Discussion » Statements » Rosie's Corner » For some or possibly many words are simply a means by which they communicate. Perfunctory. Surfacely. They don't really respect words. WHY?
RosieG

For some or possibly many words are simply a means by which they communicate. Perfunctory. Surfacely. They don't really respect words. WHY?

Perhaps it's comparable to how we feel about our cars. Some folks keep them at maximum performance by taking exceedingly good care of them while others just use them for transportation and they aren't washed or maintained. They're just taken for granted. When they breakdown from neglect oh well!

Words define you. Your choice of which to use when and where. If you take them for granted and slapdash your way through what that says about you is that you really don't care enough to pay attention. Maybe YOU do. Maybe YOU ARE AN EXCEPTION.

Posted - February 2, 2020
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Responses


  • 10813
    I try to keep my words simple.  That's because if I use too many big words it'll go over the heads of those with whom I'm trying to communicate.  I mean I wouldn't want to gasconade my mental lexicon (or worse, give them hippopotomonstrosesquippedaliophobia).  While words may define a person, if no one understands those words then they are merely superfluous.
      February 2, 2020 2:22 PM MST
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  • 7280
    Granted, speech is useless if it impedes communication---unless its purpose is to make sure certain people realize that they are thinking far too highly of themselves without good reason.

    Of course, phraseology is good for that, but occasionally certain phraseology is frown on by certain Q & A websites.
      February 2, 2020 2:34 PM MST
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  • 113301
    Years ago when I first joined Answerbag someone said something similar and I'll tell you what I told him.
    First of all you assume people won't understand. How do you know? Also when I encounter a word I don't understand I look it up in the dictionary. I am always appreciative of those who introduce new words to me. But most important of all Shuhak you are not being yourself when you do that. Why should you change the words you would ordinarily use? Why would you DUMB DOWN because you don't want people to think you are showing off? Why not just be you? Some will be drawn to you and some won't. But you will be honest and open and whom you are. The person with whom I had that conversation agreed that changing how you express yourself is not being true to you. I don't mean you should go out of your way to use arcane esoteric words. I just mean whatever word occurs to you use it. Okay. I had my say. Thank you for your reply and Happy Monday. It is a bit insulting to your audience though don't you think? You don't know who is out there. You don't know if it's someone like me who LOVES new words and LOVES to look up the meaning. I thank the folks who do that. Perhaps I've thanked you? Anyway that's my story and I'm gonna stick with it. As for the hippo word I'm gonna look that up right now. Guess what? It isn't in my Webster's Encyclopedia Unabridged Dictionary of the English Language. I guess if it exists it means someone who has a phobia about hippopotomi. I could be wrong! :) This post was edited by RosieG at February 3, 2020 10:10 AM MST
      February 3, 2020 1:15 AM MST
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  • 10813
    If you're using a computer, and have Chrome as your browser, and want to find the meaning of a word, simply hi-lite the word, left click on it, and choose "search google for....".   That will give you a quick definition of most words.  

    You're right, though.    I was thinking along the lines of communicating with an employee, not having a casual conversation (hard to erase 30 years of habit)  With employees, the simpler the words, the better chance there is for the employee to comprehend subject matter (a 'deer in the headlights' look isn't productive).  Most people don't have a extensive vocabulary, and when communicating there's not time to look up words in a dictionary.  therefore, one wants to make sure what they say is understood by the hearer.  Otherwise they're just wasting their breath.
      February 3, 2020 10:30 AM MST
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  • 113301
    No Chrome but I wouldn't use it anyway I am a HANDS ON person still Shuhak. I like to look up the word myself in my dictionary. I dislike KINDLE. I dislike downloading a book to a computer screen. I like the feel of a book in my hand the feel of turning a page when I' ready to do so. The electronic life is not for me beyond a certain basic simplicity. I like internet access. I like book stores and libraries. How long before the actual places are gone and the only way to get there is via a computer? I dunno but hopefully I won't be here. Thank you for your reply. When instructing someone simplicity is key. But in conversation when you are discussing views or ideas dumbing down doesn't do a thing for the listeners or you.  If you're talking about something abstruse or arcane or esoteric it wouldn't be with a person you'd have to dumb down for right? Just my personal opinion. Thank you for your thoughtful reply! :)
      February 3, 2020 11:04 AM MST
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  • 7280
    You say:

    Words define you. Your choice of which to use when and where. If you take them for granted and slapdash your way through what that says about you is that you really don't care enough to pay attention.
    Not only the words themselves, but how much care is taken by those posting to spell all words properly is a measure of the orderliness of one's mind and provides a valid inference as to the probative value of the words written.


      February 2, 2020 2:39 PM MST
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  • 113301
    You are a purist. I did not know that. Different strokes for different folks. To each his own. If thou canst be true to thine own self thou cannot be true to anyone. Or words to that effect. Thank you for your reply and Happy Monday to thy. Interesting. Provocative. Perplexing. Puzzling. Surprising. It is what it is. I yam what I yam and that's all that I yam.
      February 3, 2020 1:20 AM MST
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  • 7280
    Yes---"If I am not for myself, then who will be for me?"   (and)   "If not now, when?"

    https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hillel_the_Elder
     This post was edited by tom jackson at February 4, 2020 12:51 PM MST
      February 4, 2020 12:49 PM MST
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