Err. . .strange listing. . .

. . .as opposed to believing that a weak vocabulary is the strongest indicator of some spectacular intellect or insight than those who can read simply cannot comprehend?

There are cases where exceptions exist (I can think of a few) but sorry, kids- a solid command of the language is a good indicator of mind, process, inquiry, experience, and education in most but not all cases.

I just recently had the displeasure of coming across someone that I hadn't had to deal with for about two years.

It was one of those things where a friend invited a co-worker who invited another co-worker who was friends with this guy. This guy is loathed by most people who have ever had to sit through a discussion with him. And he had to sit next to ME. That alone was enough to make me seriously contemplate breaking my status as a lifelong teetotaler.

At first glance, this is a guy that sounds like he'd be educated. At least he had the vocabulary. But, if you actually listen to him, you realize very quickly that he's a complete idiot.

A few gems:

"Gravity is solar powered."
"Pool is all about the Pythagorean Theorem!"

And my favorite . . .

"It's illegal for CEOs to earn as much as they do because of the Nuremberg Trials." (This one made me almost spit out my drink)

I would think that I must have misheard everything that this guy says, but no, I've got five other people to back me up on each of these. Every time I think he's said the stupidest thing, he keeps talking. The worst part is, he INSISTS that he's correct.

Having a multisyllabic vocabulary doesn't mean that an individual actually KNOWS anything; in fact, if you want to look smart, the best advice I've heard is to say NOTHING. If I can paraphrase here, "best to remain silent and thought a fool than to speak and remove all doubt".

There's nothing funnier than some peckerhead using twenty dollars words, on a two cent argument with a repossed intellect.

I'm still trying to figure out what the three star description means.

I'm not so sure their plain-speaking contemporaries know what a plain-speaking contemporary is.

Anybody can use a big word if they look it up.
But just because they use a big word doesn't mean they are smart. They could be average or they could even be slow. Although everyone feels dumb when a kid in your class can say the of the biggest word in the English language and a 99 on a test is an F for him.

...and furthermore...to CanadaSucks...If ever there was a antitransubstantiationalist, it is you! Shame on you! Drop and give us 50...or I'll take Monica down and replace her with a nekked picture of Pelosi...

I guess this is me, at least with the written word, when I chose to. My spoken word is much more likely to be in the vernacular, and often larded with profanity.

As to being smarter, well, yes I am.....

Arguefy wit' dat' you dum bastids......

Fancy talkin' bastards... you know who you are.

Anybody can pick up a dictionary, look up a long word, and use it, but it doesn't mean that person is smart. Some people just like to show off.