Cellar Door?

Context

Some have suggested that “cellar door” is the most beautiful phrase in the English language:

Most English-speaking people … will admit that cellar door is ‘beautiful’, especially if dissociated from its sense (and from its spelling). More beautiful than, say, sky, and far more beautiful than beautiful (JRR Tolkein, 1955)

I discovered its illusory character when many years ago a Japanese friend with whom I often discussed literature told me that to him and some of his English-speaking friends the most beautiful word in our language was “cellardoor”. (Barzun, 1991)

Task A

To what extent do you agree with the assertion? Explain your perspective.

Task B

Propose a phrase to rival “cellar door” in beauty. Explain your thinking.

Task C

Propose the ugliest phrase in the English language. Explain your thinking.

Grade Levels

Any

Subject

ELA, Creative thinking, Just-for-fun

Lesson Handout:

https://docs.google.com/document/d/17fQTw9PFX-vij7D5IvhwMQRWvVcDHQ5cFGHZ7cYARQA/edit?usp=sharing