Are people who use big words smart or idiots trying to sound smart?

[Exterous]

To echo some of the other comments: it depends. Sometimes the "big word" fits the situation better. Sometimes the person is trying to show off. And the audience matters too. The word choices I make now with higher ed clients is often quite different than I would have used on the factory floor of my last job.

 

[brianmanahan]

An AnandTech main site author used the word paratactically in a review so I'm going with smart.

i use that word in paratactically every email i send at work

nobody dares question my intelligence

 

[local]

I prefer to use medium words. I work in construction so they are big to the guys in the field but not so big they have to Google what I just said and the higher ups in the office don't see me as a field guy that somehow wound up in the office.

 

[whm1974]

Oh there is, there totally is. You have to live it to understand.

And what is wrong with being a Snob anyway?

 

[nakedfrog]

I think most people just do it to sound impressive. They may or may not be smart, but there's no reason to purposely use $50 words in a conversation. IMO people who do that just sound like douches as they're basically trying to elevate themselves to perceive smart. Even if they are smart, there is no reason to be all snobby about it.

Tell me more.

 

[SKORPI0]

I'd tailor the words used depending on the type of people being addressed, the simpler the better. Pointless using words they can't comprehend, the message is lost.

 

[randay]

Indubidumbly!

 

[dave_the_nerd]

Oh, and slip a couple $10 words in on the first date. If she flinches, she's not a reader.