09/05/2026
National No Rhyme Nor Reason Day on September 1st recognizes words that do not rhyme with any other words in the English language.
While September celebrates many random and capricious days, this observance focuses on specific words. Words that don't rhyme with any other word are called refractory rhymes. Poets reason that avoiding these words helps keep their poetry consistent. However, refractory words only interrupt poems where rhyme and reason matter.
The less fickle poet takes on these challenging words. Toss out the rhymes. Say farewell to meter. Be whimsical and playful. The Jabberwocky never stopped Lewis Carrol. Dilly dally in a world of mishmash and find a verse that fits the spirit of the day. Deliver an envelope full of words directly up the chimney. Tilt the accent one way and lilt it another until the word fits in fluttery ways.
There need be no reason, nor rhyme for that matter. Not all poems do. Then again, you could dive deep like Alexander Atkins did in 2014 and search a little bit harder for the perfect rhyme. Check out his blog that stretches the edges of the language to fill the void left by refractory rhymes.
Some unrhymable (or nearly unrhymable) words in the English language include:
Orange
Month
Silver
Spirit
Chimney
Purple
Woman
Ninth
Pint
Vendor #0033 aka Emerald City Antiques has brought in this orange covered ceramic vase for all the folks who love this bright non-rhyming fruit! It is available now at The Antique Gallery of Lewisville for $169.95
As always, vintage items are tariff free!
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