I was asked some time ago by a child why I use such “big
words”. My response at the time was that I didn't realize I used *big* words but I read a lot which puts the words in
my head so I use them automatically. I’m not just doing it to appear smarter
than anyone else. These are my thoughts this morning about language.
Language us magical. By making sounds, you can share with
others the ideas in your mind and understand their ideas. With the use of
symbols, we can carry that further and write our ideas which can then be shared
with anyone who understands those symbols.
The first sounds humans made were most likely grunts and
gestures which later evolved into basic words. As we agreed upon which sounds
meant what idea, we learned to use different words to express different nuances.
I’m not saying it’s improper to use those basic words—we even still fall back
on grunts and gestures at times—but there myriad ways to use words to express
your meaning.
To use someone else’s words,
“So avoid using the word ‘very’ because it’s lazy. A man is
not very tired, he is exhausted. Don’t use very sad, use morose. Language was
invented for one reason, boys - to woo women - and, in that endeavor, laziness
will not do. It also won’t do in your essays.”
― N.H. Kleinbaum, Dead Poets Society
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