Yes, I am writing something completely different from usual. No, I am not encouraging you to do anything deviant or perverse. Sesquipedality https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/sesquipedality is simply the practice of using long words. At one time, being called a sesquipedalian was a bit of an insult, having been used to criticize writers who used long words. Perhaps it came across as being pedantic .
You may notice that I occasionally drop long, strange, or obscure words into my writing. For instance, I recently used the term omphaloskepsis, when the term "navel-gazing" would have easily sufficed. This is not because I am any smarter than my readers (likely not in most cases). This is not because I'm trying to look smart. My purpose in using words like omphaloskepsis when other words are available is four-fold:
Often, these words create more impact than their counterparts.
Sometimes these words are alliterative (or assonant) with surrounding word.
I find that varying word use creates more interesting reading than using terms repetitively (unless that repetition is intentionally used for impact).
I enjoy learning new words and I want to encourage my readers to do the same.
Growing up, whenever I encountered a new word while reading (or in other activities), even if I could discern the (likely) definition from context, I looked that word up in the dictionary. It was a benificial vocabulary-building habit out of which I fell for some time. Since I began writing my substack, I once again picked up that habit. Now when I come across words, I jot them down along with their meanings. This provides me a treasure trove of tantalizing terminology to tickle your tact. See what I mean?
It’s not about braggadocio; it’s about broadening your word base and obtaining the tools necessary to better express yourself. So, when you come across particularly pedantic patois in my writing, please do not dismiss it as me trying to sound arrogantly articulate. I implore you to investigate and allow yourself to be inured with all the benefits of an improved idiolect.
Your subject hit home. Have always had a problem using the dictionary, as when looking up a word would often become distracted (delightedly) and wander around finding other interesting words. I think of my dear father who would define a dictionary as a ‘book of short stories’. Remembering an excuse for missing school, using ‘lassitude’ (haha).
One of the fundamentals of my writing was being taught long ago to write for a sixth to eighth grade level so that you can assure reader comprehension. I'm sure I do occasionally use "big words" (they no doubt slip into medical articles I write) but I really *try* to avoid them.
One of my major goals is to make my writing "readable" (which I'm sure I fail at often).
By the way, yes, I used to read the dictionary as a kid. We didn't have cell phones in the sixties!