On Using Complex Vocabulary

[Andrew Gubb]

I notice I write (edit) with a more complex vocabulary than I talk. Though I do talk a bit like that too.

I wonder if it comes across as pretentious. I wonder if I'm being pretentious I was pretty insecure as a kid, had to be the smartest to feel good about myself, so it could be inertia from that.

What do you think?

[Bradshaw]

People who talk verbosely are awesome.

Just sayin'

[CoolBee]

Haven't noticed you being oververbose, but then I think I probably am too
I'm the sort of person who always feels a bit cheated when interesting-sounding blog articles are only 300 or 400 words long and seem to have been cut short when there's a lot more the author could say! (But I confess most of mine run to the 2000-4000 word length LOL!)

[Andrew Gubb]

Clarification: I mean that I talk with complicated vocabulary, rather than writing a lot. Did I use that word wrong?

[CoolBee]

erm just a bit

ver·bose (vr-bs)
adj.
Using or containing a great and usually an excessive number of words; wordy. See Synonyms at wordy.
[Middle English *verbous, from Latin verbsus, from verbum, word; see verb.]
ver·bosely adv.
ver·boseness, ver·bosi·ty (-bs-t) n.

[OptimistPrime]

The word you're looking for is sesquipedalian.

[Andrew Gubb]

Originally Posted by CoolBee

erm just a bit

ver·bose (vr-bs)
adj.
Using or containing a great and usually an excessive number of words; wordy. See Synonyms at wordy.
[Middle English *verbous, from Latin verbsus, from verbum, word; see verb.]
ver·bosely adv.
ver·boseness, ver·bosi·ty (-bs-t) n.

Lol. How ironic.

Can the poll and thread title be edited please?

[OptimistPrime]

Haha, if you're going to change the poll and title, better go with "bombastic". "Sesquipedalian" will rack up a lot of "Yes" votes for sure.

[Fred Tracy]

Hmm, I always liked your writing. I've never heard you talk to so I have no idea.

I can say that a large part of my identity as a kid was formed around being "smarter" than other people.

That being said, I tend to be a lot more verbose in writing. I'm from the Midwest here in the USA, so when I talk it can be relatively simple unless I am explaining something complex.

I even use "ain't" from time to time.

[Mariana Trench]

Sesquipedalian writing is a delight to read.

I was pretty insecure as a kid, had to be the smartest to feel good about myself, so it could be inertia from that.

I'd be surprised if there weren't a lot of people on this forum who could relate to that. It's for self-professed smart people after all.

What would you like the title changed to?

[ZephyrusX]

I haven't read any of your writings, but just based on your forum posts, your use of language is very accessible and doesn't come across as pretentious.

Do you still feel like you have to be the smartest in order to feel good about your self? Or is this a thing of the past?

Originally Posted by Andrew Gubb

I notice I write (edit) with a more complex vocabulary than I talk. Though I do talk a bit like that too.

I wonder if it comes across as pretentious. I wonder if I'm being pretentious I was pretty insecure as a kid, had to be the smartest to feel good about myself, so it could be inertia from that.

What do you think?

[Andrew Gubb]

Originally Posted by ZephyrusX

Do you still feel like you have to be the smartest in order to feel good about your self? Or is this a thing of the past?

I don't know if there is any of it remaining, but in general at least I can definitely say it's a thing of the past.

[Andrew Gubb]

Originally Posted by Mariana Trench

What would you like the title changed to?

On Using Complex Vocabulary

And the poll:

question: Do I use excessively complex vocabulary

first answer: Yes (give specific reason)

(and the rest doesn't need changing)

[NoJobRob]

I don't think your vocabulary is overly complex. You write well, and as ZephyrusX said, it's very accessible. I don't think it's pretentious at all either, that's more of an attitude thing, like how a lot of people think that "I'm right and if you don't agree with me then you're an idiot". Now THAT is pretentious. Craigslist's Rants and Raves, and the comments on CNN's stories are prime examples of places you can find that mindset. LOL There's more, but those are the two examples that stick out to me the most.

[hamix]

Human expression is subjective, of course. There is nothing at all wrong with using complex words, or using a sophisticated vocabulary. Most likely it's just people feeling uncomfortable since they don't understand the words used.

[ZephyrusX]

If people are uncomfortable with your use of words, isn't that in it self a problem? I think it is depending upon the context and who you are trying to influence. To use an extreme example, would you use complex vocabulary during a bibliographic instruction session involving children?

