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There’s nothing wrong with using less common words. Using those words in the wrong context is. Having a wide vocabulary is like having a well stocked tool box,

There’s nothing wrong with using less common words. Using those words in the wrong context is. Having a wide vocabulary is like having a well stocked tool box, you take out the most approximate tool for the job. English is such a hodgepodge of languages and so with such a multitude of ways to express the same idea, that it is a shame to not use that full range where appropriate. Expecting everyone to speak at and express themselves at the lowest common denominator feels like gate keeping to understanding personally.

btilly 3y ago
It is good to use a large vocabulary with precision. But what does precision require? Your audience needs to understand your words. Emotions are best described in the simple and direct language that they respond to. Therefore, simple language is usually best. Many exceptions exist. Jargon should be used in a professional context. Archaic language helps to set stories in the past. Your point may be enjoying the complexity of speech. For example, Terry Pratchett would not be Terry Pratchett without excessive footnotes. Gene Wolfe's Book of the New Sun was loved in part for words like those in https://www.wolfewiki.com/pmwiki/pmwiki.php?n=WolfeWiki.ObscureWords https://www.wolfewiki.com/pmwiki/pmwiki.php?n=WolfeWiki.Obsc.... But exceptions are exceptions because they are exceptional. Most of what we say is not exceptional. You say that expressing yourself in simple language "feels like gate keeping to understanding personally." I find the opposite. Complex language often hides muddled thinking. It takes work to clarify my thoughts into simple language. Once I have done so, my understanding becomes more precise. Therefore my thinking has been improved by trying to speak simply.
Gigachad 3y ago
Rare words should really only be used when they add value significant enough to counter their rareness. If there is a common word which is almost exactly the same in meaning then it should be used. Especially in technical writing. Something like “the flange of a train wheel”, while flange is an uncommon word you may have to look up, you’ll be left knowing exactly what I’m talking about in a way that generic terms wouldn’t.

btilly 3y ago

It is good to use a large vocabulary with precision. But what does precision require? Your audience needs to understand your words. Emotions are best described in the simple and direct language that they respond to. Therefore, simple language is usually best. Many exceptions exist. Jargon should be used in a professional context. Archaic language helps to set stories in the past. Your point may be enjoying the complexity of speech. For example, Terry Pratchett would not be Terry Pratchett without excessive footnotes. Gene Wolfe's Book of the New Sun was loved in part for words like those in https://www.wolfewiki.com/pmwiki/pmwiki.php?n=WolfeWiki.ObscureWords https://www.wolfewiki.com/pmwiki/pmwiki.php?n=WolfeWiki.Obsc.... But exceptions are exceptions because they are exceptional. Most of what we say is not exceptional. You say that expressing yourself in simple language "feels like gate keeping to understanding personally." I find the opposite. Complex language often hides muddled thinking. It takes work to clarify my thoughts into simple language. Once I have done so, my understanding becomes more precise. Therefore my thinking has been improved by trying to speak simply.

Gigachad 3y ago

Rare words should really only be used when they add value significant enough to counter their rareness. If there is a common word which is almost exactly the same in meaning then it should be used. Especially in technical writing. Something like “the flange of a train wheel”, while flange is an uncommon word you may have to look up, you’ll be left knowing exactly what I’m talking about in a way that generic terms wouldn’t.