Dear Lola,

I need some guidance on what to do when my colleagues use words erroneously. If it were a friend I would never equivocate – I would instantly rectify their gaffe. However, I don’t foresee that endeavor producing a positive result with my colleagues. My trepidation is that my colleagues will persist in using these words incorrectly until someone finally discloses the truth. They’ll be mortified and perturbed that no one enlightened them sooner. Surely you can see what a predicament I find myself in.

Should I open up a dialogue to correct their choice of word or disclose the definition of the actual word they have wrongly chosen?

Sincerely,
The Savage Sesquipedalian

Dear Lola

Dear Savage Sesquipedalian,

We are starting off with a mouthful today. I assigned that moniker very appropriately – I’m sure the writer of the letter knows exactly what it means. For all the normal humans reading this column, allow me to define it for you. In short, sesquipedalian is used in  reference to very large words, long-winded speeches, or someone who uses big words to sound smart.

DL - Big Head

You are not a nice person. You tried to put a bow on your intentions by stating you don’t want your coworkers to be embarrassed, but it was an afterthought. I could sense your glee with the thought of running amok, correcting the vocabulary of anyone who dared cross your path.

The world has already been gifted a Soup Nazi*, we don’t need one for vocabulary!

People use words wrong all the time. Language is a fluid thing and the dictionary adds new words every year. While I can empathize with having to listen to someone who uses basic words incorrectly – I cannot find any sympathy for you. The only two solutions you could find were to stop someone in their tracks and correct their vocabulary or, and this one is so much worse, to give them a vocabulary lesson on the word they chose to use.

Coming from a long-winded gas-bag, I can’t imagine that would go over very well.

I will offer you a solution to this problem, because I am a consummate professional who takes this advice column as seriously as a canine is capable. It does not mean I like you.

Work from home.

♥Lola♥

Send Lola your questions in the comments, or by clicking one of my social media links below!

*I would personally like to thank Seinfeld for its existence. You gifted the world with The Soup Nazi and I’ve never laughed so hard in my life. 

Check out my Facebook page @ShankYouHeather and @ShankYouDesigns

I also tweet like a bird on Twitter @HeatherKeet

You can also find me on Instagram @ShankYouHeather and @ShankYouDesigns

Lola and I opened a store so we can sell our funniest blog sayings on cool stuff. Check it out at Shank You Very Much

31 replies on “Dear Lola – The savage sesquipedalian…”

  1. Oh Lola you are so wise. We definitely do not need another Sheldon. When Sheldon does it he does it in a funny way and most of us would come across as mean.

    Liked by 2 people

    Reply

  9. Hello Lola,

    In my books, it’s fine to correct somebody of their misuse of a word as long as it’s done kindly or with humor. #GlobalBlogging

    Best,
    Sigrid

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply

  11. Oh, how I have been mortified over the ages about this issue in particular! We used to have a running list of newly coined words used in marketing presentations. It was hysterical! Lola, your advice is sage, as are you! xoxo #globalblogging xoxo

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply

  18. Hi SS! How many languages can you speak? XD

    Oh, and if you are making fun of speakers of English as a second/ foreign language, that is not very cool. If you’re not, please forgive me. Don’t be a know-it-all, it’s really annoying. 😀

    Great advice, Lola! I wish more humans were like you.

    #GlobalBlogging

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply

Tell me what you think...

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.