I don't think the lack of sources make it "not an essay". You can dispute the value of the writing, but it's a bit weird to think it's pompous to use words with

I don't think the lack of sources make it "not an essay". You can dispute the value of the writing, but it's a bit weird to think it's pompous to use words with the definition of the most common usage: Essay 1. A short piece of writing on a particular subject Thesis 1. A statement or theory that is put forward as a premise to be maintained or proved.