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I admire people that choose to expand their vocabulary, watch this for my reasons why.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=B1wvXAnd_
-I

At 6/2/11 07:15 PM, Dean wrote:

:: 1. What is your initial impression of a user who uses words which are not known to your vocabulary?
I usually view that person as being more intellectual.

2. Do you happen to use 'big words' when you type? Give reasons as to why or why not.

Probably not, unless I'm familiar with them, because it seems to take too much effort.

3. Are you more likely to accept a users opinion/argument as valid because they make use of 'big words' (ie. does it make them seem more intelligent to you)?

No, I just try to listen to theom.

4. If you happen to come across a word that you don't know the definition of will you look it up or simply ignore it and try to guess what it means?

Probably ignore it, unless it seems important.

If someone uses a word I don't understand, I'll look it up on dictionary.com. I don't think it's arrogant at all for someone to use a word they're familiar with; it's not their fault that other people don't know its definition, especially when there's an entire galaxy of information at our fingertips these days.

Anyway, I've been accused of using "big words" online and in real life in the past. I once encountered a bathroom installer who genuinely didn't know what I meant when I used the word "adhesive".

It really depends on the audience.

If the audience were a congregation of scientists and or professors, then using more complex vocabulary is indeed an important concept.

However if the people that your trying to make a point to are average joes, being simple and concise I think is a better course of action.

Its all about getting your point across.

plus if you were going to explain a theory, then understand the rest of us may not know what the hell your talking about.

At 6/2/11 07:15 PM, Dean wrote: 1. What is your initial impression of a user who uses words which are not known to your vocabulary?

There's a fine line between intelligent and obnoxious, and users vary in their location in relevance to that line.

2. Do you happen to use 'big words' when you type? Give reasons as to why or why not.

I do, because I just do naturally. I try to be more wordy, because it just sounds more intelligent, and less like some stupid fucking kid on the internet. I do, however, try to not use ridiculously large or obscure words, so I won't come off as a pretentious prick.

3. Are you more likely to accept a users opinion/argument as valid because they make use of 'big words' (ie. does it make them seem more intelligent to you)?

I accept opinions and arguments based on how well they are supported, but people who use a wider vocabulary generally have a more intelligent response. This isn't always the case, though.

4. If you happen to come across a word that you don't know the definition of will you look it up or simply ignore it and try to guess what it means?

I've never come across a word like that. I'M SO FUCKING SMART.

At 6/2/11 07:15 PM, Dean wrote: 1. What is your initial impression of a user who uses words which are not known to your vocabulary?

i am not a native english speaker, so whenever i see people using big words that i don't know, i blame myself for having a narrow range of vocabulary. if it is written in chinese, which is my first language, i would probably think the user just copied it from somewhere else, though i rarely come across words (or phrases) in chinese that i don't know.

2. Do you happen to use 'big words' when you type? Give reasons as to why or why not.

it depends on the setting. if i am writting an argumentative essay as my homework assignment, then i will try to use more difficult words to polish my essay. if i am just browsing the forums or engaging in online conversations, then no. there's no reason to do so. using big words inappropiately often makes your sentences less intelligable, especially if the language you're speaking is not your first language.

3. Are you more likely to accept a users opinion/argument as valid because they make use of 'big words' (ie. does it make them seem more intelligent to you)?

definitely not. i only care about the content of the argument. that does not include the use of special terms from a discipline, such as biology, physics... which is necessary to back up your argument.

4. If you happen to come across a word that you don't know the definition of will you look it up or simply ignore it and try to guess what it means?

i sometimes look up the definition of the word that i don't know if it is a formal or semi-formal word. i can still tell if the word is a slang or not based on the context. memorizing new words every day help build my english vocabulary. however, if it is a chinese word, i will try to guess the meaning of the word or just ignore it altogether if the word is not crucial to understand the passage. again, it rarely happens as i know most chinese characters that are used commonly.

I only skimmed this thread, but I didn't see anyone mention rhythm.

As someone who gets accused of using big words often, I usually opt for the word choice that creates the best rhythm in my head (without sacrificing meaning).

So who wants to engage in some lascivious activities?

It makes people think I'm arrogant and makes people not want to hang out with me.

At 6/2/11 07:15 PM, Dean wrote: 1. What is your initial impression of a user who uses words which are not known to your vocabulary?

He knows words i do not. He must have learnt them somewhere.

