I use too big of words. Eloquency

[cookyy2k]

Your colleagues are probably more bothered by the fact that you come across as massively condescending as opposed to just the fact that you use more syllables than they do.

Yeah, I +1 this.

Maybe you should make your points in a more clear and concise manner rather than speaking a whole load of waffle but take twice as long to say anything and confuse the people you are talking to.

EDIT Not to say I am confused, I mean your co-workers, just to be clear.

But if your natural speaking style is to use the longer words in the dictionary why change that for the monosyllabic out there? I don't see why educated people should be expected to lower themselves, like being uneducated is somehow something to strive for. Too much in society is rewarding those that don't try and don't know. Higher educational levels should be the thing everyone is encouraged to strive for.

True. However, the purpose of language is to convey meaning. One who constantly talks over others despite their lack of understanding is either self-righteous or oblivious to his or her audience.

Well there is that, I will admit that putting in long or hardly used words when not needed, to seem intelligent or make someone seem less intelligent is being an A-hole. However there are cases when longer words convey a more specific meaning than their more general, shorter counterparts, in those cases surely the longer word is better as it gives the exact meaning you want. I'm lucky enough to work with people who understand me and use much of the same long words as myself, when I was younger and "getting by" in part time jobs it was difficult to get somethings across to people I worked with.

 

[Koroviev]

Your colleagues are probably more bothered by the fact that you come across as massively condescending as opposed to just the fact that you use more syllables than they do.

Yeah, I +1 this.

Maybe you should make your points in a more clear and concise manner rather than speaking a whole load of waffle but take twice as long to say anything and confuse the people you are talking to.

EDIT Not to say I am confused, I mean your co-workers, just to be clear.

But if your natural speaking style is to use the longer words in the dictionary why change that for the monosyllabic out there? I don't see why educated people should be expected to lower themselves, like being uneducated is somehow something to strive for. Too much in society is rewarding those that don't try and don't know. Higher educational levels should be the thing everyone is encouraged to strive for.

True. However, the purpose of language is to convey meaning. One who constantly talks over others despite their lack of understanding is either self-righteous or oblivious to his or her audience.

Well there is that, I will admit that putting in long or hardly used words when not needed, to seem intelligent or make someone seem less intelligent is being an A-hole. However there are cases when longer words convey a more specific meaning than their more general, shorter counterparts, in those cases surely the longer word is better as it gives the exact meaning you want. I'm lucky enough to work with people who understand me and use much of the same long words as myself, when I was younger and "getting by" in part time jobs it was difficult to get somethings across to people I worked with.

There's a big difference between opting for precision where it counts and constantly overspending on the most expensive words in the dictionary.

 

[Abengoshis]

The only reason I find people who use long, rarely used words annoying is because whenever I hear people use them they are generally using them as a way to make themselves seem better than someone else i.e. in an argument. They think that using long words instead of actually putting some good arguments forwards makes them right, which really annoys me. I try to use words that everybody will understand although I sometimes slip in the odd rare word by accident.

Basically rarer words makes you seem as if you're trying to impress people and so people think of you as ostentatious. (SWIDT)

I can't think of many times in conversations where shorter words haven't given the meaning I needed. I barely ever need to use longer words. Of course when it comes to Scrabble you're a god.

 

[drummond13]

Your colleagues are probably more bothered by the fact that you come across as massively condescending as opposed to just the fact that you use more syllables than they do.

Yeah, I +1 this.

Maybe you should make your points in a more clear and concise manner rather than speaking a whole load of waffle but take twice as long to say anything and confuse the people you are talking to.

EDIT Not to say I am confused, I mean your co-workers, just to be clear.

But if your natural speaking style is to use the longer words in the dictionary why change that for the monosyllabic out there? I don't see why educated people should be expected to lower themselves, like being uneducated is somehow something to strive for. Too much in society is rewarding those that don't try and don't know. Higher educational levels should be the thing everyone is encouraged to strive for.

I think that they aren't saying that he should lower themselves, but that he shouldn't flaunt off his intelligence just because he's intelligent.
There is a difference between using big words to actually mean something and using big words to sound smarter than others.
One of those 2 options doesn't make you a giant douche.

