual write-ins. My son has “quaranseen” a couple of his friends by fishing around a lake at least six feet apart and playing video games. Our elementary schools have constructed parades, and as a teacher, I’ve “quaranseen” my students via the computer. Even though we can’t really see each other the way we used to, it’s still nice to have at least “quaranseen” one another during this time.
What can you add to our quarantine vocabulary? We’d love to know.