Rou

I swear to God it’s not.

I know it’s painful to admit, but it’s not my fault that big words confuse you. I recommend that if you choose to remain down in the 5th grade reading level, that perhaps you should avoid the conversations where adults are talking about ‘big person’™ issues.

Now, I’m the first to admit, I do like to toss a big word into conversation from time to time, but I don’t do it too often, nor do I do it arrogantly. Just in places where using that word is either easier, or more clear.

All of which brings me to the source of my annoyance. Prior to a training session for work, a co-worker and I were discussing a news story about a local police case in the news. Over the course of the conversation, I used several words and phrases that I didn’t find all that unusual. Like ‘ramifications,’ ‘constitutionality,’ and ‘mirandize.’ There were a few others, but basically just more of the same.

Anyway, one of my other co-workers, who had been eavesdropping, stepped in and told me that I sounded pompous (no, he didn’t use that word) when I used “big words like that.” And then he attempted to berate me for trying to make other people feel dumb by using words they didn’t understand.

The fact this person even works in the same building as I do… it boggles the mind.

I’m sorry Mister. I’m sorry the education system failed you so dramatically. I’m sorry that you never bothered to teach yourself by reading recreationally or enrolling in any number of programs. I’m sorry you feel so inadequate that you decided to start a confrontation about the subject when you were not even involved in the conversation. But most of all, I’m sorry you have chosen to go through life with a crippled grasp of language.

“I'll explain and I'll use small words so that you'll be sure to understand, you warthog faced buffoon.” - Westley