Thoughts on using "big words" in public?

valet

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First of all, I know how some of yall are. Going to pretend not to know what "big words" are. If that's the case, get your attention, dap fishing on.

But for the rest, when I say "big words" I mean words that aren't used in common, everyday language. Even obscure words. You look at somebody like Cornel West, Dr. Dyson. Heck, for those listen to JBP, Big Mel.

I think a positive is that it can cause you to educate yourself on those words. But on the other hand it can turn others off because we have no idea what your saying. And your audience stop listening because of your "extensive vocabulary". So what's yall thoughts on this? And yes, please factor in race/culture.
 

The Intergalactic Koala

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  • Weed out the idiots
  • welcome the real ones
  • Further keep myself away from the matrix
  • being myself>>>>>>>>>dumbing down
Nothing like pulling out Canibus vocabulary and heads go:

3203700d0e953d201ccfc63634f98f36.gif
 

Grand Cru Boo

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There is not a universal standard that would define “common language” therefore how would you suggest navigating this?


First, read the room. I’m not being eloquent when I’m in a room full of plumbers, they may not care too much about the arrangement (just the message)

Second, if you do use words that are a bit “obscure” use synonyms to help for instance, I may say something and say another word that is similar (words in my opinion are about how it compliments the sentence therefore some words are better descriptors than other).


Lastly, don’t judge. It doesn’t hurt to use a word because context can fill the void.
 

Fillerguy

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I did when I was younger, until college. Being around others who use big words for the hell of it makes you realize how insufferable that shyt is. Especially when its professors giving lectures.

I started adapting my speech to my audience after I found out my favorite professor had a legit IQ of 150+ but he sounded like a guy off the street. He could explain complex theory so a child could understand the basics. This got me to change how I view intelligence and learning. I know car mechanics who flunk HS who could better explain their craft than some of the highly educated ppl I work with.
 

Amestafuu (Emeritus)

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First of all, I know how some of yall are. Going to pretend not to know what "big words" are. If that's the case, get your attention, dap fishing on.

But for the rest, when I say "big words" I mean words that aren't used in common, everyday language. Even obscure words. You look at somebody like Cornel West, Dr. Dyson. Heck, for those listen to JBP, Big Mel.

I think a positive is that it can cause you to educate yourself on those words. But on the other hand it can turn others off because we have no idea what your saying. And your audience stop listening because of your "extensive vocabulary". So what's yall thoughts on this? And yes, please factor in race/culture.
I talk like that in real life. They not "big words" to me. I just retained a lot of vocabulary without thinking about it as a young reader. Sometimes I use words I haven't read seen or heard used in decades out the blue and use them the right way without thinking much about it then I have to double back and actually consult a dictionary to see if it was the right word. Helps when it's natural not forced or done to be pretentious.

In my personal experience women have actually gravitated to me because of it. I get complimented on my voice and use of language by women on a regular basis. People get me to host events and help them plan for presentations, I've even done some recordings for stuff. This feedback comes from women of all races. Men once in a while will say some shyt but I've never turned off somebody by using big words.

I used to code switch around brehs but honestly I stopped trying to tone down my speech because it's more authentic to be who I am as I am not what is expected of me.

:yeshrug:
 

Seoul Gleou

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I had to bush that talk after grad school. Most people are concerned with key points. Being verbose often garners a perception and subsequent reputation of pretentiousness
 
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