THE ARTIST'S
ENGLISH DICTIONARY
SLAM Dunk·le
/slam ˈdəŋ-kəl/ (proper noun) 1: A forceful disruptor blending intensity and illumination, confronting dark oppressive forces with light. 2: A lyrical combatant using words to challenge and inspire. "SLAM" from Middle English slammen (to strike) and "slam poetry" highlights impactful expression. "Dunkle," from German dunkel (dark), symbolizes resistance against oppression. SLAM Dunkle is a powerful force bringing light to darkness.
Matthew "SLAM" Dunkle 2020
Photo by Anne Piessens
Al·read·y
Wide·ly
Known
/ɔːlˈrɛd.i ˈwaɪd.li noʊn/ (adjective) 1: Describing a universal truth or profound insight independently discovered yet collectively recognized. 2: (colloquial) A playful acknowledgment of originality existing within shared human experience, balancing confidence and humility. "Already" stems from the Old English eallræde (completely ready), denoting something fully formed or inherent. "Widely" derives from Old English wīdlice (extensively), emphasizing reach or resonance. "Known" comes from Old English cnāwan (to know, perceive), suggesting awareness or recognition. The phrase encapsulates the lyric: “Wise sayings I arrived at on my own but happened to be already widely known,” from SLAM Dunkle's album, highlighting the interplay between personal discovery and universal truths.
Sleepy Hollow Cemetery, Concord, MA
Unknown Photographer 2019
/awk/ 1: (adjective) Marked by a state of vulnerability or imperfection; endearingly clumsy or authentic. 2: (informal) An abbreviation for "Already Widely Known," denoting a clever paradox of fame and awkwardness. Derived from Middle English awke (backhanded, clumsy), which itself comes from Old Norse ǫfugr (turned the wrong way). The word evolved to describe social unease or physical clumsiness. Its modern reinterpretation, as an acronym, highlights the charm in embracing imperfections, popularized in the context of the album Already Widely Known (AWK).
AWK
Rid·ing
Out Loud
/ˈrī-diŋ ˌȯut ˈlaud/ (verb) To let go of reason and ride the wave of madness, finding freedom in its unbridled chaos. See also: liberation, catharsis, unraveling. Derived from Old English ridan (to travel on horseback) and Proto-Germanic hlūda (noisy). Modern reinterpretation of vocal liberation during unrestrained journeys, literal or metaphorical.
Unknown Photographer 2020
Concord, MA
SAYMO
Sin·atra
/ˈseɪmoʊ sɪnˈɑːtrə/ (noun) 1: A derivative of SAMO, meaning "same old same old", referencing A.K. Sinatra, a central figure in the SAYMO Art Collective, alongside SLAM Dunkle and Kevin "Skywalker" Kristofeild, the founder of SAYMO. SAYMO, an homage to Jean-Michel Basquiat’s SAMO, incorporates the directive "Say More," emphasizing deeper exploration and expression. SAYMO Sinatra draws upon the iconic legacies of Frank and Nancy Sinatra, blending personal and collective histories to explore themes of identity, art, and community. 2: (metaphor) A self-portrait of SLAM Dunkle in three persons, SAYMO Sinatra highlights themes of sexuality, self-esteem, and ambition. Through the intertwined narratives of Kevin, A.K. Sinatra, and the narrator, the piece delves into the complexities of self and society, exploring vanity, narcissism, independence, co-dependence, mental illness, self-destruction, and the pursuit of authenticity in a multifaceted artistic journey.
Matthew "SLAM" Dunkle
Photo by Carlos Bruno 2019
Brill·iant
/ˈbril-yənt/ (adjective) A dazzling but fractured glow, capturing the beauty and chaos of a mind at odds with itself. See also: mental health, abstraction, kaleidoscope. From Latin brillantem (shining brightly) and French brillant (sparkling). Refers to a dazzling light, both literal and figurative, often associated with beauty laced with complexity.
