Big beautiful words.

A very serious, small voice said, “I know you were really mad because you used big words.” I looked from one child to the other, then at my husband. All three faces read, “True”.

I had never realized it before, but it was an interesting point. When I’m really passionate about something, big words give the precision and density needed to get thoughts out of my head. What if I couldn’t get them out fast enough? I would be frustrated, unheard.

The process of putting words to feelings calms. Articulating thoughts is what stands between engaged speaking and anguished ranting. It’s why we teach toddlers to “use your words”.

But big words get a bad rap. Look at Reddit forums, articles, even career advice, and there’s no shortage of accusations that people who use big words are just trying to sound smart, or are just trying to confuse you to win an argument. Maybe some. But I never do that.

I just reach for the words that best tell my story. Maybe when I’m less excited, I use words chosen for an audience, but to express myself in a moment, bigger can be better.

Words are beautiful, regardless of size. I love learning new ones. And sometimes other languages have words for whole concepts I never expected distilled. In a recent Tim Ferriss podcast, Tim mentioned, “tsundoku, which is like a Japanese term for accumulating stacks of books that you have not read.” Guilty!

I have literally done this, and know others who have, as well. I’ve never spoken of the practice or my stacks of unread books as a concept, but now it feels like a universal experience. This word has given new life to my actions.

And what of those who accumulate closets of unworn clothes? I do not, but I’ve known others who have. Is there a specific word for that? I don’t need it now, but who knows if I may someday?

I do have a favorite memory of a big word. I was playing trains with a friend’s son before I had children of my own. He would crash the trains, and as they went off the track I’d yell with glee, “Derailment!,” and we’d both laugh. He learned quickly, and used it himself. Not being a parent, I didn’t realize I’d inspired him to get excited about crashing trains. Oops.

Well, such is the power of big words. 🙂