I have found it. My favorite word. It is the best word. No other word will ever be as wonderful as this.

In the past, I have loved “defenestrate,” “smock,” “Tchoupitoulas” and “Apalachicola.” Fine words all. They were lovely and passionate affairs of the heart while they lasted. But this is better.

Are you ready?

Here it is.

Pamplemousse.

It’s French for “grapefruit,” which is nice but not the point. I love it for how it looks on the page — so fun and carefree — and for what it makes me imagine when I read it — a purple mouse — which is not a grapefruit at all but still wonderful.

Happy. This word just makes me happy.

Pamplemousse.

Pamplemousse.

Pamplemousse!