Wealthy snobs use big words to advertise their exemption from dirty work, wrote Thorstein Veblen in The Theory of the Leisure Class, “they are reputable because they are cumbrous and out of date, and therefore argue waste of time and exemption from the use and the need of direct and forcible speech.” [Seth’s Blog]

Want more consumer news? Visit our parent organization, Consumer Reports, for the latest on scams, recalls, and other consumer issues.