Reply to Things that people say that make them sound too pretentious

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[quote=Anonymous][quote=Anonymous][quote=Anonymous][quote=Anonymous][quote=Anonymous]I'm from East Asia. Even though English is my second language, I have a bigger vocabulary than 90% of native-born Americans I encounter. To have my friends tell me that they think I'm pretentious simply for the fact that I use words like "nadir" and "gossamer" is truly amusing and eye-opening.

#sorrynotsorry[/quote]
That's probably just because in casual conversation, there is usually a better word than those two. You sound like you talk like a twat or aren't as fluent as you think.[/quote]

Agree! Using big words that your listener may not know it usually the domain of the uneducated with the "word of the day" calendar in this country. I feel bad for your friends because you sound like a judgmental b*tch![/quote]
+1. People that are educated don't use 10-cent words when 5-cent words will do the trick. Clarity and conciseness are more important than how big your vocabulary is. [/quote]

In DC and on DCUM you are going to get the 10% who have excellent vocabularies, so we are not impressed with those words (but a second language, well done). If your friends think you are insufferable it is probably not vocabulary. Maybe check your attitude about living here? And PP makes a good point--clear and concise is the key. I have seen talented DCers slide effortlessly between audiences using the right level of vocab for each situation.

Think about Ted Talks, Carl Sagan, etc. These people are brilliant, and brilliant at getting audiences to understand their passion without losing them in the shopspeak. Even our talented cadre of lawyers here on DCUM explain some very complicated situations for this audience in a clear way. [/quote]

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