Words that embody their meaning: sesquipedalian, esoteric

I had to look up "sesquipedalion" while reading a case today. The judge could have used "wordy" instead, but I can understood how it would have been hard to resist going obscure on this one.

sesquipedalian (ses·qui·pe·da·lian)

NOUN:

• A long word.

ADJECTIVE:

• Given to the use of long words.
• Long and ponderous; polysyllabic.

This reminded me of a joke that Barry Crimmins told at the Ding Ho Comedy Club back in 1980. "Funny thing about the word 'esoteric', not many people know what it means." Sue Strausman and I laughed. He pointed at us and said, "figures the ones who go to MIT are the only ones who get it."

esoteric (es·o·ter·ic)

ADJECTIVE:

1.

• Intended for or understood by only a particular group: an esoteric cult.
• Of or relating to that which is known by a restricted number of people.

2.

• Confined to a small group: esoteric interests.
• Not publicly disclosed; confidential.