Have you ever had a conversation that feels meaningless, pointless, and time-wasting? You are not alone. We have all been stuck in excruciatingly awkward conversations where the other person is just throwing words at us, hoping some of them will stick and make sense.
This is often referred to as "blord," a term coined by comedian and writer John Hodgman. Blord is a form of communication that presents a thin veneer of meaning while being completely devoid of substance. It is the linguistic equivalent of cotton candy: fluffy and sweet, but ultimately empty.
Blord is everywhere. It is spoken by politicians, bureaucrats, celebrities, and even our friends and family. It is the language of press conferences, corporate meetings, and marketing campaigns. Blord is so ubiquitous that it has become almost normal to engage in it. But just because it is common doesn't make it right.
The problem with blord is that it erodes our ability to communicate effectively. When we use blord, we are not really saying anything. We are just making noise. And when we listen to blord, we are not really learning anything. We are just wasting our time.
Does this mean that we should never use big words or complex sentences? Of course not. Language is a powerful tool, and it can be used to communicate complex ideas in a clear and concise way. But when we use language to obscure meaning, we are not using it effectively.
So, how can we avoid blord? Here are a few tips:
- Be clear and concise. When you are speaking or writing, make sure that your words have a specific meaning.
- Avoid jargon and technical terms. If you are not sure that your audience will understand a term, define it or use a simpler word.
- Be honest. Don't say something just because it sounds good. Make sure that your words are true and accurate.
By following these tips, we can all help to fight the scourge of blord. We can demand that our leaders speak clearly and honestly. We can refuse to listen to those who use blord to obscure their meaning. And we can use language to communicate effectively, to share ideas, and to build relationships.
Blord is a threat to our ability to communicate effectively. It is a form of linguistic pollution that makes it difficult to understand each other. But we can fight back against blord. We can insist on clarity and honesty in our communication. And we can use language to build bridges, not walls.