Do Not Take Words Too Seriously: Shouldn’t We Really?

When you use language in accordance with generally accepted conventions, we may say that you take words seriously; this includes using only typical metaphors such as ‘time is money’ and typical metonymy such as ‘the White House decided…’. Using words/language seriously may make people feel socially safe. In ‘serious’ conversations and writing, unexpected outcomes are minimized. When you take words less seriously, you are open to unconventional use of language including unconventional metaphors and metonymy; you play around with the various meanings that people ascribe to words; you are positive to ambiguity; you are open to and prepared for multiple interpretations of what people say or write; you may take conventions with a bit of frivolity. When you do not take words too seriously, you tend to be breaking linguistic conventions. Social consequences such as offense may be a result.