Matthew "SLAM" Dunkle,
Photo by Josh White
Unknown Photographer 2011
Waltham, MA
Kick the World
kĭk thē wûrld (verb) 1: To forcefully challenge the world, pushing against oppressive forces and societal expectations. A bold act of defiance—kicking the ground, the sky, or any idea that seeks to limit individuality. 2: A call to embrace true identity and reject conformity, urging action against forces that seek to define us. 3: The third track from Already Widely Known, empowering listeners to stand strong in their authenticity. "If you kick the world the way I kick the world, you don’t need a knife for a name.” Derived from Old Norse kikka (“to kick”) and Latin mundus (“world”), the phrase embodies rebellion and defiance against societal norms. Gaining prominence in the late 20th century, it serves as a rallying cry for individuality and self-expression. Kick the World urges listeners to break free from societal constraints and embrace their true selves. Through defiance and resilience, the lyrics encourage personal transformation and empowerment, leaving a lasting impact through authenticity.
Won·der Years
/ˈwəndər ˌyirz/ 1: (proper noun) the television show starring Fred Savage which aired from 1988-1993 2: (metaphorical) An emotional open letter from a son to his father about the heartbreak of moving to Oregon at age 10 when Wonder Years was in it's final season. Derived from Old English wundur (marvel, amazement) and geār (year, period of time). The phrase evolved in modern usage to signify the formative, often bittersweet years of childhood where awe and change collide. "Winnie Cooper from Wonder Years was one of my first celebrity crushes."
It's a War
/ɪts ə wɔr/ 1: (phrase) A sharp critique of systemic oppression, societal self-destruction, and the illusion of progress amidst cycles of control and conflict. 2: (metaphor) Represents the ongoing battle within society, where individuals are reduced to "soldiers" in wars waged by systemic greed, manipulation, and self-policing. Coined by SLAM Dunkle in Already Widely Known, the phrase encapsulates the disconnection between humanity’s potential for peace and its tendency toward exploitation and control: “It’s not a war that’s fought against a nation, it’s a war against people poorly policing themselves.” Through visceral imagery—"pink shit in plastic," "tanks," and "gated governors"—the piece critiques consumerism, environmental disregard, and the loss of agency in modern life, ultimately advocating for a shift from power-seeking to love and peace.
Self Portrait 2023
Leominster, MA
Noth·ing But Net
nŭth'ĭng /bʌt/ nĕt 1: (basketball slang) A perfect shot, where the ball passes through the hoop without touching the rim or backboard. 2: (figurative) A near-perfect moment of achievement, connection, or precision, often accompanied by a sense of regret or imperfection. The term originated in basketball, symbolizing flawless execution. In SLAM Dunkle's song, "Nothing But Net," the phrase takes on a deeper meaning, entwined with themes of fleeting perfection and missed opportunities. The narrator’s red Corvette, Juliet, represents freedom and allure, while the romance unfolds through a mix of passion and imperfection: "I rushed to slam dunk and to this day I still regret, the night I nearly had nothing but net." The phrase reflects both the thrill of almost achieving perfection and the lingering awareness of what was left undone.
Self Portrait 2020
Damon Mill Gatehouse
Sun·blink·ies
sŭn /blɪŋkkis/ (noun) 1: A rapid flicker of sunlight, often experienced when driving or moving through a forested area with dappled light breaking through the trees. 2: A term capturing moments of fleeting beauty and wonder, where light and shadow dance in harmony, evoking childlike awe and imagination. 3: (figurative) The hidden track of Already Widely Known by SLAM Dunkle; a spoken-word abstract poem filled with surreal imagery and whimsical observations. "I couldn’t see the road because of the sunblinkies."Originating from the playful imagination of a child, "sunblinkies" embodies the charm of noticing small, ephemeral wonders. Derived from Old English sunne (sun) and Middle English blinken (to gleam or shine), the word fuses natural brilliance with movement, reflecting both its literal and metaphorical meanings. SLAM Dunkle’s Sunblinkies channels this etymological spirit, offering a kaleidoscope of poetic light and shadow in lyrical form, a reminder to embrace the fleeting joys hidden in life’s overlooked corners.
