Big Words

Why do some people like to use big words? Well, it's probably because they think big words say "I'm smart. Don't believe me? Just listen to the big words I say."

It's funny to note, then, that some very small words can garner the respect of one's peers. Like the word "garner." Is anybody impressed with me for using it? If so, it's not for the word's length. After all, the word is only six letters long.

I believe that it's the infrequency of a word's usage that makes it impressive. Here's an example from the other side of the spectrum. The word "interesting" is eleven letters long and has a whopping four syllables. And yet, no one would ever think twice about my using it. That's because everyone uses it. It's an overused pat word.

Bet you're impressed with me for saying "pat." And it's three letters.