Say What You Mean: The Value of Words

"Say what you mean and mean what you say: words have meaning!" This phrase, a mantra I have held for many years and have repeated to my children over and over in their education, was the first thing that came to my mind when I read the title of Talena Renee Fowler's article, What's in a Name? I have always liked words. I prefer using words that express exactly what I intend to convey in the midst of a conversation. I've enjoyed writing my thoughts and opinions in poetry, short stories, essays and articles. I was the nerdy bookworm who checked out the maximum number of books from the high school library. Reading was, and still is, a necessary habit of a wordsmith. Indeed, I have on occasion been caught reading material otherwise attributed as reference material: a dictionary, an encyclopedia or a thesaurus. I've been accused of using a two dollar word for 50-cent thought.

So what is this attraction to words? Is it something that can benefit you? First of all, and perhaps the "nerdiest" point to be made, harkens back to my youth. Some words just look like their meaning. I first noticed this as a young child, with the word "good". Somehow to me, the word good emulates in its written form it's meaning of pleasant or suitable or satisfactory, especially when written in attractive manuscript. Words like autumn, birthday, joyful, horrific and amazing have, in my nerdy eye-view, a look that corresponds with their meanings.

Then there is the satisfaction of selecting a word that most perfectly suits a situation or feeling. Why not say, "the air was crisp this morning", which gives the feeling of the air having an edge to it, instead of a bland, "it was cool this morning". A well-placed adjective or adverb will completely alter one's understanding or visualization of what is being said. Even in the above example, adding a simple word-"it was quite cool this morning" conveys a more explicit meaning. This is, actually, one of the easiest ways to increase one's vocabulary. By simply adding a descriptive word, you allow your listener to have a better understanding of exactly what you meant to say. Of course, in order to increase your vocabulary, you must access resources which will add to your knowledge base of words to use in speech and in writing. Reading is the easiest and most convenient way to expand your vocabulary. It doesn't have to be a dictionary, although you will acquire a wealth of words from which to draw, as well as knowing their meanings. You can read just about anything: books, catalogs, newspapers, on-line articles. Anything that exercises your mind, in combination with an attitude of learning new words and their meanings, will invariably cause your vocabulary to increase.

Naturally, one must be sure to use newly-learned words in the proper form and context, as well as using accurately-placed words. It is easy to come across as a now-it-all or pompous if you simply throw big or less commonly used words around carelessly. One must consider one's surroundings, so as not to exceed or insult the intelligence of those around you. However, there is nothing wrong with allowing yourself to speak using your regular vocabulary. In other words, if you normally use a large variety of words, continue to do so without being obnoxious about it.

Ms. Fowler mentioned the sticks-and-stones adage, with which I am quite familiar. Before I married, my last name was of Polish origin, and often difficult for others to pronounce. One person dubbed me "Polock" , and knowing no better, I did not protest. During a high school literature class, I received a note along with the grade on my essay paper. My teacher told me the true meaning of the word, and compared it to a similarly disparaging term for black people. He told me to never allow myself to be degraded and to be proud of whom I was. As naive as it sounds, I had not really given much thought to the weight of the words I spoke. Not only did this incident spark a lifelong hobby in genealogy, it changed the way I viewed the words I use. Poorly chosen words can leave a permanent scar on the psyche of a person. It is words that incite violence, anger, depression, and insult. How much better it is to use our words to build each other up, to encourage one another. Why not change a person's life with a positive or complimentary word?

My challenge to you, the reader, is to enhance your vocabulary and parlay that knowledge into a positive and uplifting way of life.