I’m not sure how or when my logophilia took hold.
Two favorite words I’ve recently discovered comprise this post’s title. In case you’re like me and have no idea what these words mean, I’ll save you a trip to the dictionary:
Panglossian • \pan-GLAH-see-un\ • adjective
: marked by the view that all is for the best in this best of possible worlds : excessively optimistic
effulgence • \ih-FULL-junss\ • noun
: radiant splendor : brilliance
Now, if you get an email from me saying, “(Insert name), your Panglossian effulgence continues to amaze and inspire me.” you won’t spike your right eyebrow into an arc and think I’m a lunatic. 
As a kid, I craved word games and books. Yes, I was a total geek as a kid. When other little girls were fussing over pink dresses and begging for ponies, I was ordering my 1,001 Word Games anthology, reading every Nancy Drew novel Mom had stored in the basement, pouring over every book J.R.R. Tolkien wrote, and perusing the Encyclopedia Britannica during breaks in the day.
I currently subscribe to Merriam-Webster’s Word of the Day via my RSS reader long past the days I needed to build my vocabulary for the GRE. Why? Because I find language fascinating.
When I see a word in a post or book that I don’t recognize, I quite enjoy the process of looking it up and logging its meaning into my memory’s filing cabinets. It’s kind of like going to an art museum and seeing a new painting, “Ooh, ooh, I wonder what the artist is trying to convey—maybe if I get to know the artist’s work better, I can figure out its meaning.”
For example, David Doolin used the word “Lagniappe” in rather useful post about web/blog essentials not long ago. I had to look up the meaning; what a cool word! I hadn’t seen it before and I felt like I had been given a gift—a new file for my cabinets.
That said, my logophilia is becoming a problem. As I continue to slowly grind away at my BOOK, one of the challenges I continue to face is adhering to the age-old writer’s suggestion: don’t send a ten-dollar word to do a two-cent word’s job.
But what if one LIKES ten-dollar words?? To me, ten-dollar words are like shiny things to ravens.
OK, OK, I get it. Of course, we shouldn’t write sentences like, “Lavage one’s hands before dinner,” because the word “lavage”, while it refers to rinsing and washing, is most commonly used when referring to rinsing a hollow organ (such as the sinus cavity). But, hey, I quite like the word “lavage” and often use it, albeit mostly for comedic effect.
I’ve had to fight off the years and years I was steeped in scientific writing. Where it’s preferred and more “humble” to write about one’s experiments in a third-person and passive voice. I can’t tell you the number of times I’ve had to swap around parts of a sentence to make them active and remove my geeky passivity. But, I’m getting better with practice.
I’m curious to hear about your reading preferences, logophilia, and/or writing challenges. When you see a ten-dollar word, are you inspired and excited to discover its meaning? Or do you think the writer is stuffy, pompous, or annoying?
Bring it, ‘O masters of Panglossian effulgence!
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Ah, great post!! I’m a word lover too and I still remember a few awesome Scrabble games I had with my friend who teaches English. I do like being turned on to new words in the books that I read…however, too many new words might make reading a chore.
In addition to hearing ten dollar words, I’m also very interested in how the words are arranged. IMHO there’s nothing like reading authors or listening to speakers whose work feels poetic. I suppose that’s why I like poetry slam or great storytellers so much.
BTW, I agree that lavage is a funny way to say you’re washing your hands…an utter hoot
Thanks for your effulgent post!
Hey Tim, that’s a really good point – about making reading a chore. That’s a great reminder, a $10 word every now and then might be groovy, but sometimes I just want a good read and not be bothered by looking up words left and right.
Point taken, master Tim.
Hey, I LOVE Scrabble! My husband and I have had some really awesome word matches. Sometimes we make up new rules that you can ONLY use science/nature terms or such. Fun!
I think we both have a deep appreciation for poetic expression, whether that be writing, speaking, etc. I think that’s awesome, Tim. Your my brotha’ from another motha’.
Glad I could give you a small hoot today — I’m trying to help you out with your word for 2010: laughter. Am I helping?
Have an effulgent weekend, rock star!
Effulgence was one of my favorites for a very long time. I forget where I found it, but then I kept is as my little treasure:)
I love ten dollar words. I don’t often know what they mean but I like to find out and I like how they sound when others use them.
