What is it called when someone uses a word too much?

When someone uses a word too much, especially in a way that makes their speech or writing longer than necessary, it is broadly referred to as verbosity or wordiness.

Understanding Excessive Word Usage

Excessive use of words can manifest in various forms, from general wordiness to the specific repetition of certain terms or phrases. The core issue is often a lack of succinctness, which is the quality of being clear, concise, and to the point. Educators and style guides frequently caution against verbosity because it can obscure meaning, bore the audience, and reduce the overall impact of communication.

Verbosity and Wordiness

Verbosity (or verboseness) describes speech or writing that employs more words than are truly needed to convey a message. This goes beyond just repeating a single word; it encompasses using redundant phrases, overly complex sentences, or simply taking too long to express a simple idea. The opposite of this is succinctness, where every word counts. For instance, instead of saying "due to the fact that," a succinct writer would simply use "because."

Consider these common characteristics of verbose communication:

• Circumlocution: Using many words where fewer would suffice, often to avoid directness.
• Pleonasm: Using more words than are necessary to express an idea, often involving redundant words (e.g., "free gift," "past history").
• Tautology: Repeating the same idea or statement using different words.

Repetition and Redundancy

While verbosity is about using too many words in general, repetition refers specifically to the act of saying or writing the same word or phrase multiple times. When this repetition is unnecessary or adds no new meaning, it becomes redundant.

For example:

• "The beautiful, lovely scenery was truly, genuinely breathtaking." (Redundant adjectives)
• "He went backwards and forwards to the store again and again." (Unnecessary repetition)

Unintentional repetition can make writing monotonous and suggest a limited vocabulary, whereas intentional repetition, used sparingly, can be a powerful rhetorical device for emphasis.

Filler Words and Verbal Tics

In spoken language, using a word "too much" can often point to filler words or verbal tics. These are words or sounds that speakers insert into their speech, often unconsciously, to fill pauses, signal that they are thinking, or to maintain the flow of conversation. While common, excessive use can be distracting.

Common examples include:

• "Like"
• "Um," "Uh"
• "You know"
• "So"
• "Basically"
• "Actually"

These can indicate nervousness, a lack of preparation, or simply a habitual speaking pattern.

Impact of Excessive Word Usage

Regardless of whether it's general wordiness or specific word repetition, overusing words can have several negative consequences:

• Reduced Clarity: The main message can get lost in a sea of unnecessary words.
• Decreased Engagement: Audiences, whether readers or listeners, can become bored or frustrated and lose interest.
• Perceived Weakness: Excessive filler words can make a speaker seem less confident or articulate.
• Lack of Professionalism: In formal contexts, wordiness or repetition can detract from the credibility of the communication.
• Wasted Time: It takes longer to read or listen to, which is inefficient.

Strategies to Avoid Overusing Words

Improving conciseness and avoiding unnecessary word repetition is a key aspect of effective communication. Here are some practical steps:

1. Edit Ruthlessly: After drafting, review your work specifically looking for redundant words, phrases, and sentences. Ask yourself if every word serves a purpose. Online tools can assist, but a human eye is invaluable.
2. Vary Vocabulary: Expand your vocabulary to find synonyms that can replace repeated words or add nuance. A thesaurus can be a helpful tool, but always ensure the synonym fits the context precisely.
3. Be Direct: Get straight to the point. Avoid lengthy introductions or roundabout explanations when a concise statement will do. This often means preferring active voice over passive voice.
4. Identify Filler Words/Tics: For spoken communication, practice recording yourself to identify personal verbal tics. Once aware, you can consciously work to reduce them by pausing instead of filling the silence.
5. Seek Feedback: Ask others to review your writing or listen to your speech. They might spot repetitions or wordiness that you've overlooked.

Summary of Terms

Here’s a quick overview of terms related to excessive word usage:

By understanding these concepts, communicators can refine their language to be clearer, more engaging, and impactful.