English is known to borrow heavily from other languages, meaning you can find many words that have expanded by collecting multiple roots and influences along the way. Scientific vernacular, in particular, uses multiple suffixes and prefixes to create impressively long words. For example, the word for a certain protein found in humans is so long it takes more than three hours to say and more than 57 pages to write — far more space than we have here. What we do have, however, are nine words to lengthen your vocabulary.
Antidisestablishmentarianism
This is the original long word — the one you learned on the playground in elementary school to impress your friends. “Antidisestablishmentarianism” refers to dissension against the philosophy of separation between church and state, particularly the separation of the Anglican church and the civil government. Since this word has a very specific usage, it’s not often used anymore. Still, it’s considered one of the longest English words at 28 letters.
Pulchritudinous
If you find someone very attractive, there are a number of different words you can string together to let them know. Shall you compare them to a summer’s day? Tell them they are the most beautiful creature you’ve ever seen? Whisper that they are simply … pulchritudinous? This protracted word, meaning "beautiful," will come in handy if you want to both flatter and impress with your large vocabulary.
Subdermatoglyphics
“Dermatoglyphics” is "the study of skin markings or patterns on fingers, hands, and feet, and its application, especially in criminology." Add the prefix “sub” and you’re talking about the composition of the underlying matrix that maintains your fingerprints. Fun fact: “Subdermatoglyphic” is the longest isogram, a word without any repeated letters, in the English language.
Tergiversation
Use this word with dodgy characters who try to evade duties, switch sides, or abandon a cause. “Tergiversation” refers to the act of attempting to shrug off responsibility, while the word it originates from — "tergiversate" — is a verb that means to "make conflicting or evasive statements," or to change one’s loyalties.
Electroencephalograph
Another medical term, "electroencephalograph" is often shortened to EEG. It’s an instrument for recording the electrical activity of the brain. A lot of people know it in its shortened form from watching TV medical dramas.
Abstentious
People who use 25-cent words may be considered pretentious. But if you are described as abstentious, you might be the opposite — a person who is able to contain themselves. “Abstentious” means self-restraining, or not indulging an appetite. It tends to refer specifically to an appetite for food or drink.
Floccinaucinihilipilification
This one is for the window shoppers. “Floccinaucinihilipilification” means “the action or habit of estimating something as worthless.” While the word is mostly used as a curiosity (such as when you’re discussing very lengthy words), it can still be handy when you need to confound someone with your estimation of their garage sale haul.
Myrmecophilous
“Myrmecophilous” comes from the word “myrmecophile,” which translates from Latin to mean “ant lover.” This word is mostly used in biology to describe plants and animals who have a symbiotic relationship with ants — but if you have a particular affection for the tiny, collaborative insects, you could describe your feelings as “myrmecophilia.”
Sesquipedalianism
Perhaps the most appropriate word to round out this list is “sesquipedalianism.” These 17 letters line up to mean the practice of using long, sometimes obscure words in speech or writing. Live up to your reputation and, if anyone points out your habit of using such interminable words, you can use “sesquipedalianism” to prove how much you know.