Glitter

Glitter is a word closely associated with the celebration which the world calls Christmas. Christmas does indeed “glitter” as well as sparkle, but glitter transcends the holiday season. Although glitter is generally thought of positively, it may also have negative connotations. For instance, a prospector during the Gold Rush may have panned for gold day after day and finally observed that glitter which portended a vein of gold. However, after his initial excitement, that which glittered was not gold but was, in fact, quite worthless. Although a stone may glitter and capture a million facets, it may not be a diamond but a cubic zirconium. Not only do precious stones glitter — people also glitter. People who never meet a stranger glitter. Men who treat women as ladies glitter. On the other hand, women of the evening frequently glitter in their sequined outfits, but it is a tawdry glitter. Some speak of the glitter of success. However, if that glitter is based on superficial qualities only, the position may lose its appeal and leave behind only litter. Glitter is not so strong as sparkle and not so weak as shine. It implies a fragility which indicates that it must be handled with care. It certainly is not a word that a person would use frequently. Almost anyone who has a choice between glitter and glamour will chose the latter. Glitter is a peculiar word, contradictory, yet so expressive when coupled with something like fresh fallen snow.