Joining two words with a hyphen is done for different reasons, from
Hyphens | Punctuation Rules
Quote:
Rule 5. Never hesitate to add a hyphen if it solves a possible problem. [The following is an example of a well-advised hyphen]:
Confusing: Springfield has little town charm.
With hyphen: Springfield has little-town charm.
Without the hyphen, the sentence seems to say that Springfield is a dreary place. With the hyphen, little-town becomes a compound adjective, making the writer's intention clear: Springfield is a charming small town.
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To my mind both those sentences have 5 words. If one was being paid on word count, why should the writer who is savvy enough to insert the 'well-advised' hyphen be penalised; or to put it the other way why should the writer without the wit to do so not be punished - 5 lashes afore the foremast, or a keel hauling at least.
I would count thirty-five, and self-obsessed as one word.
BR