Synesthesia is not a word that will be on everyone’s short list of words to know, but it is helpful to understand. Synesthesia is a neurological condition that is very rare and only effects about 1% of the population. The word comes from two Greek words, “synth” meaning together, and “ethesia” meaning perception.
People who have synesthesia are called synesthetes and they have a condition where one stimulant to the brain triggers more than one response. Synesthetes often can see music as colors, or taste textures in food. The condition is either inherited or develops early in life.
If you ever watched the TV show The Beverly Hillbillies, then you intuitively know what the made-up word “gazintas” means. Jethro, the not too bright son, was asked what he was studying in school. He replied “gazintas, you know 2 gazintas 8 four times.” Spelled correctly “gazintas” would be “goes in to.”
But you would be surprised at how many people know the meaning of this “word” when you ask. Jethro was a memorable character in TV history, as were Uncle Jed, Ellie May, and Grandma.
