In a recent moment on The Celebrity Traitors, an eye-roll from Olympic diver Tom Daley to fellow contestant Kate Garraway, followed by the words “Who uses that word?” has sparked some attention—and not in the way Daley might have hoped. The word in question was “flabbergasted,” which Garraway had used to express her astonishment at the show’s first “murder.” Daley’s reaction—dismissive and perplexed—seems to echo a broader trend that dismisses certain words as “poncey” or elitist.
While Daley is known for his engaging public persona and his many accomplishments—five Olympic medals, a well-documented family life, and a viral knitting moment—it seems that his lighthearted attitude toward the English language may have unintentionally undermined his own reputation. Garraway’s use of “flabbergasted” wasn’t an attempt to show off, but simply a well-chosen word to convey surprise. And contrary to Daley’s eye-roll, there is no shame in using a robust vocabulary.
In today’s world, English faces challenges from modern technology, text slang, and an ever-decreasing attention span. But language—especially English—is a dynamic, beautiful tool that we must continue to preserve and appreciate. As pointed out in the article, some words, like “flabbergasted,” have a rich history and can evoke much more than simple surprise; they have the power to communicate a deeper emotional response.
Daley’s eye-roll might have been meant as harmless fun, but it risks turning the tide on the appreciation for richer language in favor of simplifying expressions to the lowest common denominator. The piece encourages a reframe: when encountering words that seem unfamiliar or unnecessary, instead of dismissing them, we should embrace them as an opportunity to expand our vocabulary. After all, language isn’t just about communication; it’s about connection, richness, and an ongoing appreciation for its nuances.
So, Daley, next time you find yourself “flabbergasted” by a word, take a moment to reflect on its beauty rather than dismissing it. You might just find yourself learning something that makes you feel even more in tune with the language of your nation. And, as the article humorously reminds us, a well-placed word can be supercalifragilisticexpialidocious!
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