The Bus Arrives - "Intellectual"

I just read a blog where someone described someone else as "intellectually honest."

I have decided that the word "intellectual" is probably my least favorite word in the language, and I will do my best never to use it again.

The word sounds bogus, and drips with condescension. What is an "intellectual," anyway? Someone who reads books all day? Picks their toenails while pondering life? Some jackass university professor? And where do they get their "intellectual" certificate?

I'm reminded of the time I was on the phone with an actress. She wanted to delve deep into some script treatment I'd written. She said, "I need to really examine this because I am an intellectual." It took all of me not to scream with laughter and hang up the phone.

"Intellectual" is going under the bus.