Why Does the Word Moist Get So Much Hate?
The Blue Book of Grammar and Punctuation
Why Does the Word Moist Get So Much Hate?
Why do so many people dislike the word “moist”? It’s a good question. Even if you are one of those who can’t stand the sound of that particular word—and there are many who can’t—you might not be able to explain why.
In this discussion, we’ll consider the issue people have with this much-maligned word, along with a few things you can learn from the reasons why it’s so unpopular.
What’s Wrong With the Word Moist?
As it turns out, there isn’t a single reason people hate the word moist. It’s usually a combination of a few different things:
The sound. The word moist simply hits the average person’s ear in an unpleasant way. Just as people might not like the texture of certain mushy foods, some of us don’t appreciate the auditory response we get from hearing moist.
The association. The word moist often has negative connotations. It can be used as a descriptor for unpleasant bodily fluids (ick!), as well as for spaces such as basements and locker rooms, which can sometimes be dank, dirty, and unsanitary. In other words, if you have been somewhere that makes you a little queasy, there’s a chance it might have involved moisture. That makes moist a word most people don’t like to use or hear.
Social influence. We all typically form opinions from what is liked and not liked within our social circles. The fact that so many people dislike the word moist means that many others will eventually learn to dislike it as well. This is probably the least compelling of the three reasons, but it’s one that can’t be overlooked.
When you combine these three factors, it’s no wonder lots of people really don’t like the word moist. The same issues will often arise with similar words such mucus and vomit. They are unpleasant, associated with negative places or events, and disapproved by large numbers of people.
However, before we shut the door on the word moist, we should note one other thing.
Context Matters More Than Moistness
Even people who don’t like the word moist don’t necessarily mind it in every setting. For instance, lots of readers might be bothered by a description of “moist workout clothes in the hamper” but not “a moist piece of chocolate cake.”
Just as all other words, this one is affected by context. It’s not only our choice of a specific adjective that matters but also the way in which we apply it.
Learning Grammar Can Be Appealing
While the word moist is not always embraced, neither is the idea of learning and studying grammar always a welcome prospect. That’s why we aim to make grammar fun and easy for you, as well as make it an asset to your writing and communication skills.
Visit us again soon for other ways to gain greater mastery of the tools that help make you an even more-precise thinker and writer. You can also leave us a comment below to share your thoughts or ask a question!
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I’ve never known there are people who hate the word moist! I can understand mucus and vomit (I’m a registered nurse), but moist? I don’t get it.
I really enjoyed this article (as I do others), as I had not realized until now that I also dislike the word “moist“! Keep them coming!
Following up on my earlier comment, I thought you would be interested that I have posted about this wonderful blog article on my LinkedIn page!
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I’ve never thought that the word moist could have a negative effect. However, my only experience of its use was years ago in a typical North Wales summer (Should that have been capitalized, by the way?) in the expression “Well, it’s a shade moist” to describe a downpour. There’s also a character in a Terry Pratchett book called Moist von Lipwig. Nothing wrong with the word in my book. I am enjoying your posts, by the way.
“North Wales summer” is correct.
Thanks for the fun article.