“Popularity contest,” as in “This isn’t going to win me any popularity contests, but…” You know what’s not popular? Popularity contests. I’ve never heard of one. What you are really saying is, “I’m about to be a jackass, and I just want you to know that I’m aware I’m being a jackass.” Just own your jackassery all ready. You can’t soften the blow of being a jackass.
In playing football, I find telling linebackers “no” is not beneficial. Words are strange things, at once infinitely powerful or powerless, depending upon context and will.
“Secret?” To quote Inigo Montoya, “You keep using that word. I do not think it means what you think it means.”
the bonsai tree
isn't a BANZAI! tree,
yet looks 10,000.
NOTE: “Bonsai” [盆栽] means “potted plant.” “Banzai” [万歳] means “10,000 years,” (in the manner of “long live the king.”)
Ornery.
I would replace all adverbs with a loud “HONK!”
Why do I do anything, because I think it would be funny. [Granted, only for a short time.]
Augers, drills, and trepans. They’re the most boring things I can think of.
Gator rests on stump.
but my mind cannot rest.
it's not "gator"
and "stump" in the same place,
but in the same sentence.
I’m not sure I understand the question. I generally associate the feeling of love with positivity, but the wording suggests a contrast to the negative examples of feeling loved.
Also, not sure whether “where” is meant to refer to a part of the body, a city, a region, a country, a room of the house, etc.
Like everyone, with a great deal less civility.
Also, with the recognition that no one is trapped by societal convention, so one must be concise, or no one will take it in.
Also, I end sentences with prepositions more.
Tiger Riding for Beginners 