Words that are not words but really are words?

[The Blue Lotus]

I had someone tell me not to use some words, for example:
Irregardless
Nothingness
Scrutinization
Conifers

I was told these are not "real words."

Some of these are not really words yet we all know what they mean and use them when approprate.
So do we use them in writing or no?

It was also suggested I change the names of my Mc's because apparently my names are "odd." I read all types of fantasy with really out there names, heck even real world names are just sometimes are way out in left field...

As a side note who in the heck does not know what a conifer is? I mean really now... Why would I say "pine tree" when I have a perfectly suitable scientifc cool sounding word that is easily understood?

So do I listen polietly and forget the conversation or do I pay attention and make the suggested changes?

 

[Johnny Cosmo]

Your examples are in my computer dictionary and a few online dictionaries, so I think it's fine to use them.

 

[Telcontar]

Who the hell told you conifers wasn't a real word? That one isn't even up for debate.

Of the others, the only one that IS up for debate is irregardless - in fact, the debate over that one goes back decades.

So in this case, just ignore 'em. However, it is always good to pay attention to word choice, but never let one person's opinion sway you. Wait and see if other people bring it up, unless you yourself agree with the reader.

 

[The Blue Lotus]

No I disagree wholely.

To be fair he said he was not sure about conifers but at that point I quit listening... anyone who does not understand that word I don't put a lot of stock in what they say.

The Speaker who uses these words is millions of years old, it stands to reason his vocabulary would be quite extensive. Peppering in a few "high brow" words seemed perfectly fine to me.

I just wonder if anyone else has run into these issues... He also suggested I find another word for Iridesent when describing fairy wings too.

Like really? Come on man!!! Should I say shiny rainbow colored wings instead... Ugh!

The lack of understanding in todays world just kills me.

 

[Benjamin Clayborne]

"Irregardless" is the only one of those I wouldn't use, because it is used to mean the exact same thing as "regardless," except it's two letters longer. It doesn't have a different connotation; there is absolutely no reason to use it.

 

[Graham Irwin]

Words, words, words

I personally think that language is alive and fluid. If you convey what you are trying to convey, slight variations in spelling don't matter. The dictionary is only as recent as Webster; before that written language was alive with as much variation as spoken dialect.

 

[Steerpike]

I agree with Benjamin. "Irregardless" makes little sense to me, though you hear people use it (I assume they mean "regardless" or "irrespective"). The rest of them I don't have an issue with.

 

[Reaver]

In the immortal words of...

I just want to post this for my good friend Benjamin Clayborne. I can't quite remember where I saw this, but I know it's going to make him laugh.

"Or you got it or you ain't."


How does it make your eyes feel when you read this gem? Who says you can't start a sentence with a conjunction?

 

[Benjamin Clayborne]

*eyes bleed*

 

[Ravana]

"Irregardless" and "scrutinization" should be struck, the former for the reason already mentioned, the latter because it means the same thing as "scrutiny"–the correct choice. (Note that the spellchecker here accepts "irregardless" but does not like "scrutinization." Not that one should ever take a spellchecker's word as final in such matters.)

I'd be cautious when employing "nothingness," simply because there will be few occasions where the word "nothing" isn't equally appropriate. Doesn't mean it isn't perfectly good where there is a difference.

In dialogue, all are appropriate if it's the sort of thing the character would say.

At a guess, the person providing the criticism probably didn't understand what the word "conifers" meant in the first place. Ask him if you ought to replace all occurrences with "pines and firs." (Or maybe "pines, firs, cedars, cypresses, spruces and yews." Among others.)

 

[Devor]

I was hollered at for using the "made up" word "quietude" a lot during online D&D games. People need to be more careful when correcting each other. It's been my experience and observation that maybe as much as half of the time the person making the correction is as wrong or more than the one being corrected.

 

[The Blue Lotus]

I was hollered at for using the "made up" word "quietude" a lot during online D&D games. People need to be more careful when correcting each other. It's been my experience and observation that maybe as much as half of the time the person making the correction is as wrong or more than the one being corrected.

I would also add that English is a living language and as such words can be made up to fit where none other will.

Booyha, bootylicious, just to name a few...