“Interesting,” the most overused word in academia and perhaps, the world.
One of the cooler photos from a Google Images search of “interesting,” from a post on “interesting bus stops around the world.” Photo credit. |
That’s interesting!
How interesting…
That’s… interesting…
Lately, I’ve made a study of interesting. I know that The Most Interesting Man in the World makes me laugh. I know that beginning graduate students overuse the phrase “I’m interested in” to describe what they hope to someday research maybe. I know that I heard “interesting” at least 7,000 times at the recent National Communication Association conference in New Orleans.
I also know that “Interesting” can be used as a response to phenomena that are curious, compelling, boring, startling, stupefying, awkward and/or troubling. In turn, “interesting” can be engaged, noncommittal, offhand, off-putting, sincere or sarcastic. In short, interesting seems to mean everything… and absolutely nothing at all. And the most problematic thing? I say it all. the. time.
Sony sushi? From a gallery of “Interesting, weird, and cool pictures” here. |
Although I’m better than I used to be since penning this post about overused words such as “amazing” and “awesome,” I find myself intrigued by my employment of the word “interesting.” When do I say it? To students whose papers I find compelling. To students whose papers I find so horrible I can’t think of a kind word to say. About ideas I find provocative. About ideas I find stupid but I’m too polite to say so. In response to academic articles I find surprising. In response to academic articles I didn’t have time to read. When I have nothing else to say.
What to do. What to dooooo??
After hitting the thesaurus, I feel compelled to call for a little more precision in language. May I suggest a few adjustments to the academic vocabulary in particular and the world vocabulary in general? Try replacing some of your “interestings” with one of these related and more descriptive synonyms:
- Noteworthy
- Remarkable
- Appealing
- Engaging
- Fascinating
- Unusual
- Intriguing
- Absorbing*
- Striking
- Significant
- Notable
- Enticing*
- Captivating
- Charming
- Alluring
- Spellbinding*
Thoughts? Do you have words you over-use?
Xoxo,
shawna
* I’ll let you know if I ever use these words on undergrad papers with any sincerity…
From a post about “interesting” products here. |
One of the most “interesting and creative” advertisements, apparently. See here. |
Okay, I admit walking and reading is dangerous sometimes. Interesting desktop wallpapers. |