What Does That Mean?
Have you ever caught yourself uttering a “million dollar word” and thinking in the back of your head “Did I use that word in the correct way?” That happens to me more often than I’d like to admit, and the frequency increased the more I started writing. I would use catch phrases and words in the flow of normal conversation because they sounded like the right thing to say. Then I discovered later that my context was wrong. I became more curious than embarrassed because in my current profession, and especially now in the alternative facts era, your word is your bond and the validity of that bonds’ context will be challenged, analyzed and torn to shreds if it isn’t accurate. Why did I misspeak so much? What’s the root cause?
Looking back on my early years in school, I would categorize myself as more orator than scribe. I enjoyed articulating my thoughts, and sounding eloquent making those points as opposed to writing them down and subjecting them to the scrutiny of the “red pen of doom”. When I attempt to rationalize my preference for verbalizing my thoughts, I conclude that my appreciation for TV dramas and cartoons is what influenced me in that direction. Whether it was the monologue of a dastardly villain, a scathing wresting promo, or the banter between classic sitcom characters, I appreciated the art of conversation. Comics books are known for hyperbole in conversation, and it was prevalent in my teenage years. The words and situations in which they were used intrigued me. To my ears it sounded like the Philharmonic Orchestra of vocabulary. It made sense (to me) that I emulated those characters in my life.
So I would repeat words like “precocious”, “magnanimous” and “myopic” in my day-to-day descriptions of what I saw in this world. When I got serious about blogging and freelance writing, I wanted to expand my vocabulary. Not because I wanted to sound like a Rhodes Scholar (or Walt “Clyde” Frazier), but I wanted to be more agile and diverse in my writing style. I can’t remember the a-ha moment I had when speaking. Maybe it was when debating a topic at work (that’s probably it), when I typed a word, then immediately went to my friends Merriam and Webster to see if I used it right. They said “nah, bruh!” and I let the * cover up my mistake. From that day forward, I committed myself to have a deeper understanding with the English language. Even though I’ve scored high on various “How good is your vocabulary” quizzes, that didn’t mean I used them well. I had to identify the “why” and then get better.
Some things that help me in my journey:
LOOK IT UP
I look up words every. Single. Day! I have the dictionary app on my phone and use it often (and not just for the word of the day). In the time that I typed up this article, I researched the definitions of about 10 words and have a Google tab open to see if my phrasing makes sense. I have web browser add-ons that can track my typing, define words on demand, and assist in being my virtual editor. “Just Google it” is more than a condescending way to tell people to try on their own before asking an obvious question. It can get your writing and speaking on point.
READ
I didn’t read for recreation, other than comic books, as a kid. I hated it because it seemed like schoolwork. As the quintessential student who relied on natural intellectual ability and didn’t think he needed additional work to be the best, I saw reading for fun as unnecessary. I later studied Computer Science in college, so if it wasn’t for an elective/core class (Philosophy, Caribbean Lit, etc.) I wasn’t reading a book. I would realize later that my hubris towards self enrichment limited my creatively, even now. Reading develops your vocabulary, exposes you to different writing styles, and expands your mind and your perspectives. I wasn’t woke, but now I am. I read articles in a variety of places from writes WAY better than me. I read books now for fun (who am I?!) and while life can sidetrack me, I try to keep up with it. Reading has fortified my vocabulary and instilled confidence in me to use those words efficiently and effectively.
WRITE
Writers don’t get better by chilling. Writers write. I have to rise above self-doubt and laziness often to do it, but the frequency in which I write has increased over the last few months, after I was dormant. I write these Medium posts, freelance articles, scripts for on camera work, ideas, business plans, etc. You name it, I write it. it takes time but so what? I want to be better and putting in that work will help.
I’m not perfect. I’m sure the grammar gods could have a field day with the errors in here. But, I’m getting stronger daily and that’s what counts. We all want to sound intelligent and credible. Expanding my vocabulary is important to me, but I prioritize having a lucid message over a loquacious one. It would be great to end up somewhere in the middle.
Word!
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Jeff J. is a TV Host and Entertainment Correspondent. Fancy bio and social media stuff can be found HERE
