The English language is vast and ever-changing, with a word for every occasion. However, there are lots of words that, while technically accurate, can often be replaced with simpler, more direct alternatives. Using these “useless” words can sometimes make your writing convoluted or pretentious and hinder clear communication. We take a look at 18 of the most useless words in the English language;
Perfervid
Perfervid describes excessive or exaggerated emotion, often characterized by intensity, warmth, and spontaneity. It implies a feeling beyond enthusiasm or passion, bordering on unrestrained. Several synonyms for perfervid exist, such as “fervent,” “passionate,” “ardent,” or “zealous.” These synonyms convey similar meanings and are more widely understood. Using these alternatives can ensure better comprehension by a broader audience.
Aposiopesis
Aposiopesis is a figure of speech where a sentence is deliberately left incomplete or cut off. This sudden break in thought is often used to convey strong emotions, such as anger or embarrassment, or to leave the ending to the listener’s imagination. An example is, “You wouldn’t believe what I just saw…well, you wouldn’t believe it.” Most people would argue that Aposiopesis is a useless world outside of the world of linguistics and literary analysis.
Fulvous
Fulvous is a word used to describe a dull yellowish-gray or yellowish-brown color. It’s often used to describe the coat of animals like foxes, lions, and certain bird species. While it can be a precise and descriptive word, several more common alternatives exist with similar meanings, such as tawny, buff, or fawn.
Roister
The verb roister means to engage in noisy revelry or boisterous behavior. It can also imply bragging or swaggering in an arrogant or boastful manner. In most situations, several more common and readily understood words can convey similar meanings, making “roister” unnecessary.
Persiflage
Persiflage (pronounced per-si-ˈflɑːʒ) is a noun that describes light, mocking, or insincere conversation. It implies a playful or flippant way of speaking, often used to tease, belittle, or satirize someone or something. Banter would be the most likely word, rendering persiflage a necessary mouthful.
Acidulous
Acidulous is an adjective used to describe something that has a slightly sour or acidic taste. It can also refer to something characterized by sharpness or tartness. Several more common and readily understood words, including tart, tangy, and sour, can convey similar meanings that make acidulous sound pretentious.
Crapulent
Crapulent is an adjective used to describe someone who is suffering from the effects of excessive eating or drinking. It implies a feeling of sickness, nausea, and general unwellness, often associated with a hangover. Crapulent is an archaic word that has fallen out of regular use in modern English. Additionally, some might find it offensive or vulgar due to its association with bodily functions.
Bibulous
Bibulous is an adjective that describes something fond of drinking, particularly alcoholic beverages. While this word would have been prevalent in the past, particularly when describing drunk characters in literature, we can simply use the term ‘heavy drinker’ or “fond of drinking.”
Laniferous
Laniferous is an adjective meaning “bearing or producing wool.” While we think this word sounds eloquent, it is a bit of a mouthful when we can use the more fun word of ‘wooly.’ As there’s rarely a need to specify that something bears or produces wool, it is unlikely to be used by many people.
Acersecomicke
Acersecomicke is an obsolete adjective meaning “sourly humorous” or “bittersweetly comical. The meaning of “acersecomicke” can be easily conveyed using two separate words, “sour” and “humorous,” or “bittersweet” and “comical. It is a mouthful, so it is better left in the past!
Solivagant
Solivagant is an adjective meaning “wandering or roaming alone.” It implies a sense of solitude and exploration. The word is more suited to formal writing, and even then, simpler alternatives like “wandering,” “walking alone,” or “exploring solo” are more effective.
Filipendulous
Filipendulous is an adjective meaning “suspended by or strung upon a thread.” While it is fun to say out loud, many people will need clarification about what you are talking about. The words “dangle”, “strung,” or “hanging” are much better ways of explaining what you are doing.
Jentacular
Jentacular means about breakfast. It’s an adjective derived from the Latin word “ientaculum,” which also means breakfast. Because of its obscureness, the word is now deemed useless and not recommended for everyday communication.
Deipnosophist
Deipnosophist is a noun that refers to a person who is or speaks learnedly, especially at mealtimes. Today, someone is a conversationalist or an intellectual, as explaining what a deipnosophist is takes a whole conversation!
Scripture
Scripture is an adjective to describe someone with a strong urge to write. It implies a passion or compulsion for writing that can be difficult to resist. Outside of academia and literary fiction, the word is redundant, with terms such as “prolific writer” being used in said.
Raconteur
A raconteur excels at telling stories engagingly and entertainingly. The word is relatively uncommon and can sound pretentious when it is used instead of saying someone is a “ skilled storyteller.”
Comestible
Comestible is an adjective meaning “suitable for eating” or “fit to be eaten.” It comes from the Latin word “comesus,” meaning “eaten.” The word is considered unnecessary as most people would use the word ‘edible” to describe something that can be eaten.
Obsequious
Obsequious is an adjective meaning excessively attentive or flattering, often in a servile or insincere way. It implies a behavior of excessive deference and eagerness to please, often perceived as insincere. Nowadays, “Groveling” or “ fawning” would be more appropriate words.
Effortless Ways to Earn Money While You Sleep
If you are looking to boost your bank balance, take a look at these 16 easy ways to make money while you sleep.
High-Potential Careers Where Experience is Not Needed
If you have little experience in working different jobs but you are looking for a well-paid career, take a look at these low-skill, high-paid jobs.
Legit Ways to Make $200 in One Day
Are you in need of some extra cash and want to make $200 a day quickly? Whether you have an unexpected expense, want to supplement your income, or just want to work from home, there are numerous legitimate ways to achieve this goal.
