ARE YOU SOPHISTICATED?

Now, I don't mean to get off on a rant here, but you'll forgive me if I do,because I just must vent a little over one of my pet peeves! Nine times out of ten, when people use the word "Sophisticated" what they really mean is, "Cosmopolitan"! See, my dictionary defines sophisticated as " artificial". Now think about the number of times you have used that word,and how you meant it. I can't help it, whenever I hear sophisticated, all I can think of is artificial! Is that the way you mean it? Most would say, no, I don't think so, particularly when they are talking about themselves. No one likes the connotation of being artificial, and yet, just think back the number of times you have put yourself in that catagory! Even more eye opening, let us consider the word, " sophisticate" means to pervert by sophistry: to adulterate. Don't like that? How about " Sophistication"? Adulteration; act or art of quibbling; a quibble."  You see? The more you delve into the actual definition of the word, the less flattering,and the more uncomplimentary it becomes! Therefore, is it any wonder that I cringe when I hear the word used as some sort of high praise?

Cosmopolitan, on the other hand means,One who is at home in every place,free from local prejidices, common to all the world, implying that this is a good thing, a person, shall we say, who is comfortable in any situation.

(sigh) I feel much better now. I am so glad to have gotten that off my chest. Rant over.I just thought you might like to know what you are really saying...and what you are really being called!

Authors footnote: if you hit on this post in search of a definition to a word that brought up this site, and you don't find it in the body of this piece,then perhaps what you are looking for is contained in one of the two comments following. Hit on the comments space below, and read what Phoenix has to say! Also, if you are so inclined, I would enjoy any reactions, additions, or responses you care to put into your own comment!

OUI? 

Comments

[Phoenix]

Tina, You won't believe this! Words are my favorite thing...as you know. I loved your post. It really got me thinking about those two words, and you're absolutely right. Then I thought to dig out my Rodales Synomym Finder - 1361 pages. (The best in the world.) I lifted its weight over to me, stuck a couple of fingers into it from an awkward angle and just flipped the book open to peruse for 'cosmopolitan'. I'd opened that massive volume right to that page!! Yikes. :) Here - check this out: 1. international, universal, global, world-wide, catholic, pandemic. 2. unprovinicial, broadminded, liberal, cultivated, cultured, sophisticated, worldly, urbane, metropolitan, worldly-wise, wis in the ways of the world. 3. citizen of the world, world traveler, globe-trotter, jet-setter, cosmopolite. Heh. Now, you know the one of those that stopped me? 'Catholic'. Now I have to go dig for that and see what's up. Thanks.... :) Words are wonderful....

[Phoenix]

oh man... Check this out for Catholic: (not capitalized): 1. general, universal, ecumenical, widespread, world-wise, global; comprehensive, all-inclusive, all-encompassing, all-embracing. 2. liberal, broad-minded, open-minded, wide, broad,; impartial, even-handed, fair, just, dispassionate, disinterested; unbiased, unpredjudiced, unbigoted, unjaundiced, unprepossessed. Um. I. don't. think. so. Who had the word first? (Are you Catholic? ) I ask because my experience with Catholics states just the opposite of these words.