Denotative is the specific definition of the word. Connotative expands the meaning to include all of the feelings and other associations with the word. Sometimes we may hear a word that has a boatload of meaning for us and we lose sight of the overall message. Same thing happens with members of our audience.

We all have word symbols that have connotative meanings for us. One of my sons does not like to hear the word "hilarious". He can't explain it, but it might have been a word that was overused when he was in high school by a group of girls he didn't like at that age. One daughter hates the word "panties". For some reason it makes her think of an older woman trying to be too young and sexy. (No, not her mom! I embrace my age.)

When I was in junior high, my parents said they needed to have a notary public sign some papers. Since I had never heard this phrase before, I connected what I heard to words I knew, and so thought they had to find a "noted Republican" to sign their papers. I thought, "How strange. Could they go to a noted Democrat if they couldn't find a Republican?" In college, the dots finally connected, but to this day, whenever I hear the term, I think of my parents discussing it while we were all in a car going to our favorite Italian restaurant.

What are some words that have connotative meanings for you?