Humans are less likely to be denoted by compounds than by other types of words.
What is it about?
We show that humans are less likely to be denoted by compounds than other entities are. We explain that this is due to the fact that compounds are (relatively) transparent denominations. Compounds do not work well for humans because humans resist transparency. This is due to the way we conceptualise humans, i.e. as more than the sum of their parts. Reducing them to one characteristic (as transparent denominations do) amounts to negating their essential complexity.
Why is it important?
Humans resist transparent denominations. This is due to the way we conceptualise humans. The form is motivated, not in the sense that it resembles the referent, but in the sense that it resembles the way we conceptualise the referent. Humans being conceptualised as more than the sum of their parts, their denominations tend to be comparatively opaque.