The problem with smarty pants talk

On Saturday, during one of the college football games, one of the TV commentators described a hit on the field as being pernicious in intent.  He repeated himself as he declared that #22 on the defense was filled with perniciousness as he set his sights on that wide receiver. 

The other commentator asked, "what do you mean by pernicious?" The reply to his question was funny, but typically off putting:  "Pernicious means to have intent to harm or destroy. I can't believe you don't know what that means, maybe you should have come out of college early for the NFL after all!"  They both laughed and moved on to simpler language for the rest of the game. 

Why did the commentator use 'pernicious' in the first place?  I suspect that somewhere in life, he learned this word, realized many others don't use it much and loaded it into his smart-pants arsenal.  He probably thought that by using that word, he'd come off smarter and teach everybody a new word.  That's not really how it works in the real world.  In fact, a study at Princeton conducted by psychologist David Oppenhemier concluded that the more flowerly or smarty pants your language, the less intelligent you are perceived.  Really.  

This makes sense to me.  If I use language with you that you don't understand, I use words to put myself on a pedestal whereby you must look up to me.  This pushes you away from me, and often causes you to believe that I am purposefully trying to impress you.  That pushes us further apart, and usually you'll conclude that I am at best book smart.  This is why I use very simple language in my writing and during my keynote speeches.  I want to speak to every body in the room in a common venacular that everyone understands.  People connect with visuals, emotions and language.  If they disconnect with language, you'll usually lose them eventually.  Lofty language can alienate more often than it educates. 

I'm not saying that you should only use high school level language.  In many cases, you can find a word that is more specific or illustrative than common talk.  Instead of saying that someone told a story in a moving way (general), one could say that she was 'cinematic' in her story telling.  That's an effective word substitution that is helpful and not off putting.  Here are a few rules for using big or non-common words: 

1. Always consider your audience.  What is their level of education, sophistication and self-confidence? Are they prone to boredom?  Do they need to be intellectually stimulated to be engaged with you? 

2. Make big words fight for their life.  When you edit or before you speak, always require a case for a new word's use.  Is it more specific than the commonly used word?  Is it more helpful in illustrating your point? 

3. Define non-common words, in a sentence if possible.  If it's a big time smart pants word, acknowledge that it's one of those scientist or university words, but you use it in a attempt to illustrate the point.  

Always keep in mind that people are impressed by ideas, not words.  If you are a big thinker, it shines through regardless of your vocabulary.  When you start to use big words as a substitute for creative thinking ... you are being self-pernicious ... if you know what I mean. 

Comments

[Pakistani TV Programs]

I will read from time to time for that.

[Alexandra Levit]

Great points, Tim. As Dale Carnegie used to say: "the person who can speak acceptably is considered to possess far greater ability than he actually has." And by acceptably, I think he means clearly, succinctly, and articulately.

Best,

Alexandra Levit
Columnist, Wall Street Journal
Author, New Job, New You
http://www.alexandralevit.com

[Catherine R]

Make that two of us David! My mother was an avid reader with no college education who loved the English language! My kindergarten teacher was sending notes home about my "enormous vocabulary." I am a reader who loves the language as well. And I love choosing the precise word for the most concise shade of meaning. Have I gotten grief for it all my life? Yes, I have. And it's not about trotting out my "$5 words" its about a true appreciation for the language and the excitement of using it like a painter would use every color in the palette. I do my best not to talk over people's heads, but words like "antithesis" and "vitriol" pop out sometimes because they are the right word for what I want to convey. I think I've gotten a pass from the vast majority of people all my life because I am passionate and sincere. But I won't dumb myself down to suit the masses. I prefer to motivate folks to look it up in the dictionary and broaden their own vocabulary. I am not motivated by how I appear to others, only by my deep appreciation for my own language. Thank you David!

[becca]

What a great reminder! In a philosophy class in college, a professor gave me a rude awakening to more readily understandable language. As I learned to write at a more conversational level, my writing and communication style improved--without sacrificing my own vocabulary level. If folks can't understand what you're writing, just as you said, pretty soon, they'll just start tuning you out.

Loved this post!!

[Amit]

Now I feel this is absolutely correct. No way should a word be spoken which would not convey what one wants to say. If the person who is listening is not able to grasp what you are saying, your conversation fails right there and so do you.

This, by no means, prevents one from using the, if I may, "smarty pants" words. They should be used only when a majority will understand what you are saying. I feel it is in written language that smart use of words can be done and one's good vocabulary be showcased.

[David]

I could not disagree with you more. You are, in fact, saying that the precision of a good vocabulary should not be used because others might not understand it. That is how the "dumbing down" of the language happens. It's perpetuated (that is, continued further along) by people who are afraid to stretch their mental muscles. The brain is an organ, but it must be treated as a muscle for it to strengthen. Stretch it, use it, exercise it. Language is a perfect method to do this. NEVER be afraid to use the right word, and ignore people who deride it as "smarty pants talk". Mean what you say, and say what you mean. Define it if need be, but don't shy away from mental exercise.