I AM A SENSITIVE SOUL. I am also a wordsmith. Combine the two and you get someone who responds with sensitivity to words. That’s me. Use inappropriate words in certain contexts and my emotions flare.
For example, I don’t like the words crazy, insane and nuts when applied in general to how someone is acting. If you’re talking about actual nuts, like peanuts, walnuts or almonds, nuts is appropriate. Apply it to human behavior and you have overstepped the boundaries of fitting word usage in my opinion.
You can be crazy with joy, meaning excessively joyful. I’m good with that. But if someone terms another person crazy, I recognize that for what it is, a hurtful label. Ditto for insane.
For anyone with a mental illness, especially, and for others, words like crazy and nuts sound offensive. I can’t think of any other illness with such associated disrespectful words that are loosely used in everyday life.
And then there’s the intentional use of hurtful words. A southern Minnesota craft brewery, whose name and location I choose not to share here (but which I feel needs some education by the National Alliance on Mental Illness), claims “Crazy Good Beer” with names that are spin-offs of mental illnesses. Hopzophrenia IPA. Catatonic Cream Ale. Manic Black Lager. Clever marketing or humorous, you might say. Me? Nope. This sensitive soul finds these names degrading/mean/offensive/insensitive to anyone diagnosed with and managing a mental illness.
What if, for example, the beers were spin-offs tied to cancer? Chemo Juice. Black Lung Lager. Radiated Raspberry Sour. And so on. I expect the response would be loud, and not in a good way. But it’s alright to name beers after schizophrenia, depression, bi-polar…? Nope. Not OK.
I’m not picking on this small town brewery. I expect these are fine, hardworking folks dedicated to the craft of brewing beer. Rather, it’s one public example of inappropriate word usage and the importance of recognizing the power of words.
Words matter, sensitive wordsmith or not.
THOUGHTS? Any words that spark a negative reaction in you?
© Copyright 2023 Audrey Kletscher Helbling
Minnesota Prairie Roots 
Reflecting on the power of words August 24, 2026
Tags: commentary, encouragement, kindness, Minnesota, positive words, reflections, thoughts, uplifting words, window stickers, words, wordsmith
WORDS MATTER. And, as a wordsmith, I find myself especially drawn to words that uplift. Encouraging words exist everywhere in everyday life, if we look and listen for them.
Read them in a book. See them on a window or bumper sticker. Find them on a painted stone. Overhear them in a conversation. Speak them.
To use words in a positive way holds tremendous power. Likewise, to use words in a negative way can cause hurt that runs deep and destructive.
Choose your words wisely. Be kind. Listen. Speak lovingly. Show compassion and care in words and actions. Strive to do good. Look for the best in others.
And if you must correct, counter or disagree, then do so in the gentlest of ways. Be respectful. That is much more effective than anger, accusations and fiery words that inflame.
We all live in this world together. We are all connected. And as such, let’s remember our humanity, our commonalities, that which builds up rather than breaks down. See the good in one another. Choose love and kindness. Embrace happiness. Live not selfishly, but with concern, care and compassion for others.
This, my friends, is possible. And it starts with each of us, individually.
© Copyright 2026 Audrey Kletscher Helbling