Sesquipedality
/ˌsɛskwɪpɪˈdælɪti/noun
The use of, or fondness for, long and elaborate words.
Did you know?The expression comes from Roman poet Horace, who warned writers against sesquipedalia verba—literally “words a foot and a half long”—as a symbol of inflated, pretentious style.
Etymological Timeline
Proto-Indo-European
PIE
*ped-
“Foot; the ancient root behind many words involving walking, standing, or measuring by the foot.”
Classical Latin
Latin
pes, pedis
“Foot; the source of Latin compounds built around the idea of feet.”
1st Century BCE
Latin
sesquipedalia verba
““Words a foot and a half long,” Horace’s vivid phrase for grandiose or overly elaborate diction.”
Classical Latin
Latin
sesquipedalis
“A foot and a half long; figuratively, long-winded or elaborate.”
17th Century
English
sesquipedalian
“Characterized by long words; the English adjective formed from the Latin expression.”
19th–20th Century
English
sesquipedality
“The quality or practice of using excessively long or elaborate words.”
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