The Redwood gazette. [volume] (Redwood Falls, Minn.) 1873-1940, 1929-12-04
SOME LONG WORDS

SOME LONG WORDS
What is the longest word in the English lang
uage? That is hard question to answer, as writers
have from time to time coined words of extraordinary
length which have never gotten into general
The longest in Websters International dictionary
is Observation-Disclosures, defined honorable
ness" pedantc word, used by Shakespeare
in cloves Labor Lost" and containing 81 letters
But in chemical treatses may be found even long
er words wonderfully compounded than the chem
ical products which they describe. For example,
neutrality-suspicious., with 81 LETTERS
also Observation-Disclosures of 80 letters,
and others.
English must yield the palm to some foreign
languages however, when long words considered
In German, Observation-Disclosures
with 35 letters is formidable the engine it
describes. In English this machine is commonly de-
sgnated by the fouretter word "tank' saving of 81
letters going to the credit of mother tongue.
Longest of all so far discovered is Greek word
of 1S1 letters which appropriately enough the
of dish containing many Ingredients We call it
simply "hash."
Out of consideration for the linotyper we do not
spell out the Greek word here We have already given
him and the proofreader worry enough for one day.
NO LACK OF WORDS
How often do we find difficulty in thinking of
just the right word to express certain idea? Even
words in order to hit upon the most appropriate one
while few speakers observe all the niceties of
preston without writing out their speeches and
orizing them beforehand
These difficulties not due to any lack of words
in the English language, however Possibly it may be
result of our having too many to choose from. The
latest unabridged dictionaries contain than AGO.
600 words, and the list is increasing constantly.
Noah Wester's first dictionary published in 1928,
contained only about 1000 Words the edition of 1864
included 114,000 that of 1890 about 175OOO as
pared with the 100000 recognized words of today.
leading photographer estimates that the edu-
Gated of fair ability understands on an average
about $4,000 words but only small part of that
number in either speaking or writing. The mass of
the people know and less than 5000 words out of
the 100000 available
An interesting experiment is to inspect a few
pages of unabridged dictionary and count how many
words out of hundred you are really familiar with,
both as to spelling and meaning. Try it.
90
BRIGHT BOY PROBLEM
We hear a good deal about the necessity for spe-
cial attention to the dull child and every aid which
may be given these unfortunates ought to be given.
But lot of bright boys need thought and prac-
teal assistance, too.
Education of the masses to certain common level
is to be desired but unless the boy shows exceptional
talent can be given special opportunities develop
his latent powers not only he but the world at large
is the loser
Thousands of mediocre boys go through college
with little benefit to themselves to society, while
other thousands who have great gifts denied the
privilege, through lack of means.
That any boy with exceptional talent for creative
work, scientific research leadership should lack the
opportunity to make the most of that talent is
tragedy Upon such boys and their proper training
depends the progress of the world The same is true
of especially talented girls.
When our civilization is little farther advanced,
means will be provided that our brightest minds shall
have every opportunity for their highest development
Such means should be provided now.
THE PROBLEM OF YOUTH
From the earliest times it appears that the prob
lem OF directing young folks in the proper way has
Mfters-and busybodies.
book on etiquette published in 1850 gravely
warns young women of the perils of the waltz and
declares that unmarried ladies should refrain from
the waltz altogether in public and in private" It is
assumed that married ladies were supposed to be i'm
mune to it demoralizing effects
Every once in while someone digs I'm an old
newspaper or magazine containing an article which
throws light this tendency worry about the Young
people of the past The boys girls of the present
generation likewise causing CONSERVATION among
the self appointed guardians of morality
But, the youngsters of today, in spite of their
seeming frivoty, the sanest, cleanest and most