Gayle - It's pretty hard not to us "I" when stating your own opinion! It's when people use it to monopolize a conversation or use it in marketing materials (that should be about the prospect) that it makes me crazy.

You're probably right about why people use those words. Insecurity, feelings of inferiority, maybe even an inner need to make themselves feel that they're "above" the people who don't know and use those words.

I have a friend who uses "big words" and then, in an attempt to educate us, spells them and gives the definition. Since I like him, I just consider the source - his many insecurities.

I'll have to think about your question. Do I even have a favorite word? I don't know. I know I like digging through my thesarus to find a word that more clearly expresses whatever I'm trying to convey.

Liz - It does sound a little pompous, doesn't it? I can see using it in a letter or ad if you don't know what the residence might be - because it would cover everything from an apartment or condo to a singlewide trailer to a mansion. (Or maybe even a tent, if they live there!)

Debbie - when the purpose is communication, it is best not to confuse! And while you can get away with being a bit pompous with friends who love you anyway (like my friend with the spelling), potential clients will just go find someone who "talks English."

Kathy - It does seem that way, but perhaps it comes down to needing to appeal to the masses. When you study copywriting you learn that copy needs to be geared to a 7th grade reading level.

If you aim higher, you lose too many readers.  (I know, that's sad.)

I got an email a few days ago about the ladies on Fox News. Someone had accused them of being beautiful but empty-headed. The email showed a long list of those pretty faces along with the impressive degrees they had - many of them hold Masters Degrees, some have taught at the university level, and some are attorneys.

Jane - I agree, arrogant is another good description.

Jon - Yes, you're right. It really does come down to "situational appropriateness."

And it is interesting how we "mostly understand" words that are not in common use. Every now and then I'll stop and find one of them in a dictionary, just to make sure I really do understand. Quite often I'll find that the person who was using the word didn't actually know what it meant.

The other night my husband and the 2 neighborhood "boys" (all 3 are old retired Veterans) were out in the shop and we got to talking about a certain person in government. The word narcissism came up and we all decided that while we were pretty sure what it meant, we didn't have the actual definition. That night I looked it up and found that it was what we thought, only more so. It really is a psychological disorder.

I don't know about favorite words. I don't have any, but my neighbor seems to. When it's time for him to head for home he always says he's going to peregrinate. (To journey or travel from place to place, especially on foot.)

Jon - I didn't catch the mistakes. We all have so many typos here that unless someone uses some completely inappropriate word (like reign for rein or wholly for holy), I don't see it.

Margaret - Abolutely.

Katie -Pomposity and arrogance can spell the end of an intelligent conversation. Especially when the words are used incorrectly.