Welcome to Wondrous Words Wednesday, a chance to learn a few more word nerdy words! Thanks to Kathy at bermudaonion.net for hosting this fun meme.
This five syllable gem popped up in my inbox a few weeks ago, thanks to the Merriam-Webster’s word of the day email. Say it five times fast; I dare you!
sesquipedalian \sess-kwuh-puh-
Supposedly the Roman poet Horace originally came up with this word to warn young poets against using exceptionally big words. Centuries later, English literary critics started using it to criticize verbose writing.
My eldest son, an avid reader, likes to use sesquipedalian words to impress his peers; usually they just think he’s weird.
Word Nerd Workout
Think of some sesquipedalian words and share them below. For example: indubitably, perfunctoriness, vituperation.
Thanks for working out your brain with me today!
Julia
That word is a mouthful and doesn’t seem to fit its meaning. It’s been a long day and my brain is not functioning well enough to think of a sesquipedalain word!
Pretty amusing sesquipedalian was created to warn against using words of its very likeness. I enjoy nerdy humor. 😀
Now THAT is a cool word. You win the award for “word it’s taken longest for me to pronounce this year”. Maybe this decade. If I get it down, I will sound crazy-smart when I use it in conversation!
Thanks Kelly! It’s quite a mouthful. I agree, some practice might be in order to pull it off well. 😉
I too saw this theme on Bermudaonion’s blog, great idea. This word ‘sesquipedalian’ has come up recently quite a bit. It sounds very clever and erudite but the danger is it being overused for the wrong reasons. I shall watch out for more unusual words from you both 🙂
Yes! If one uses it too much, they will be committing the very mistake for which Horace created the word! Thanks for stopping by!