This is a collection of words I've been curating since graduate school—interesting, often "big" words that caught my attention while reading, thinking, and living.
Over a decade ago, my peers really appreciated this list. They used it to generate names for artworks and exhibitions, or to give language to concepts they were exploring. As an art professor, I've given a lot of words to students over the years. Of course, other thinkers and artists have given them to me. Words can be wonderful little gifts.
Some of these words I never really learned how to use. Some seem so simple now I can't imagine not knowing them. Recently, I've been adding words I just like—even if they're not new to me, even if they're not English. Many concepts cannot be described in English, and that fascinates me.
Ultimately, this is a self-portrait in language. Click a word to see its definition and scramble the field.
Last updated: February 2026
— Joe Hedges