INKHORNISM Meaning and
Definition
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Inkhornism is a term that originated in the 16th century to describe the excessive use of ostentatious and obscure words in speech or writing. The term is derived from the literal inkhorn, a small portable container used to hold ink, which was commonly utilized by writers during that era. Inkhornists, as they were called, were often scholars or intellectuals who sought to demonstrate their erudition by incorporating an excessive number of uncommon, foreign, or archaic terms into their literary works.
Over time, the term "inkhornism" has evolved to encompass not only the excessive use of uncommon words but also the deliberate and unnecessary introduction of jargon or technical language in everyday conversation. This behavior is often driven by a desire to appear more learned or sophisticated, but it can easily alienate or confuse the audience.
Inkhornism is often criticized for its elitism and tendency to create a sense of exclusivity within intellectual circles. The use of overly complex language can hinder effective communication and prevent the intended message from reaching a broader audience.
However, it is worth noting that not all use of rare or specialized terminology can be classified as inkhornism. In certain contexts, such as academic or technical writing, the use of precise and specific language is essential for clarity and accuracy. It is only when such language is used for the purpose of pretension or to obscure meaning that it falls into the category of inkhornism.
Common Misspellings for INKHORNISM
- unkhornism
- jnkhornism
- knkhornism
- onkhornism
- 9nkhornism
- 8nkhornism
- ibkhornism
- imkhornism
- ijkhornism
- ihkhornism
- injhornism
- inmhornism
- inlhornism
- inohornism
- inihornism
- inkgornism
- inkbornism
- inknornism
- inkjornism
Etymology of INKHORNISM
The word "Inkhornism" comes from the combination of two words: "inkhorn" and "-ism".
1. "Inkhorn" refers to a small container, usually made of horn, used for holding ink in the past. In the 16th and 17th centuries, scribes and scholars often carried inkhorns as writing utensil supplies.
2. "-ism" is a suffix added to words to indicate a specific doctrine, belief, or practice.
"Inkhornism" as a word originated in the 16th century and was primarily used to describe the practice of using excessive, showy, or overly elaborate language in writing or speech. It was often associated with scholars and writers who were accused of unnecessarily Latinizing their English writings by using obscure and pedantic vocabulary.
