title: is it better to use big words?

date created: 2025.05.30
last modified: 2025.05.30

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i came across this study [0] about whether using bigger words in writing makes you seem smarter. it doesn't.

the simpler text was rated as sounding more intelligent, no matter whether it was the original, the edited version, or one of two translations.

i really want to send this to my old english teacher, who would cross out words in my essays and replace them with fancier ones (one of many reasons i didn't like her).

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[0] Consequences of Erudite Vernacular Utilized Irrespective of Necessity: Problems with Using Long Words Needlessly 
DANIEL M. OPPENHEIMER, 2006
https://sleepycrow.neocities.org/files/bigwords.pdf