I want words smoother than silk, but little do I know.. - by 37637598
SubJeff on 21/10/2009 at 02:04
Quote Posted by Gingerbread Man
even watching
Frasier episodes might give you some footing in some ways.
Yes, and its even better if you
sound just like him.
Don't get Nilesitis though. Unless you're gay.
Aerothorn on 21/10/2009 at 09:46
I never watched Frasier and I'm *still* tired of David Hyde Pierce.
37637598 on 21/10/2009 at 15:47
Wow, thanks for all of the responses! All great suggestions, where to start..
It looks like reading novels is the way to go. I do read the paper regularly already, and it does teach me new words almost every time I read it. I think one huge problem is that I never really practice any of the more sophisticated words I know. I can understand so many of them, but I need to add them to my every day speech, otherwise I would never use them. For instance, when I watch Frasier, I understand everything anyone says, but I might not know how to spell it, and I might not add it to my vocabulary for words that 'I' use.
Audio books are another great suggestion. This would solve my time issue. I can always listen to a good book while working or working out. I'm short on time now, gotta be to work in 15. I'll follow up later.
Thanks again!
Rug Burn Junky on 21/10/2009 at 18:23
As people have said, it's not just about knowing the words, it's knowing how to wield them. Paying close attention to the media-novels, TV, audiobooks-that you consume is a start, but it won't replace knowing proper grammatical fundamentals.
Get yourself a style manual-preferably one of the big three*-and learn the basics. Write a lot and consult the style manual regularly. It's like the Karate Kid; You have to learn the wax-on/wax-off before you actually hit people with it. As you gain comfort with the basics, you will be able to write and speak both short, effective sentences and baroque linguistic masterpieces of grammatical construction.
If you simply want more cool words to use, I highly recommend (
http://www.amazon.com/Foyles-Philavery-Christopher-Foyle/dp/0550103295) Foyle's Philavery. Using the words contained therein is an art form, however. When deployed properly, words divulge their meaning through context even when readers are unfamiliar with them. When used incorrectly or to the wrong audience, you simply come off as a pretentious ass. Even if you never use these words, understanding their etymology will open doors within your own vocabulary of which you were most likely not previously aware.
*The Chicago Manual of Style, the New York Times Manual of Style, and Strunk & White
D'Juhn Keep on 21/10/2009 at 18:53
Speaking of etymology, I believe I've posted this before, but I really love this site
(
http://www.etymonline.com/)
demagogue on 21/10/2009 at 19:29
Yes, I love etymology too. Really brings words to life.
I would have never guessed that the roots of "strategy" or "strateg-izing" was literally putting troops into "strati" or lines, like a rock formation. And so many words have some cool story like that.
There's a eytomology dictionary application I like called Roots of English: (
http://ablemedia.com/ctcweb/showcase/roots.html)
There's a site for the etymology of Chinese/Japanese characters too that I really like, (
http://www.kanjinetworks.com/index.cfm) ... But that's a different topic!
demagogue on 22/10/2009 at 14:36
Speaking of writing, a friend recommended this today:
(
http://lab.drwicked.com/writeordie.html)
Quote:
Write or Die is a web application that encourages writing by punishing the tendency to avoid writing. Start typing in the box. As long as you keep typing, you're fine, but once you stop typing, you have a grace period of a certain number of seconds and then there are consequences.
Sounds a little evil, but probably really good for free writing or under a deadline.
Turtle on 22/10/2009 at 16:02
Just listen to The Decemberists.
If that doesn't increase your vocabulary, nothing will.
june gloom on 22/10/2009 at 16:39
Oh, the Decemberists will increase your vocabulary, just not in the way you think.