It isn't really that simplistic though. I once entered one of my English papers into a contest because my professor encouraged me to do so, but she suggested that I should define what 'Sophia' was as she didn't think that the academic readers judging the papers would know that it was referring to wisdom and the psalms. If you are trying to influence someone, it is your responsibility to accommodate your audience. Blaming your audience for feeling uncomfortable or being ignorant will not get you very far depending upon the circumstances.

Originally Posted by hamix

There is nothing at all wrong with using complex words, or using a sophisticated vocabulary. Most likely it's just people feeling uncomfortable since they don't understand the words used.

[hamix]

Originally Posted by ZephyrusX

If people are uncomfortable with your use of words, isn't that in it self a problem? I think it is depending upon the context and who you are trying to influence. To use an extreme example, would you use complex vocabulary during a bibliographic instruction session involving children?

It isn't really that simplistic though. I once entered one of my English papers into a contest because my professor encouraged me to do so, but she suggested that I should define what 'Sophia' was as she didn't think that the academic readers judging the papers would know that it was referring to wisdom and the psalms. If you are trying to influence someone, it is your responsibility to accommodate your audience. Blaming your audience for feeling uncomfortable or being ignorant will not get you very far depending upon the circumstances.

I would agree that language should be tailored to suit the audience. But still, people who do use more formal language often do so by nature. I think how people express themselves is subjective.

[SatvikBeri]

Originally Posted by Andrew Gubb

On Using Complex Vocabulary

And the poll:

question: Do I use excessively complex vocabulary

first answer: Yes (give specific reason)

(and the rest doesn't need changing)

"On Using Big Words"

[elucidate]

There are a fair few people on this forum who do use a lot of big words to appear the smartest, but you aren't one of them.

[Ceoarob]

It would behoove you to eschew verbiage.

[Acting Like Godot]

Originally Posted by elucidate

There are a fair few people on this forum who do use a lot of big words to appear the smartest, but you aren't one of them.

"A few forummers use many big words to appear smart, but not you."

[ButterflyWoman]

I think this thread calls for my all-time favourite Dan Quayle quote:

"Verbosity leads to unclear, inarticulate things."

I think that sums it up. Whatever "it" is.

[elucidate]

Originally Posted by Acting Like Godot

"A few forummers use many big words to appear smart, but not you."

I prefer my pretentious longer version, thanks.

[Andrew Gubb]

Lol I love the humour on this thread.

[momo3bur]

You don't put off a pretentious vibe in the very least, Andrew!

I actually love reading your posts because you are very kind and informative and the combination of your avatar and the personality that shines through your words leaves a very bright, sweet Andrew on the screen. Although I've never read any of your articles, your posts paint a beautiful picture of you as a person and your vocabularly helps others who read your writing stay interested and take you seriously, which I would think is very important since you are an author.

You seem to be able to acheive that, "I'm very intelligent and colorful, yet I love you and you are just as important to me as anyone else," feeling through your posts, which I really appreciate. It leaves a person open to reading what you write and never feeling intimidated whatsoever. I think you would be a wonderful teacher, actually.

Keep it up! You are absolutely lovely.

[CoolBee]

How funny Last night I went into a new bookshop in one of the new Malls springing up around Cairo and saw this kids book prominantly displayed

The Sesquipedalian Word Game

I swear I haven't seen that word before this thread in all my 51+ years!

[irfan]

In theory, I like short, clear sentences. In practice, I often write long complicated ones. When I edit, I often have to chop my one original long sentence into three short ones.

Andrew, I read your blog and I noticed the content more than the style. That's good: good style doesn't draw attention to itself.

[Andrew Gubb]

Originally Posted by irfan

In theory, I like short, clear sentences. In practice, I often write long complicated ones. When I edit, I often have to chop my one original long sentence into three short ones.

Andrew, I read your blog and I noticed the content more than the style. That's good: good style doesn't draw attention to itself.

Cool, that sounds like a good rule of thumb. Thanks

[Acting Like Godot]

Originally Posted by irfan

In theory, I like short, clear sentences. In practice, I often write long complicated ones.

"My sentences are longer than I like."

[Lioness]

I get your point, ALG, but for me, something is lost in your edit of irfan's post. I love words and style that reflect personality; depending, as others have said, on what you're writing about and for whom.

It's like fashion. Some people prefer a plain, functional wardrobe, while others enjoy more a ornate or quirky look.

To please the widest audience, it's best to keep it simple, but I don't think infan was unecessarily wordy. He makes a point about writing that we can also relate to many situations; what we subscribe to in theory vs. what tends to happen in real life. I think it's richer in meaning than when you cut it to the bone.