My Sister- The Word Inventor

Families are funny. It seems sometimes traits and quirks are passed on for generations. My Dad often says words wrong. Very wrong. For example, my Mom had surgery years ago to remove her gallbladder. My Dad asked the doctor, "Are her intesticles going to be OK?" My mom, in a drugged up state, even caught this slip. She said, "KEITH! I don't have testicles!! You mean intestines!?"

I was recently having dinner at my parents house and we were joined by my sister, Holly (28) and my niece, Lilly (3). I told them that my recent ex-boyfriend wanted to get back together. My Mom kind of looked surprised and said, "Really?" My Dad seemed rather un-phased. My Sister had a knowing look and just started nodding. She said, "That's not surprising. Hubbard girls are addictable." My parents and I looked at each other to make sure we all heard the same thing. "Don't you mean, irresistible?" I asked. My mom said, "You mean, addictive?" And my Sister firmly replied, "NO. ADDICTABLE. It's a real word, I made it up."

It's a fine fake word. I think we all know what it means by the context. But I just don't quite understand why she thinks it's a word. I'm not all that sure who actually does make up words, but I do know that it is not Holly (Hubbard) Elam.

But regardless, she's right...just like my Dad was right to be concerned about my Mom's intesticles. We are addictable girls.