Yes, and as said above, "if your natural speaking style is to use the longer words in the dictionary" in my case it's just how I speak. I'm not thinking "oh I can seem more intelligent" or "oh I'm going to show off" I'm just talking.

I fully agree with you, but I think you're missing the point others are making. I use big words all the time, but I don't run into the problems this guy seems to and I believe it's because the way I speak is rather natural and doesn't make people feel like I'm talking that way to feel superior.

From what this guy is saying, this ISN'T a natural way for him to speak. Based on the extremely unnatural style of his writing and the reactions of his co-workers, his manner of speaking is likely quite UN-natural.

.If this is simply the way he talks, then yes. Of course he shouldn't dumb it down for others. But the evidence seems to indicate this isn't at all his natural way of speaking, and this is what other people are responding to.

 

[cookyy2k]

You can't expect your colleagues to change their minds, unfortunately. We're practically breast-fed with the idea that wordy types are automatically blowhards or pretentious members of academia, and it doesn't help that popular culture reinforces that impression. Common examples involve the Kingpin from Spider-Man, Mammoth Mogul from the various Archie Sonic runs, virtually every animated role Tony Jay's ever had, Darth Vader, etc.

The worst crime in this respect comes from "the big bang theory" I hate that program for its portrayal of academics, more than this I hate just how many people think it is an accurate depiction of sciences academics.

Just remember this: people who talk like I'm typing now aren't morons. Sinking to our level, so to speak, won't kill you at all. It won't even diminish the quality of your lexicon. You'll just realize that there's a time and a place for more precious arrangements.

People who talk like you type are the ones who get misunderstood and told to use less long or complex words. at least in the UK. In my experience even your typing style is too complex for your "man in the street" type.

Edit: sorted typo.

 

[Abengoshis]

You can't expect your colleagues to change their minds, unfortunately. We're practically breast-fed with the idea that wordy types are automatically blowhards or pretentious members of academia, and it doesn't help that popular culture reinforces that impression. Common examples involve the Kingpin from Spider-Man, Mammoth Mogul from the various Archie Sonic runs, virtually every animated role Tony Jay's ever had, Darth Vader, etc.

The worst crime in this respect comes from "the big bank theory" I hate that program for its portrayal of academics, more than this I hate just how many people think it is an accurate depiction of sciences academics.

Just remember this: people who talk like I'm typing now aren't morons. Sinking to our level, so to speak, won't kill you at all. It won't even diminish the quality of your lexicon. You'll just realize that there's a time and a place for more precious arrangements.

People who talk like you type are the ones who get misunderstood and told to use less long or complex words. at least in the UK. In my experience even your typing style is too complex for your "man in the street" type.

Although quite a few of the "men in the street" are chavs. xD

 

[IamLEAM1983]

People who talk like you type are the ones who get misunderstood and told to use less long or complex words. at least in the UK. In my experience even your typing style is too complex for your "man in the street" type.

Really? Huh. Maybe you're right, there *is* a bit of distance between me and complete, natural-language-level command of English. On the other hand, I curse a lot more when I'm not typing, I've generally been told I sound like a Texan when I speak English even though I'm French-Canadian, I picked up my English from definitely un-brainy shows like ReBoot or Beast Wars or somesuch...

I really don't know what I could do to adapt myself further. The way I'm typing right now seems completely natural to me. Of course, I guess OP's post feels completely natural to him, too, to be fair.

 

[cookyy2k]

People who talk like you type are the ones who get misunderstood and told to use less long or complex words. at least in the UK. In my experience even your typing style is too complex for your "man in the street" type.

Really? Huh. Maybe you're right, there *is* a bit of distance between me and complete, natural-language-level command of English. On the other hand, I curse a lot more when I'm not typing, I've generally been told I sound like a Texan when I speak English even though I'm French-Canadian, I picked up my English from definitely un-brainy shows like ReBoot or Beast Wars or somesuch...

I really don't know what I could do to adapt myself further. The way I'm typing right now seems completely natural to me. Of course, I guess OP's post feels completely natural to him, too, to be fair.

Well that's the point, your command of English as you type is perfectly understandable with no real obvious adaptations so it would be difficult to change it down to someone who is accusing you of being too verbose.

