2020: an "Annus horribilis"

Ruby Rose

Location: Canadian Prairies
Annus horribilis” ‘tis the term that comes to mind as I reflect on the past year; the first time I heard this term was back in 1992 when the Queen described that year for her and the Royals so. At times, it is loosely used. I imagine many can honestly state 2020 was one horrible past year. I used to hear “a humdinger of a year” or other, stronger colloquialisms. Just the other day, someone stated what an awful past year it had been, and I answered at once, Oh, you must have had an annus horribilis! It is a new phrase to me that seems to stick to you. It grabs you and I want to use it all the time. The month of January is notorious for comments reflecting on the past year. I believe 2020, now widely being considered an annus horribilis, with its endured worldwide cases of isolation from the new coronavirus, economic desolation, etc., should be trumpeted from the rooftops by way of catharsis! And the beat goes on...in hope for an “annus mirabilis” to come!
 

2020 has been a really strange year....mostly due to the virus. We have a long way to go before that is no longer an issue, but hopefully by Summer, we can start seeing substantial progress on controlling this illness, and by late in this year, we can start returning to a more normal routine.
 
While I won't refer to 2020 as personally being annus horribilus as I have had much worse, it was certainly a frustrating year with trying to sell a summer place, trying to have a sunroom addition started but not completed, and just the general covid thing in not being able to do what I love to do which is being a people person.
 
I’m just relieved that you remembered to put the letter N in the word twice. Otherwise.......or maybe that shoe fits too.........
 


Back
Top