2. Do you happen to use 'big words' when you type? Give reasons as to why or why not.

If it fits my argument, i do not think farfetched usage of words explainds your argument better so i use these words when they fit.

3. Are you more likely to accept a users opinion/argument as valid because they make use of 'big words' (ie. does it make them seem more intelligent to you)?

Nope. It is possible the opinion more comprehendible by these words but it doesn't imply the writer's intelligence.

4. If you happen to come across a word that you don't know the definition of will you look it up or simply ignore it and try to guess what it means?

I would search it's definition so i wouldn't mistake understanding the argument.

ive been told i use big words often enough in life, but ive grown to just ignore it, i talk the way i talk. and i refuse to "dumb down" my speech just to converse with someone, why should i be forced to talk simpler? why shouldnt they be forced to learn new words? dosnt seem fair to me.

At 6/2/11 07:15 PM, Dean wrote:
1. What is your initial impression of a user who uses words which are not known to your vocabulary?

This really depends. If they are arguing with someone and engaged in insults, or it just seems very unnatural and forced like they are trying to sound smart, or there's some major flaw in how they use the language, then my initial impression of them is "this person might just be trying to sound smart, using vocabulary as some kind of badge." I don't like that, but usually everyone does something fucked up, so I don't judge too quick. My reaction, though, on seeing words used that I haven't encountered yet, is a creepy level of excitement. I love learning new words. I have multiple obscure word sites bookmarked, not to go flaunting them around, but because I just really enjoy language and the histories and stories behind words, the sounds of words, how words look, and just generally everything about words. If the user seems open-minded and not overly tense in some way, my initial impression of them might be "cool, someone I can learn with as we post, and possibly a future comrade."

2. Do you happen to use 'big words' when you type? Give reasons as to why or why not.

Sometimes. I generally don't set out to do so. I don't have a particularly huge vocabulary, but I do have a very erratic one. I learn new words that most interest me, and sometimes they work out into my natural conversation. I try to match the company I'm with without compromising who I am, but it isn't uncommon for me to slip up and post way too nerdy for the internet, or to slip into too casual for a professional atmosphere. I also have some mental issues that directly affects communication, so a lot of times I can have a very annoying long and drawn out way of explaining or expressing something (with or without long/obscure words).

3. Are you more likely to accept a users opinion/argument as valid because they make use of 'big words' (ie. does it make them seem more intelligent to you)?

No way. It's all about what's being said. A certain level of clarity has to be there for me to be able to take in what's being said, so it can't be "lalalajaja, yu gt sum 2pac idiosncrctz 512 smith avenue," but on the other end if it reads like a technical manual about resetting nuclear gamma camera worm drives then it does me no good, either. I generally don't judge people based on how they communicate. If I can understand or think I understand what they are saying, I take it in for its content and try to get some kind of broader viewpoint from doing so.

4. If you happen to come across a word that you don't know the definition of will you look it up or simply ignore it and try to guess what it means?

Oh my God, look it up. If the conversation isn't extremely interesting, I might go off on a random etymology hunt without thinking about it and completely forget about where I first saw the word. That's pretty much the easiest way to get rid of me from a conversation, just throw some real obscure words out there and I'll disappear for three days.

Quite a conundrum, yes.

I agree with OP, I think people do often use them consciously to try and make themselves seem more clever.

In the past I have lined my posts with words from my wider vocabulary, but over time I've realized that its a completely stupid thing to do, if it makes what your trying to communicate harder to understand for other people.

Freud won a Nobel Prize for literature because he chose to write a lot of his ideas in a very simple, accessible way.

I have an English teacher who always uses redundant words and he has proudly told us that he reads the dictionary. All he actually does by using such words is make teaching us harder, because we don't understand him.

people that use big words show their intelligence or hide their stupidity , i dont use big words because i dont have a big vocabulary , i think that it is good that people use big words

At 6/2/11 07:15 PM, Dean wrote: 1. What is your initial impression of a user who uses words which are not known to your vocabulary?

Well, english is a foreign language for me, so there are obviously quite alot words that I don´t know, but when someone use a really "exotic" vocabulary, then I don´t really like that, makes it more difficult to understand things.

2. Do you happen to use 'big words' when you type? Give reasons as to why or why not.

No, I want to keep it easy, so that everyone can understand me better.

3. Are you more likely to accept a users opinion/argument as valid because they make use of 'big words' (ie. does it make them seem more intelligent to you)?