It doesn't seem like the OP's post is that natural to him though, it's rather tricky to decipher and seems over the top complicated by long words.

 

[badgersprite]

(Try to grasp the concept underlying that bais-heavy question, as opposed to simply answering the question itself.)

I thought I'd pose the question to others who's opinions might provide some insight.

*Bias
*Whose

Maybe you should focus on getting the smaller words correctly before championing your eloquence.

Your grammar needs work OP.
"I use too big of words" makes zero sense.
What you meant was, "I use words that are too big."

This too. Your sentence structure is a mess.

Communication is about conveying your intentions and ideas effectively. If you're not achieving that, then you fail at the task of communicating. That doesn't make you intelligent, that makes you obtuse and needlessly obfuscatory.

 

[badgersprite]

*Bias
*Whose

Maybe you should focus on getting the smaller words correctly before championing your eloquence.

Your grammar needs work OP.
"I use too big of words" makes zero sense.
What you meant was, "I use words that are too big."

This too. Your sentence structure is a mess.

Communication is about conveying your intentions and ideas effectively. If you're not achieving that, then you fail at the task of communicating. That doesn't make you intelligent, that makes you obtuse and needlessly obfuscatory.

Really?
I can't find a single grammar mistake in my post.
Why don't you enlighten me?

I was agreeing with you with regards to the OP. Sorry, I thought that was clear.

 

[FluxCapacitor]

words

I hate to break it to you, but this was NOT eloquent. Eloquence requires grammatical accuracy as well as appropriate vocabulary, and you are far too fond of run-on sentences, coupled with inappropriate use of sub-clauses and passive/active voice. Let's compare your first sentence with a more grammatically eloquent rephrasing...

It has become a matter of almost annoyance to some of my co-workers, my using larger words or an extended vocabulary.

vs

My habit of using larger words or an extended vocabulary has almost become a matter of annoyance to some of my co-workers.

Do you see how your version sounds stilted and awkward? That's what your co-workers are responding negatively to, and what makes it sound like you're putting on airs. It seems like you're mangling your grammar to cram in more large words, and that will invariably irritate others. it's artificially imposing barriers on communication.

 

[IamLEAM1983]

It doesn't seem like the OP's post is that natural to him though, it's rather tricky to decipher and seems over the top complicated by long words.

It does, doesn't it?

Hm... *narrows eyes at OP*

Could this be a trolling attempt, or even an unconscious trolling attempt? I mean, honestly, I've *never* met a single English speaker - even the most formal and uncomfortable speaker - speak in the way you do, OP. I'd lob a few theories, but I'm pretty sure most would either fall flat or be horribly misconstrued as attacks. I wouldn't be attacking you; I'd be making unfounded theories based on the way a guy I've never personally known or met speaks in the context of a single thread on a gaming website I like.

So yeah, bad idea in the making. I shall refrain from doing so.

 

[Death God]

Don't dumb down. Make them smarten up. A good vocabulary and a high intelligence should never diluted for people who can't understand it.

 

[Robert Ewing]

If the type of language you are using doesn't do it's job... I.e communicating what you want to say, then you must consider to tone down your vocabulary.

There is no point in whacking out your brain dictionary if nobody else understands it. It's like talking to someone, but every other word is Chinese. They will get some of it, but the rest of it is lost on them.

And although you are speaking in English, it's still words they don't understand. And probably don't care about.

I respect eloquent language as much as the next guy, but when people start to not understand parts of their native language, it shouldn't be used as a language for those people. Speak as they would speak, as words they don't understand are a different language to them.

 

[Liquid Paradox]

I try to use the words that best exemplify that which I am trying to explain. As such, there are times where the word, oh I don't know, exemplify would be the best choice. However, I try not to use big words like that when smaller, streamlined words will do the trick. I know how intelligent I am, and I don't need big words to prove it.

 

[martin's a madman]

words

I hate to break it to you, but this was NOT eloquent. Eloquence requires grammatical accuracy as well as appropriate vocabulary, and you are far too fond of run-on sentences, coupled with inappropriate use of sub-clauses and passive/active voice. Let's compare your first sentence with a more grammatically eloquent rephrasing...

