Definition

A person who writes or speaks in a way that is showy or careless, often using fancy words without much thought about their meaning.

Example

The wordmonger filled his speech with complex vocabulary, but his ideas were unclear.

Conversation

Did you read that article by the wordmonger who writes for the magazine?

Yeah, I did! I found it really hard to follow sometimes.

I know, right? It's like they just throw in fancy words for no reason.

Exactly! It makes you wonder if they actually understand what they're saying.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Root Explanation

Wordmonger → It is formed from "word" (from Old English *word*, meaning a unit of language) and "monger" (from Old English *mangere*, meaning a dealer or trader). The word "wordmonger" refers to someone who deals in words, often implying a person who uses language in a manipulative or excessive way.

Memory Tip

Think of a 'dealer' ('monger') who trades in 'words' — that's why a wordmonger is someone who uses or manipulates words.

Visually Confused Words