- Published on
(A proofreader's note regarding “amused” and “bemused”)
“Amused” and “bemused” are misused and confused;
They arise from “amuse” and “bemuse.”
Their ancestral linkage to “muse” in its verb form
Is source of most issues and rues.
This “muse” was related to “muzzle” or “snout”
Of a dog that was losing its scent;
Its sniffing the air was “to ponder and wonder,”
A sense of “to muse” that was meant.
“Amuse,” with the meaning of “cause to be musing,”
Implied a sly aim to distract,
Divert one's attention while planning deceit,
Entertain though deceiving in fact.
“To trick” or “confuse” was a part of the concept;
“Amuse” had it; likewise “bemuse.”
Though dropped from the former through years of due usage,
It still plays a role in “bemuse.”
“Bemused,” then, has meanings of “marked by confusion,”
And “lost in one's reverie” and “dazed”;
“Displaying a tolerant amusement” as well
In a nod to descent not erased.
This adjective's setting will often hold muddle,
Not pleasure as is with “amused.”
The latter has meaning “to pleasantly entertain”;
Joy is its primary roost.
“His speech was replete with scientific expressions;
Bemused were the smiles that appeared.
It scuppered all hope of a few being amused there
And left him bemused that he cared.”