"the word is" dictionary stationery sticker

This dictionary sticker is a simple invitation to ground your language into your own dictionary format. what does a word mean to you? How does it compare to what a standard dictionary says? How does it relate to the etymology of the word? What other words do you consider to be related? 

We're big word nerds over in these parts. Early on working with incarcerated people it became clear to me that we definitely don't always mean the same thing when we use the same word; there are different cultural meanings, but more often than not I find there are just really personal definitions people hold based on their own experiences and frames of reference. It led me to go after understanding more often, asking people "what do you mean when you say that?" often leading to consideration of how it relates to common definitions within dominant culture. It led me to consider my own definitions as well, based on my frames of reference. It's not true that what I mean is always what someone understands me to mean. 

Use this sticker to build your own personal dictionary, to build out your understanding of someone else, to structure a word-nerd activity, or literally whatever else you can think of - there's no right way. 

This sticker is available in quantities of 3, 7, 15, 31, & 52 – try out just a few or get enough to build into your own dictionary. This sticker measures 4"x6" with a semi-gloss finish on thermal sticker paper.