I love words in general; how the right words convey the most priceless image/sentiment/idea and open my mind farther than I could have imagined. I like ventures with words as much as I like forays in nature:)
Hi Joy,
Hey, that’s great that you love the word ‘effulgence’, too. I just recently discovered it and, wow, what a great word! It’s perfect!
I loved what you’re saying here. I liken word forays as a sort of stand-in for all the outdoor activities I used to be involved in. Words are like my new inner wilderness. Let’s go for a word hike sometime!
One of my favorite movie lines of all time is from Philadelphia where Denzel Washington’s character says: “Explain it to me like I’m a six year old.” That’s the way I believe everything should be explained – By using simple, easy words.
No even doctors want to read about a “subcutaneous hematoma” when you’re describing a bruise
.-= Jay Schryer´s last blog ..The P.I.T.A. Scale, and How it Will Change Your Life =-.
Hi Jay,
I see what you’re saying, Mr. Editor. And, I definitely understand where you’re coming from. I know I need to keep that in mind when writing my BOOK. But, to be honest, Dr. Franklin (moi) would actually prefer “subcutaneous hematoma” over bruise. Somehow, the former means more to me.
I’m a weirdo, I know. I know. I know.
For now, let me just say that you are awesome regardless of your word preference. And that’s why you have so many fans. Keep rocking our worlds, Jay Man.
~xo
Hi Lori .. I love the learning too and in my blog I add in the Greek, Latin, Old English, etc etc roots .. and put in dates – because it teaches me and anyone who happens to be reading ..
I heard two new words recently that I liked the sound of .. and they were fun – but were linked with Attention Deficit Disability troubles and were amusing at that stage of the night – but not for general release, as such via my blog.
I used prognosticator the other day .. and got a lively comment from Jannie .. I must have learnt something over my many decades – but back then – I was not clever remotely .. lower levels. Such is life – you blossom when you blossom .. and it’s Valentine’s weekend .. so I’m blossoming every day at the moment!!
Love the two words .. I must remember them and that description of “excessivly optomistic brilliance” .. works wonders to cheer the day – Hilary
.-= Hilary´s last blog ..St Valentine’s Day, Tokens of Affection and Love Spoons =-.
Hi Hilary,
See, that’s what I’m talking about — I just looked up “prognosticator”. I wanted to confirm that I knew what it meant, but then discovered that it was born around the 15th century. How cool is that??? Thanks for making me smarter today.
I’m glad you liked these words as much as I did. Use them freely, and I dare you to use one of the words in a comment here at JBN this month — I’ll exactly know what you’re talking about! Yay!!
Enjoy word play, Hilary, to me, words are like a bouquet for us to use to give others.
So, I hereby convey to you that I celebrate your Panglossian effulgence.
Bravo!
Hi Lori! Oh what FUN! I’m a word junkie so I love this post! I was brought up with dictionaries and scrabble – my dad was an immigrant but you would never know it from his English – all self-taught of course – and what a vocab he had! When I learned to read I ALWAYS (and still do!) have a 3 x 5 card as my bookmark – I write down any new words and look them up, if not immediately, later on. Dad had me read with the dictionary RIGHT there of course – not a bad habit – and had me reading grade levels ahead. I thought he was a hard task-master at the time, but oh how I love reading and words today! Belated thanks to dad!
Do you have a Dickson’s Word Treasury? What a hoot. This guy collected words – many of them are never used anymore, some are used but made up – I LOVE this book AND his attitude of collecting words.
Sweetie, I’ll geek out with you any day!!!!
Hugs
suZen
.-= suzen´s last blog ..Declaring Love – What? Just ONE day?? =-.
Hi Suzen,
Great to see you here again. And, wow, your Dad was self-taught to speak/read/write English!? That’s awesome! Good for him!
Hey, I love your tip about the 3×5 card — what a great idea! I’m kind of spoiled now that I have a Kindle. Now, about 1/2 of the books I read are via my Kindle and there’s a built-in dictionary. I didn’t think much about this when I got my Kindle as an X-mas gift from my Mom, but it’s one of the best things about my digital reader, no word gets by me now.
