Students often have the feeling that, if they're not writing for themselves or their peers, they need to use "big words" to impress their audiences. The easiest way to find big words is the thesaurus function on their word processor. The problem is that none of those words are contextualized, and it can be hard for students to see whether the connotations of their new word fit the writing they're doing; also, the "big words" they count on to impress can often conceal their intended meaning.

I devised this exercise to exaggerate this problem and show students the staying power of simple language. I came up with a few cliche phrases and checked the words through my thesaurus to devise "big word" representations.

Students can do this exercise in groups or alone, then report back to the full group. Students should try to "translate" the thesaurusized version back to the familiar phrase. (Answers below.)

  1. The untimely avian creature intercepts the annelid.
  2. A gyrating boulder is unable to accumulate any species of bryophytic plants.
  3. Complete labor and a lack of gambols constrain Jack to be a desensitized male youth.
  4. It constituted a swarthy and inclement period subsequent to sundown.
  5. The chief servingperson accomplished the exploit!
  6. The human female individual cavorted in a manner analogous to that of a cherubic being.
  7. You fail to be naught except a mongrel canine.

Answers

  1. The early bird gets the worm.
  2. A rolling stone gathers no moss.
  3. All work and no play makes Jack a dull boy.
  4. It was a dark and stormy night.
  5. The butler did it!
  6. She danced like an angel.
  7. You ain't nothin' but a hound dog.