Intellectualizing?

Disclaimer: Straightaway, I must make it very clear that I am in no way claiming to be an intellectual, or even especially smart (no, sir. "I are smart-less"). This topic exists solely to study this phenomenon known (somewhat ironically) as intellectualizing.

First off...for my benefit, mostly...This is the definition I am thinking of...

(Taken from dictionary.com) Intellectualize:

to ignore the emotional or psychological significance of (an action, feeling, dream, etc.) by an excessively intellectual or abstract explanation.

Mmm. Maybe that definition isn't exactly what I was thinking of, but... *Shrug*

I was just thinking about this because it is something I've experienced many times. It seems like many people intellectualize in order to prove their point, or even win an argument. By complicating an issue and using many long, confusing words (nothing wrong with long, confusing words, mind you. I quite enjoy them: ambiguous, convoluted, nefarious, etc.), people often go soaring over the simple truth of the matter, perhaps just to avoid being wrong and having to admit defeat--to admit that the other person is right and they are wrong.

And it's not just using long words; it's also being so vague that there is nothing certain or concrete about what a person is saying. As in the definition, "by excessively intellectual or abstract explanation."

This "tactic" for winning a debate often works and I end up submitting to this nameless intellectualizer (partly due to my obsequious - um - timid nature). *Sniffs*

So, why do you think that people feel the need to intellectualize? Why is it so difficult to admit defeat? Why do fools fall in love? Why, oh, why? ¿Por qué, oh, por qué?

-El Fin-

Jam it back in, in the dark.