The English language probably doesn’t need more words especially when most English speakers use such a small swath of the spectrum of nouns, verbs, adjectives, adverbs, and all the other nuisance parts of speech words available to them. The exception is curse words. I’m constantly taken aback by the string of unique swear words some people weave together like filthy macrame.

I overheard someone asking about the difference between omnipotence and omniscience. (and a vague concern about why the person wanted to know).

That’s probably it.

I just got to thinking about “omni” words.

When I say, “thinking,” I mean, I said to myself (or maybe out loud), “How many ‘omni’ words are there? Are there ‘omni’ words for every possible super power? And if not, could I make some up?”

Yeah, I know. I really need a hobby.

So, “omni” (as a prefix) means “all.” Simple enough.

Let’s review the famous “omnis.”

Omnipotence means all-powerful (I suppose that means you can, by just being you, move heavy stuff, unclog hopelessly turded-up toilets, and make people do stuff you don’t want to do–kind of like a mega construction boss).

Omniscience means all-knowing (not to be confused with thinking you know everything, which is just annoying).

Omnipresence means all over the place or being everywhere at the same time (which is just creepy).

But there are lesser known “omnis” (except to those with omniscience who would already know everything).

Omnidirectional means all directions (which could apply to, oh, I don’t know, me driving around downtown Portland while my navigation system is politely telling me that she is “recalculating”).

Omnifarious means all groups or kinds or categories (I thought it meant all villains, which would make it such a great word, but it doesn’t so it’s not–are you confused yet?).

Omnivore means eats all foods (I don’t even want to think about what some people define as edible).

Now for the “omnis” that don’t currently exist but, in my opinion, should.

Omniveracious would mean all right. No. Not as in “everything is fine,” but as in “you are always correct.” Again, this does not apply to people who think they are always speaking the truth; this would apply to people who are really always speaking the truth. Granted, discerning the difference may be difficult.

Omnioptical would mean all-seeing or able to see everything…every little thing. Imagine that! I haven’t sorted out the privacy issues yet.

Omniaffectation would mean all feeling (as in emotions). I actually have this. It’s about time we stop calling it a condition and start calling it something awesome.

Omnihearken would mean to hear all or everything. You’d be very well-informed, but you probably wouldn’t have many friends. Oh well.

Perhaps omnivoracious (all eating) or omnivexatious (all trouble). Both could work… See how easy this is?