Howard McEwen, CFA

Modern English has brilliantly borrowed from multiple sources but some seem to be more equal that others.  For some reason, people perceive polysylabic Latinate words as “smarter”.  Not so.  Simple, monosylabic old English root words are just as good.

There’s an example of a sign someone hung at the Pentagon requesting people to “Extinguish All Illumination”.  Pres Eisenhower, who had no need to impress anyone (liberating Europe will give you some confidence), saw it suggested “Turn out the damn lights”.

Simple as that.  Know your Latin, just don’t try to use it when communicating telling people something.