I don’t happen to have a Dickson’s Word Treasury, but I’ve purchased books like this before. Actually, one of my favorite radio shows (by PBS) is called, “A Way With Words” and the whole radio show is devoted to questions about words, word origins, and grammar. It’s kind of kooky, but VERY entertaining in my opinion.
Have a great day today, lovely, and thanks for geeking out with me!!
~xo
At the risk of being a opprobrius, gasconading windbag, I would proffer that your literary juggernaut is nigh worth prolation.
I think a spattering of ten buck words may be ok if they are appropriate to the intended audience and if they fit into the writing style. If they stick out like a sore thumb then they may detract from the overall writing and an enjoyable reading experience for the audience.
George
.-= George Angus´s last blog ..Jazzed About #MOJOtweet: A Book Review =-.
OK, I had to look up “juggernaut” (I’d heard it but didn’t quite know what it meant) and “prolation”. GREAT! Thanks for widening my vocab!
George, you’ve spoken like a true writer — I knew it. Your comment is what separates posts like mine (a wanna-be writer) from a true writer who writes for a living.
I’m humbled by your presence, but I also agree with what you’re saying here.
I think I need to learn that there’s a difference between knowing what words mean and thinking they’re cool and writing in a compelling way with 10 cent words.
I hear your pipes, kilt boy.
Play on, sweets, play on. I’m listening!
Hi Lori, great stuff here, and now the tweet makes more sense, lol!
I love words, too, and like how they sound… that’s the thing that gets me most. I have to like the sound and what it reminds me of, and then if the meaning is one I like, I’ve found a winner.
For example, serendipitous is one of my favorites… the way it flows when you say it, it’s all slippery and smooth with a quick little jump (or “dip”) in the middle.
Now, when I first heard the term Panglossian Effulgence I didn’t know what to think. The “effulgence” sort of reminded of “fungus” somehow…lol! I’m not partial to the “fulge” sound. Panglossian I was neutral on… I am still trying to associate effulgence with brilliance, because I like that. Maybe like effervesce or something.
See, I’m partial to the letter “s”. Probably because up until 4th grade I had a lisp, so I had to go to “special ‘s’” classes to practice them during school. Then at home I had to read the dictionary S’s at night (sort of Cindy Brady style). Back then I wished that letter would just go away (along with some instances of the letter “c”.) But, somehow, now I love it! Funny what words, meanings, and sounds do for us!
Thanks for another fun and thoughtful post!
Cheers,
Miche
.-= Miche – Serenity Hacker´s last blog ..7 Ways to Strengthen Relationships by Creating Lasting Memories =-.
Hi Miche,
There’s so much I could say in reply to your comment — you’re so interesting!!!
First, maybe it would help to know where the word “Panglossian” comes from, which helped me a lot to make amends with the word.
This comes from Merriam-Webster Dictionary (linked above in my post): “Dr. Pangloss was the pedantic old tutor in Voltaire’s satirical novel Candide. Pangloss was an incurable, albeit misguided, optimist who claimed that ‘all is for the best in this best of all possible worlds.’ So persistent was he in his optimism that he kept it even after witnessing and experiencing great cruelty and suffering. The name ‘Pangloss’ comes from Greek ‘pan,’ meaning ‘all,’ and ‘glossa,’ meaning ‘tongue,’ suggesting glibness and talkativeness.”
Now, how do you feel about it? Any changes?
Also, it’s very interesting to hear how you perceive “serendipitous” and also the letter “s”. Cool about the first because I totally agree. I have emotional responses to words, and especially numbers and individual letters (e.g., I love the number eight and rather dislike odd numbers, except when three or more are present in proximity — I’m also really good at dates and knowing when a date will fall on a certain day of the week). I’m not sure why. My niece has Aspergers’ Syndrome, so I often wonder if I have a touch of that Syndrome, too.
I digress.
Thanks for visiting me over here at JBN and for hosting your rocking blog, too, Miche. I never miss a post of yours and have been following and cheering you on.
Thanks for your greatness!
~xo
I like interesting words and am thrilled when I know what they mean but like Jay I want it explained like a six year old. I tend to write like a six year old as well.
I think “Chicken Soup for the Soul” books are over done these days but one reason I read they’re so successful is that they write them on a 7th grade level because that’s where most of the world is at with reading.
