This is a collection of words I've been saving in a simple notes document since graduate school -- interesting, often "big" words that caught my attention while reading, thinking, and living.
Words can be wonderful little gifts. My dad loved defining and explaining words to me, especially words with Latin roots. Over a decade ago, some of my peers really appreciated this list. They used it to generate names for artworks and exhibitions, or to give language to concepts they were exploring. As an art professor, I've given a lot of words to students over the years.
Some of these words I never really learned how to use. Some seem so simple now I can't imagine not knowing them. Recently, I've been adding words I just like -- even if they're not new to me, and even if they're not English words.
Ultimately, this is kind of a self-portrait in language. Click a word to see its definition. Refresh the page to scramble the field. Enjoy!
Last updated: February 2026
- Joe Hedges