Sesquipedalia Poems | Examples


List of Member Poems

Premium Member Using Long Words

Sesquipedalianism is the tendency to use long words,
So is this the longest word you have ever heard?
Not being a sesquipedal myself I was not acquainted with this one,
As my words tend to be common, normal, like bun, sun, run, fun.
Both of these words, come from this Latin phrase used by the poet Horace’s song.
‘Sesquipedalia verba’ which means using words that are a foot and a half long.
And if you think these words are something, then let me throw in this.
There is a forty-five letter word: pneumonoultramicroscopicsilicovolcanoconisos.
What you say? How crazy and insane, is an unnatural word like this.
Using it is nothing I would do in conversation, but if you have inhaled silica dust,
It is a word you could look up, as it will have life-long meaning to you, and you need to adjust.
Sesquipedalianism is not the playground where I play,
But it is fun to think of it for one small measly day.

Looking for the formal definition, structure, and history of this poetry form? Visit the Poetry Dictionary entry below. Then return to explore how PoetrySoup members bring the form to life through their own poems.

Get a Premium Membership
Turn off ads, get more exposure for your poetry, and get more features with a Premium Membership.
Book: Diverse Voices: The Poetry of Human Rights and the Pursuit of Peace