single word requests - One's brilliant vocabulary and a tendency to show it off





What’s a big-vocabulary word for someone with a big vocabulary?



There are people who are blessed with a remarkable knowledge of vocabulary and diction – people who can come up with beautifully crafted sentences and expressions on most subjects at the drop of a hat. But some times, one tends to go overboard with a desire to show off the abundance of words one has at one's disposal and the result of that might create some confusion for a middling English speaker like me.


Of course, what appears confusing to me may not do so to others. Besides, I believe there is no clear line or distinction between using and overusing one's rich vocabulary. So, this post is not about what you would think showing off one's vocabulary is, but rather what you would call it.


To cut it short, I am looking for a word or phrase to describe


1) someone with an exceptional knowledge of vocabulary and diction
2) using of words and idiomatic expressions by someone in a way that appears to be more a show off and less necessary.



Answer



From Oxford English Dictionary (OED)


I like:



flowery, adj.


Abounding in flowers of speech; full of fine words and showy expressions, florid.



In use:



Shakespeare Measure for Measure (1623) iii. i. 81
Thinke you I can a resolution fetch From flowrie tendernesse?


R. Bage Barham Downs I. 275
Certain flowery gentlemen, who told us, in very pretty language.



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