Self Portrait 2022
Leominster, MA
Bunch-Ton
/ˈbənch ˌtən/ (noun) 1: A term symbolizing the vastness of love and joy in a relationship, paired with the heaviness of its loss. 2: (figurative) A union of “bunch” (abundance) and “ton” (enormity), expressing emotional magnitude. Derived from Middle English bunche (a cluster) and Old English tunne (a large vessel), the phrase combines ideas of fullness and weight. SLAM Dunkle’s lyrics reflect its meaning: "I loved her a bunch, she loved me a ton, her smile was my world, we had a bunch-ton of fun."
Plum Island 2023
The Ones Walk·ing Weird
/ðə wənz ˈwôkɪŋ ˈwird/ (phrase) 1: A metaphor for those who embrace individuality and defy societal norms, often facing judgment or misunderstanding from others. 2: A reflection on the paradox of criticism and conformity, highlighting how those who break free from convention are seen as "weird" by those unwilling to take the same steps. 3: (figurative) A celebration of creative resilience, internal strength, and the courage to "walk weird" in a world that trips over its own expectations. Rooted in the symbolism of movement and perception, this phrase captures SLAM Dunkle’s lyrical exploration of self-expression: "Why are they always tripping, when we’re the ones walking weird?" It challenges the listener to reconsider their perspective on individuality and conformity. Derived from Middle English walken (to move, journey) and Old English wyrd (fate, destiny), the phrase combines the physical act of walking with the concept of following a unique or destined path. SLAM Dunkle redefines "weird" to symbolize purposeful divergence from societal norms, imbuing it with pride and resilience.
Self Portrait 2020
Damon Mill Gatehouse
Matthew "SLAM" Dunkle 1993
Photo by Christine Kinsella
Portland, Oregon
Bricks and Briq·uettes
/briks ənd bri-ˈkets/ (noun) 1: A metaphorical contrast between the enduring strength of bricks and the fleeting warmth of briquettes, symbolizing life in a coal town. Bricks represent unyielding foundations of labor, family, and resilience, while briquettes, made of anthracite coal first discovered in Pennsylvania, embody temporary warmth and fiery creativity. 2: A lyrical centerpiece of Already Widely Known, capturing the narrator's coal-town roots: "One’s a hot rock, the other is not. When the wind hits one, it won’t be undone. A fireball will flare when the other hits the air. Bricks and briquettes as hot as it gets!” 3: A testament to resilience and self-expression, where blowing hard symbolizes transforming adversity into art. Derived from Middle Dutch bricke (“stone fragment”) and French briquette (“small brick”), the terms reflect durability and transience, grounding the song in the gritty reality and fiery passions of a coal-mining legacy.
Wink on the Wind
/ˈwɪŋk /ɒn/ thē /wɪnd/ 1: (noun) a butterfly kiss which is blown through the air; a person winking a single eye in the direction of another person 2: (metaphorical) Reflecting on a childhood romance capturing the beauty and sadness of what could have been. "The wink on the wind threw me for a loop." From Middle English winken (to close the eyes) and Old Norse vindr (wind). The phrase suggests a fleeting, intangible gesture carried away like a whisper on the breeze.
Poison Hemlock Flutes
Made by hand 2004
Portland, Oregon
Call Me Fame
/kôl mē fām/ (verb, noun) 1: (verb) To embrace and share one’s vulnerabilities and truths with confidence, transforming shame into empowerment. 2: (noun) A state of recognition and self-acceptance achieved through personal expression and creative authenticity. Derived from Old English calle (to cry out) and Middle English fame (renown or reputation), the phrase suggests both the act of calling attention to oneself and the result of being seen and appreciated. SLAM Dunkle’s lyrics encapsulate its spirit: "Jump in the game, choose your own name; or take mine, we’ll call you fame."
Matthew "SLAM" Dunkle 2020
Photo by Anne Piessens
Self Portrait 2022
Leominster, MA