Words are fascinating. Etymology of words even more so. English has a pretty large “working vocabulary” with lots of synonyms, but I think in general each synonym conveys a slightly nuanced meaning.  There is often just the right word needed somewhere in the pile of synonyms. Of course a love of words is just a thin line away from being pedantic. I sometimes wonder if using the word “pendantic” is in itself pedantic. Oh well, a worry for another day. Today’s attention is provided by Merriam-Webster. It is an article of 13 words that are unusually long. I think if you know the words you have an amazing vocabulary. If you routinely use the words, well…. be ready for blank stares.

On a final note, the last word on the list is an example of a demonym. I was unfamiliar with “demonym”. It comes from the Greek dêmos “district, country, people, common people, political district added to -onym meaning to “bear the name.”  The word “Floridian” is a demonym. As the article points out, some states do not easily construct demonyms. A friend of mine is from Maine. What is the demonym for Maine? Officially its is “Mainer”; unofficially it is Maniac.

Happy Saturday.