
Bright Words, Dull Words, and Snags: A Theory of Technical Writing
http://www.stc.org/confproceed/1995/PDFs/PG382384.PDF
Palkovic, Lawrence A.
STC Proceedings
1995
Abstract:
While all words on the page should be necessary, not
every word carries the same importance. Yet words
compete for attention, and depending on what they mean
to readers, one word may make a greater impression than
another. As writers, we must express what’s important
with bright words. We must tone down what’s not
important and express them with dull words. We must
avoid snags, words that distract, confuse, or interfere in
any way with the smooth transfer of information.