Studying for your GRE’s and writing a book,”Oh My!” You go Lori!
.-= Tess Bold Life´s last blog ..Living A Life Of No Regrets =-.
Hi Tess,
I totally hear you there. I remember learning in a marking seminar, while I was working in biotech, that writing should be as simple and straight-forward as possible and that USA Today and most newspapers are written on a 7th-grade level. But, I guess I understand why and actually prefer to be able to reach out as many people as possible.
Oh, and just for the record, I took the GREs about two hundred years ago (and the LSAT, MCAT, and pretty much every other standardized test available to human kind). I was just remembering how I used to study word meanings to boost my vocab for those types of tests.
I hope with all my might to never have to take another one of those tests ever again!
Hope all is well in AZ!
Hi Lori — this is useful for me to think about, because for me writing is pretty utilitarian — I just want to get my point across — and taking joy in the use of the language is something I could probably stand to do more.
Hi Chris,
You know, you have a really good point here. I’m realizing more and more, as I make progress on the BOOK, that I quite enjoy creating prose that sings, not just says what I’m trying to convey. And, I read a lot and find myself stopping often to just revel in a sentence or paragraph.
Recently I was reading The Liar’s Club by Mary Karr (an amazing memoir, btw) and I remember stopping in my tracks at merely the description of a shrimp cocktail she ate with her Grandmother as a seven-year old kid. I mean, it was amazing. I don’t have the book anymore, or I’d quote it for you. It was something like: the multiple shrimp dangled their legs into a cocktail glass like young girlish bathers into a pool. Surrounding the festivities was thin-sliced cabbage anointed with sauce the color or cultured pearls.
Beautiful prose, anyone!???!
This was just a wordy way to encourage you to play with language. Every time I sit down to write, I feel like I’m on a trip to Disneyland — so much fun to be had!
Enjoy, taste, feel, and write for the joy of it!
It’s $10 words all the way for me! Some would say it’s because I can be a drama queen and am partial to slight exaggerations (that in itself is a slight exaggeration).
I have no problem throwing out the big guns of the literary world. First off, it makes me appear far more intelligent than I probably am and secondly, it helps balance out the more “colourful” language I am prone to use.
The bigger and more weird sounding, the better in my opinion. You can’t imagine how excited I was to see a post with the title “Panglossian Effulgence”! My kinda words for sure.
.-= Sami – Life, Laughs & Lemmings´s last blog ..Daisy List #80. Gold Class Movie Night =-.
Sami, Sami, Sami, I’m really glad you liked this post!!
I had a feeling you would; I love it that you use the word “whilst” a lot. It’s kind of a signature for you — very cool. It makes me feel like I’m putting on a cashmere scarf and the wind is blowing through my hair when I see you using the word. Ahh, bring it on, lovely!
And, I fully admit that maybe I’m still trying to make myself feel smart (no, no the 10 years of school post high school just wasn’t enough!) ha ha. But, deep down, I really don’t care about that anymore, I just love the feel of words that have deep meaning. I mean, when’s the last time anyone used the word “schadenfreude” when describing a colleague who’s reveling in a co-worker’s demise — how cool is it that one words portrays the meaning of ten?
I find $10 words useful for economy. You know?
Like I said, now I can write to you and say you had a Panglossian post and that your previous email to me was filled with effulgence. Shaka that, girl!!
Hope all is well on your half of the world, woman!
I love beautiful, elegant, transformational words mixed with real, raw, simple words. The best of both words. (Pun intended.) And I almost can’t read academic/scientific writing anymore. The journals arrive and sit sadly in a pile, until I throw them out eventually. Yes, with a twinge of guilt. So I am so glad you loosened the grasp of that third-person voice, Lori, because it’s a joy to read here!
.-= Patty – Why Not Start Now?´s last blog ..Meaning Mondays: The Clouds Edition =-.
Hi Patty,
Great to see you again! Thanks for coming back, you reminded me to subscribe to your blog today! Thanks!
I agree with you, it’s really hard to stay tuned to the third-person voice. I can read it, but it’s not as engaging, you know? Don’t let that guilt get to you, anything more than a twinge is just wasted energy.
(Good for you!)
Thanks for your compliments, Patty. They mean a lot! Have a great day!