In Defense of a Poor, Helpless Vocabulary Word

[gnomi]

I am here to speak out in protection of the word "fulsome."

The American Heritage Dictionary (4th edition, 2001) defines fulsome as:

adj.Offensively flattering or insincere. See Syns. at unctuous. [ME fulsom, abundant, disgusting]

However, I keep seeing it used as a synonym for "abundant," presumably based on false association with "full." And it is time to stand up for fulsome in its original meaning. Thus, no more fulsome praise...unless you really mean that the praise is offensive or insincere.

I, and my fellow vocabulary pedants, thank you.

Comments

[dpolicar]

Funny. I always understood "fulsome praise" to mean lathering it on with a trowel... ie, offensively flattering.

[kuroshii.livejournal.com]

yes, but you don't get up to the podium and thank people for it.

like george plimpton did, once. shortly after which he learned the correct meaning of the word, and realised why they had so suddenly gotten quiet.