commentaries

The last time I heard the word "modicum" was a M.A.S.H. episode when Radar was trying to improve his vocabulary. Further, I don't ever remember the word "vitriol" until a few years ago when it became the operative word in every politicians limited vocabulary. I wish I had never heard the word. Enough..... and all kidding aside, I enjoyed reading this article and couldn't agree more with the intent. Considering the media today, good luck with trying to enhance anyone's English. I fear it is a thing of the past destined to be placed on a shelf right along with cursive writing.

Someone’s learning to paint with broad-brush generalizations at an early age. You'll fit right in with the rest of us haughty Americans.

Bravo! You are spot on. I venture to say that the average person cowers before the english language because they never learned to spell it, much less parse, manipulate and elevate. Much to our sorrow, that droning you hear is not the snowblower, but the mundane, flat, colorless prattle that passes for conversation these days. Perhaps if letter writing were to have a renaissance, the art of language would as well.

Methinks someone just learned to use the thesaurus button in Microsoft Word. While the topic is interesting, and certainly an accurate depiction of the regression of our society due to technology, the overuse of "$100 words" made the article difficult to read. As a lawyer I, too, often struggle with making my point clearer and more understandable - this will come in time for this reader as well. Sometimes, short and concise can have a stronger impact.

From the article: "The next time an unwelcome visitor comes knocking on your door, feel free to pair your humdrum adjectives as follows: “Fie upon thee, thou good-doing, bad-smelling, semi-lame, cool-hearted, awkward-talking wart.”---------------- Well, OK, but if it's a Girl Scout selling cookies be prepared for a lot of crying.

I must respond to the "$100" words. I, too, am an attorney. I did not find the article difficult. The vocabulary was appropriate. I suspect, however, that with the devaluation of language, inflation has struck. What should be a nickel or dime word, is now $100. That's sad.

There is nothing more antagonizing than listening to someone who speaks with the sole purpose of relaying information. - - - METHINKS THOU DOST PROTEST TOO MUCH versus YOU'RE LAME.......hmmmmm gotta admit Shakespeare knew his words & how to use them :)

Check into this TED ED talk on zombie words, which is germane: "Beware of nominalizations (AKA zombie nouns)" by Helen Sword. Clear communication can suffer from more than overused words like lame and cool. (Lawyers, please note!)

Superb article by a most talented young lady! Bravissisma!!!

Bravo, Ms. Lawyer! Please congratulate your parents and teachers for enabling you to fly with words. The best to you in your bright future!