Here are some ways to understand it:
* Think of a telegram: Laconic language is like writing a telegram, where you have to pay for every word, so you use the fewest possible.
* Contrast it with verbose: Verbose means using many words, often more than needed. Laconic is the opposite of verbose.
* It's not just short, it's purposeful: Being laconic isn't just about using few words. It's about using the fewest words to communicate effectively.
Examples:
* "The weather report was laconic: 'Rain. Cold.'"
* "His response to the question was laconic: 'No.'"
* "The general's orders were laconic, leaving no room for misinterpretation."
If you're looking to improve your writing or speaking, using laconic language can help you be more concise and impactful.