Lost in Translation

I have a tendency to use multi-syllable  words when I speak. I've loved words ever since my 4th grade teacher started teaching us words such  as 'decrepit' and 'appalled'.  My mother used to get a kick out of it when my  nine-year-old self  would say things out in public like "I'm just appalled that your socks don't match your shirt, Mom!".

Now that I'm hanging out with my nine-year-old step-daughter and six-year-old step-son,  I never quite know which words they understand and which ones I need to explain. For example, when I said "Don't maim your sister" after Boy Child tried to jam a pencil into her leg, should I explain what maim means?  Answer - yes; furthermore, Boy Child loved the description of maim.

Boy Child has also been running around the house calling his sister "Infidel" in an Achmed the Dead Terrorist voice. 'Mater asked him if he knew what that word meant.

Boy Child's answer, complete with his hands on his hips:  Lookie here! Every word I'm saying, I'm learning! All my friends know that. Duh!

Too true, Boy Child.

Since I fully support filling his little sponge brain, I've now added annihilate and Zone of Terror to his vocabulary.

I wonder how his mom is going to feel when Boy Child yells out "You're in my Zone of Terror, Infidel! Prepare to be annihilated!" 

I bet proud, yes?