No, I look at the content and not the big words, someone could use big vocabulary but say only nonsense.

4. If you happen to come across a word that you don't know the definition of will you look it up or simply ignore it and try to guess what it means?

Depends. Sometimes I look words up, but not always.

I assume it's because they are simply just comfortable using those words over simpler ones.

"Poor Faulkner. Does he really think big emotions come from big words? He thinks I don't know the ten-dollar words. I know them all right. But there are older and simpler and better words, and those are the ones I use."

-- Ernest Hemingway

I usually look low on people who use big words. I'm more impressed if you use artistic impressions and somewhat rare yet simple words - as if you're writing a novel.

At 6/2/11 07:15 PM, Dean wrote: 1. What is your initial impression of a user who uses words which are not known to your vocabulary?

"That guy's trying to impress people. Something simpler would've done."

2. Do you happen to use 'big words' when you type? Give reasons as to why or why not.

Not much on here. Generally, you can use something much more concise to prove your point on Newgrounds.

3. Are you more likely to accept a users opinion/argument as valid because they make use of 'big words' (ie. does it make them seem more intelligent to you)?

That depends how you define "big words". If they use complex words correctly, providing more detail where smaller words wouldn't suffice, then yes, I might value their opinion more. If it's just for show, then no. I don't spontaneously change my mind to agree with someone just because they use big words, though.

4. If you happen to come across a word that you don't know the definition of will you look it up or simply ignore it and try to guess what it means?

I don't think that's ever happened to me on Newgrounds. In the rare case that it happens in real life, I can usually accurately guess what it means based on the context. If I'm not sure, I'll look it up.

At 6/3/11 07:12 AM, Lorkas wrote: I usually look low on people who use big words. I'm more impressed if you use artistic impressions and somewhat rare yet simple words - as if you're writing a novel.

Can you give me some examples of that? I was thinking along those lines as well but can't seem to think of any.

I type big words sometimes.

If you find it annoying, well I'm just glad I'm not the only one who does.

At 6/2/11 07:15 PM, Dean wrote: 1. What is your initial impression of a user who uses words which are not known to your vocabulary?

If the usage of big words is mild, I just suppose the person has an extensive vocabulary and isn't intending to show off. But, if the usage is excessive, that's when it really begins to get annoying. For God's sake, speak English! I'm not willing to look up every single word you're saying, because I don't understand any of those! Stop expecting me to decode your language...

I run into a lot of people who use big words, particularly in the politics thread for some reason, and I think I can see why... The politics thread is a place for serious arguments. In order to take the first step to winning a tough battle, you have to look intimidating first. For that, you have to use big words and poetic sentences, as well as statistics about whatever you are arguing over.

These kinds of people use big words in order to both intimidate and corner their opponents. If you cannot understand what your opponent is saying, you can't counterattack. As long as you use "delinquent" instead of "guilty" and "proliferate" instead of "reproduce", you win! Right?

Yet they do not realize how sorely mistaken they are. When arguing, aren't you trying to make a point? Wouldn't you want your opponent to understand what you're saying so s/he can comprehend your feelings and thoughts? If you want to convince someone, you have to make them understand first.

Anyone who thinks s/he is intelligent because of their usage of big words should look up "intelligence" before forcing people to look up his/her big words. If you can't find a mutual vocabulary with your opponent and speak accordingly so you can make your point, you are quite ironically stupid. Not to mention arrogant.

2. Do you happen to use 'big words' when you type? Give reasons as to why or why not.

I avoid using big words as much as possible but I don't use so simple ones either. I like reading and writing a lot, so I like learning new words and using them, but I know better than to get carried away. I'd never say something like "What vehemence prevails here, my beloved confrere?"

3. Are you more likely to accept a users opinion/argument as valid because they make use of 'big words' (ie. does it make them seem more intelligent to you)?

It does not make them seem intelligent; only arrogant. Using big words excessively is another way of saying "I know a lot more words than you do, so good luck figuring out what Gibberish I'm saying before you can even think of a counter-statement."

4. If you happen to come across a word that you don't know the definition of will you look it up or simply ignore it and try to guess what it means?

I tend to look up words that I don't know. But if they are coming from one of those arrogant idiots I've been venting about, I don't bother.

Here's a perfect article I found. Whoever wrote it deserves a huge medal.

