The Most Toxic Word in the English Language
Little is the most toxic word in the English language. It’s in all our vocabularies and it rolls off the tongue without any thought or effort. At the surface the word seems harmless, but a closer look reveals just how crippling the word Little really is.
Definition
Effects
For example
- I’ve started this Little health kick = I’m slightly interested in my health and I’ll likely let it go at the first opportunity.
- I’ve started this Little company on the side = I’m dabbling in something and I’m not fully confident it will work.
- I went to Chris’ Little presentation on sales = Chris is a peer (not an executive) so his ideas can’t possibly hold as much weight.
- I had this Little idea on how to help the department = I have an undeveloped idea that I’d like to express. Please listen to me.
See what happens?
Just by uttering the word Little you immediately belittle your topic and steal power from its purpose. You might as well set that idea on fire with gasoline and a match because its toast.
I know of 5 people in my immediate memory that have gone on Little health kicks, weight loss plans, or diets. None of them have lost any significant weight. Each and every one of them had all the information necessary to lose weight. Each and every one of them labeled their efforts Little.
Similarly, I know plenty of people who have had Little businesses on the side for years. The businesses generate very little traction, leads, or sales. These are all very bright people who’ve fallen prey to Little thinking. Whenever we discuss their business they find a way to sneak in a synonym of Little in the description.
Lack of Respect?
Little is a disrespectful word. When aimed at yourself or others its equally toxic.
It’s a terrible thing to say about someone else’s projects, goals, efforts , or dreams. Think not? What’s worse than saying someone else’s goals are undeveloped, insignificant, or weak?
Calling your own projects, goals, efforts, or dreams Little is self-sabotage plain and simple. Why would anyone disrespect themselves in this way?
Conclusion
Using the word Little is an easy trap to fall into. The word seems so insignificant…powerless…small…undetect
able. Bringing that word to life does those exact things to you. When you use it you become insignificant, powerless, small, and undetectable.
Words are more powerful than we give them credit for. Little being one of the more powerful and covert. We let it fly so often without paying attention. Saying the word Little is like digesting a flavorless poison. You don’t detect it and the effects aren’t realized until it destroys you.
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October 16, 2007 at 6:55 pm
Very nice writing. I am trying to teach my daughters to respect our language and use all the words purposefully and at the right time. I think the reason people misuse words is their plain old laziness. Oh, and lack of respect for the listener.
October 17, 2007 at 6:45 pm
That’s a great lesson to teach your daughters. Hopefully, it sinks in with them. It will carry them a very long way.