So. I’m reading a document. Skimming, actually. Words jump out at me — like they always do. When new words jump, I jump, too. I jump and grab them by the waist and twirl them around and around in joy. Then I place them gently in my brain where hopefully they will take up residence — or at least stay for an extended visit. I heart new words.
But I’m not sure about the words from this document. Words like prokaryotic and eukaryotic, endosymbiotic theory of eukaryotic evolution, catabolism, anabolism, and phosphorylation reaction.
If I say catabolism and anabolism quickly they make me think of cannibalism. But I don’t think that’s what they are really talking about. Cannibalism — that’s just what these words do when trying to niggle their way into my brain.
These words are in English. I recognize and understand the letters that make up the words. I can even pronounce them (the words) . . probably. Do I have any idea whatsoever about their meaning? Not in the least.
Those words shake their fists in the air, stomp their feet, and yell obscenities at me because I am so ignorant about them. I slam the door shut and lock them out. I don’t want those ugly words wamboling around trying to get entrance to my brain. I don’t want them there at all!
Why? Because they are science words. Words that are of no use to me. Words that I never encounter except in rare and random sightings. I’m so glad. Science words, you go that-a-way. I’m going to head off in this direction. Far, far, far away from you.
On the other hand, I understand sesquipedalian, cacology, rodomontade, neologism, and macroverbumsciolists. These words wrap their arms lovingly around my soul and whisper sweet nothings in my ear. I welcome them into my cognitive dwelling place known as my brain.
Why? They are words that I will use. Words that I will meet and greet on the street of my literary perusals. Words that bring me joy. Good words. Useful words.
I’ll just put that document down and carefully back away from it lest it taint my brain. One would never want that to happen, now would one?
Oh my goodness! It squished my brain up just trying to read this post. What in the world are you doing reading such high level words?? Aack … I gotta get out of here …!
Just light reading at work. Fun, huh?