The word logophiledoes appear in the dictionary, and means a lover of words. Why coin a new word when we already have a perfectly serviceable alternative?
Why coin a new word when we already have a perfectly serviceable alternative? _________________________________
All too often I her "logos" as a religious term, as in the "Word of God." Being unreligious myself, I like the more neutral coinage that does not have any "baggage" associated with it. Yes, this is MY "baggage," but it feels right.
My incompleteness, arnie. I should have given the link to the rationale suggesting that lexiphile and linguaphile would have slightly different meanings. Sorry.
And--what are those other connotations, autotheist? If we coin the word, can't we define it any way we want to? In trying to find lexiphile even cited (and I couldn't), I found lexiphane (as "lexiphanicism") in the Grandiloquent Dictionary; it is a useful word, but it doesn't really describe a word-lover (the original question), does it? Its definition: Lexiphanicism- Showing off by using words.
[This message was edited by Kalleh on Tue Sep 3rd, 2002 at 9:28.]
I favor "logophile" over "lexiphile". Better yet, "word lover". I see no need to use an arcane term when an easily-recognizable one will do. Perhaps "logophile" will become a common term some day, but I doubt it. I'm speaking from a USA perspective; I have no idea how common it is in Britain.
When most people here think of "logo", they think of a company symbol (logogram or logotype - OED), so they would associate "logophile" with a lover of logos.
I do like "linguaphile", though. It has a nice sound, and "lingua-" looks enough like language that I think most people could figure it out.
Tinman
[This message was edited by tinman on Tue Sep 3rd, 2002 at 22:08.]
Kalleh notes "Lexiphanicism - Showing off by using words" -- of which I found a humorous example while searching this topic. From the "about the author" page of the excellent Phrontistery site:
quote:Whether you prefer the term logolept, verbivore, logophile, epeolater, or logodaedalus, to name only a few, I count myself among that odd crowd who takes great joy in the mere mention of a new or interesting word
Definitions of the above, found on that site or elsewhere: >>logolept - a word maniac >>epeolatry - worship of words >>logodaedalus - artificer in words (logodaedalus, logodaedaly = vebbal legerdemain)
[This message was edited by shufitz on Wed Sep 4th, 2002 at 14:54.]
Tinman, I think I agree with you that "word lover" is best of all (much like the scare crow is best of all to Dorothy! ). Why use a fancy word when you don't have to? Just today, I was in a meeting when our executive director said that we will, "utilize the system...." I have always hated the word "utilize". While "utilize" is not exactly highfalutin, "use" is simpler. Or maybe logophiles don't want to use simple words!
). Why use a fancy word when you don't have to? Just today, I was in a meeting when our executive director said that we will, "utilize the system...." I have always hated the word "utilize". While "utilize" is not exactly highfalutin, "use" is simpler. Or maybe logophiles don't want to use simple words! 