At 6/3/11 10:03 AM, Ganon-Dorf wrote:

At 6/3/11 07:12 AM, Lorkas wrote: I usually look low on people who use big words. I'm more impressed if you use artistic impressions and somewhat rare yet simple words - as if you're writing a novel.

Can you give me some examples of that? I was thinking along those lines as well but can't seem to think of any.

Instead of saying "Lol that joke killed me" you say "Truly I am slain by that joke!". I can't explain it either but we're thinking about the same thing.

I like to use a sesquipedalian vocabulary to show off and befuddle other users who have an unfortunate education. It amuses me AND it discourages them from attempting to debate with me on certain issues.

At 6/2/11 07:15 PM, Dean wrote: 1. What is your initial impression of a user who uses words which are not known to your vocabulary?

They know a word that I don't. They probably know a lot of words I don't and I probably know a lot of words they don't.

2. Do you happen to use 'big words' when you type? Give reasons as to why or why not.

Sometimes. Usually because I like to be as accurate in conveying a point.

3. Are you more likely to accept a users opinion/argument as valid because they make use of 'big words' (ie. does it make them seem more intelligent to you)?

Not a chance in hell.

4. If you happen to come across a word that you don't know the definition of will you look it up or simply ignore it and try to guess what it means?

Both.

At 6/2/11 11:42 PM, Bacchanalian wrote: I only skimmed this thread, but I didn't see anyone mention rhythm.

As someone who gets accused of using big words often, I usually opt for the word choice that creates the best rhythm in my head (without sacrificing meaning).

Yes. I can appreciate that sentiment. I don't know that I actually think to myself "hmm, the rhythm of this sentence is wrong I need to change things around," but I definitely consider the eloquence of my communique before I submit it for others' perusal.

To speak to the points the original post brought forth: I don't know why people feel as if a well-read and well-spoken person is intending to make them feel inferior in any way? I have invested a lot of time and effort into building a working vocabulary that is larger than average and I continue to build on that effort in order to maintain it. When I see someone use a word that I'm not familiar with, I'm delighted to have the opportunity to learn its meaning, correct usage, and incorporate it into my lexicon.

So I guess it's just a difference in attitude. While you (OP) and others treat language as a necessary means for conveying thought, I see it as an opportunity to connect with another. Meaningful dialog is the second oldest form of entertainment our species has and the first step we took away from our primordiality.

no, you use words you don't know the meaning of, regardless of size. don't even know the meaning of the cliche phrases

simplest example would be the word 'is'
so much misuse, strutting around and wasting your time getting into arguments over it. with your complete and total understanding that this "movie is bad" etc

using a word to describe a mentally retarded persion and exchanging it with other words where the consensus reality believes they have similiar meaning, but they all have different ones

1. What is your initial impression of a user who uses words which are not known to your vocabulary?

2. Do you happen to use 'big words' when you type? Give reasons as to why or why not.

3. Are you more likely to accept a users opinion/argument as valid because they make use of 'big words' (ie. does it make them seem more intelligent to you)?

4. If you happen to come across a word that you don't know the definition of will you look it up or simply ignore it and try to guess what it means?

1. I usually don't run into words I don't understand, due to my vocabulary being reasonably extensive. However, I my first impression of someone who does, depending on the overall text, is that they either have a better understanding of the English language than myself, they plagiarised or quoted an article, or they used a thesaurus.

2. Sometimes I use 'big words' when typing or speaking, but it really depends on the subject matter and what I'm trying to convey, as well as how fluid it sounds when spoken. I dislike the need to enunciate just to get my point across.

3. Using bigger words does not sway me to take one's side in a debate, as I prefer to form my own opinion based on available or previously known facts.

4. If I don't know a word, I usually look it up, because hey, why the hell not make use of an opportunity to improve my own vocabulary? Could come in handy during communications if I can't think of a better way to describe something. Though the general meaning of a given word is typically evident when the word is used in context.

Something else I try to keep in mind when others use words I'm not familiar with, is that maybe they are used to them and not aware where they stand in common usage. Words like "redundant" are fair to use, even though they might not be very common words. Between all the words that are probably fair to use but not very common, everyone has some words they could stand to learn or brush up on if they wanted to. It's a vast sea of communication. I think learning should definitely be fun, though, and so should social interaction. Probably just takes a certain amount of personal responsibility for how one enjoyed themselves on all sides of the issue, at least in part.. Some people might get annoyed at seeing the word "redundant" but it isn't such a difficult or obscure word.