Merriam-Webster Dictionary
Word of the Day
17/05/2026
Town Days: The Affable Chap
He wanders through the morning
with a twinkle in his stride,
an affable old fellow
whom the townsfolk take in pride.
He tips his hat to postmen,
gives the bus queue all a grin,
waves at Mrs. Calder
as she sweeps her doorstep in.
He chats with market traders
as they stack their crates of pears,
asks after their children
and remembers all their cares.
He compliments the lampposts
for “standing straight and true”,
salutes the council workers
with a cheery “How d’ee do”.
He praises dogs for wagging,
gives toddlers space to stare,
and nods at every cyclist
as if sharing secret air.
By noon he’s crossed the High Street
leaving pockets full of cheer,
for kindness, once it’s spoken,
tends to linger in the ear.
And though he owns no office
and he holds no civic role,
the town is somehow brighter
for the warmth he leaves on stroll.
May 17
May 17, 2026 at 1:14 AM UTC
Merriam-Webster Dictionary
Word of the Day
17/05/2026
Town Days: The Affable Chap
He wanders through the morning
with a twinkle in his stride,
an affable old fellow
whom the townsfolk take in pride.
He tips his hat to postmen,
gives the bus queue all a grin,
waves at Mrs. Calder
as she sweeps her doorstep in.
He chats with market traders
as they stack their crates of pears,
asks after their children
and remembers all their cares.
He compliments the lampposts
for “standing straight and true”,
salutes the council workers
with a cheery “How d’ee do”.
He praises dogs for wagging,
gives toddlers space to stare,
and nods at every cyclist
as if sharing secret air.
By noon he’s crossed the High Street
leaving pockets full of cheer,
for kindness, once it’s spoken,
tends to linger in the ear.
And though he owns no office
and he holds no civic role,
the town is somehow brighter
for the warmth he leaves on stroll.
What It Means
Affable describes someone who is friendly and easy to talk to. It can also describe something, such as someone’s personality, that is characterized by ease and friendliness.
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