It has become a matter of almost annoyance to some of my co-workers, my using larger words or an extended vocabulary.

vs

My habit of using larger words or an extended vocabulary has almost become a matter of annoyance to some of my co-workers.

Do you see how your version sounds stilted and awkward? That's what your co-workers are responding negatively to, and what makes it sound like you're putting on airs. It seems like you're mangling your grammar to cram in more large words, and that will invariably irritate others. it's artificially imposing barriers on communication.

I agree, eloquence isn't about using the largest words possible; it's about using language efficiently, and effectively.

(To OP) Your post didn't do much to win me over to your side because you didn't use language well.

 

[Blow_Pop]

You can't expect your colleagues to change their minds, unfortunately. We're practically breast-fed with the idea that wordy types are automatically blowhards or pretentious members of academia, and it doesn't help that popular culture reinforces that impression. Common examples involve the Kingpin from Spider-Man, Mammoth Mogul from the various Archie Sonic runs, virtually every animated role Tony Jay's ever had, Darth Vader, etc.

Being verbose is a wonderful asset in some circumstances. It's saved my life countless times in university halls, but the very same teachers who lauded me for the quality of my vocabulary also hammered in one simple rule I've tried to take to heart as earnestly as possible.

It's the K.I.S.S. rule. Keep It Simple, Stupid. Be as verbose as you can, dig inside that mental thesaurus as much as you'd like; but remember things like time constraints and short attention spans. We live in a world and society where people want their information NOW, not in thirty seconds, when you'll be done pushing out the last segment of your latest mass of semicolons.

You're lucky, OP. You've obviously hit a string of people who didn't mind deciphering your post, and figuring out just what you wanted to get off your chest. You're also lucky that I, as a second-language English speaker, have a sufficient grasp on the language to have been able to follow along. Just remember that you won't always have that luck, and that on some occasions, saying something like this...

"My coworkers are getting annoyed at how verbose I am. I just don't know if it's wrong of me to put more effort into expressing myself or if it's their problem if they're not as well read."

...in no way reduces you. That was clear, concise, and it didn't exactly make me sound like a chatspeak-using mindless drone. It also unearths the fundamental problem with that attitude, which is to say that being of a superior level of verbal agility might be commendable, but boasting about it isn't.

Just remember this: people who talk like I'm typing now aren't morons. Sinking to our level, so to speak, won't kill you at all. It won't even diminish the quality of your lexicon. You'll just realize that there's a time and a place for more precious arrangements.

You took the words straight out of my head.

OT: I appear more intelligent over the internet than I do in real life but I also tend to have a job that requires me to work with teenagers who most of the time, if I chose to be more verbose and use the extensive vocabulary I have, wouldn't understand a bloody word I said. And that includes supervisors. Though I blame that more on our public school system and their own lack of desire to learn different words. I am constantly reading literature(not just smut books but actual literature currently working my way through the Iliad and another run through of The Divine Comedy)and looking up in my Thesaurus words to replace other words but then I also enjoy learning new words and seeing other ideals. One thing I will say, your topic title hurts my brain from a grammatical standpoint.

(Try to grasp the concept underlying that bais-heavy question, as opposed to simply answering the question itself.)

I thought I'd pose the question to others who's opinions might provide some insight.

*Bias
*Whose

Maybe you should focus on getting the smaller words correctly before championing your eloquence.

Your grammar needs work OP.
"I use too big of words" makes zero sense.
What you meant was, "I use words that are too big."

This too. Your sentence structure is a mess.

Communication is about conveying your intentions and ideas effectively. If you're not achieving that, then you fail at the task of communicating. That doesn't make you intelligent, that makes you obtuse and needlessly obfuscatory.

OP these two make an excellent point. And judging by your post you seem more obtuse than intelligent. Then again that is my own point of view on the matter. Dumbing down your vocabulary to make yourself more clear and concise will not kill you. On the contrary, it actually will make you seem more intelligent if you can convey your intentions and ideas efficiently. If the larger word is more to the point, use it. If not and you are just throwing in larger words to appear smarter, don't do it. You look like a pretentious ass and don't you think we have enough of those running around in the world?