"Hippopotomonstrosesquippedaliophobia: the fear of long words."
When I was in grade 4 I had a nun for a teacher. Sounds like the beginning of some kinky tale, I know, but this is alot less interesting. So Sister Eva, she had this insidious way of punishing her misbehaving students; instead of making us clean the chalk board or write lines, she would have us stay in from recess/after school and copy out a page in the dictionary. She had me start out in the early A's and throughout the school year I eventually managed my way through to the mid R's - I was a problem child.
The funny thing is this: years later I can look back on that year, and realize what a blessing that absurd punishment was! Her method of discipline was also a gift that allowed me to express myself in a myriad of different ways. But I've also discovered that this gift was a double edged sword.
I've discovered over the years that people become VERY confused and angry when they are confronted with a word they don't understand! And instead of looking into the definitions of the words I've used, they decide to express their anger! Towards me! Wouldn't it be easier to broaden your horizons and learn a new word, instead of expending more energy being upset with me for not catering to the lowest common denomenator?
