10 obscure words that you should be using right now
The wonderful Haggard Hawks is Twitter account that specialises in obscure old words and language – most of which seems very relevant in the modern world. Here’s ten of our favourites to expand your vocabulary with.
1.
If you’re BORIS-NORIS then you’re reckless, and act without considering the impact of your behaviour.
(A Glossary of Dorset Dialect, 1863) pic.twitter.com/J5opr6HTw6
— Haggard Hawks (@HaggardHawks) September 19, 2017
2.
To GOVE is to stare vacantly, or ‘to look about like a simpleton’.
(Westmoreland & Cumberland Dialects, 1839) pic.twitter.com/7EEl2lCouh
— Haggard Hawks (@HaggardHawks) January 16, 2017
3.
A GONGOOZLER is someone who stares absent-mindedly at something.
(English Dialect Dictionary, 1905) pic.twitter.com/ixXEF2iwu9
— Haggard Hawks (@HaggardHawks) September 18, 2017
4.
A KALLIPYG is someone with beautiful buttocks.
— Haggard Hawks (@HaggardHawks) September 14, 2017
5.
Sausages were nicknamed BAGS OF MYSTERY in 19th century slang.
(Passing English of the Victorian Era, 1909) pic.twitter.com/Um0TVdMkHM
— Haggard Hawks (@HaggardHawks) August 29, 2017
5.
A THEIC is an excessive drinker of tea.
(Scientific American, 1886) pic.twitter.com/UcCNHMs2t8
— Haggard Hawks (@HaggardHawks) February 19, 2017
6.
The place a heron stands when it hunts is called its SIEGE. pic.twitter.com/F9RBL4rYow
— Haggard Hawks (@HaggardHawks) June 22, 2017
7.
A MUCK-SPOUT is a constantly talking, foul-mouthed person.
(‘The Vocabulary of East Anglia’, 1830) pic.twitter.com/Ih8toQK5QX
— Haggard Hawks (@HaggardHawks) September 18, 2017
8.
AGATHISM is the belief that all things eventually get better, though the means of getting there may not be easy.
— Haggard Hawks (@HaggardHawks) September 3, 2016
9.
From 1952, a list of recommended ‘genteelisms’ to replace ‘normal’ words in your vocabulary.
(A Few Notes On Words & Other Things, 1952) pic.twitter.com/419gwfHa8R
— Haggard Hawks (@HaggardHawks) September 12, 2017
10.
In 19th century slang, a FLAPDOODLER was an untrustworthy or inept political speaker.
(A Dictionary of Slang, Jargon & Cant, 1889) pic.twitter.com/vLIZHWjcLu
— Haggard Hawks (@HaggardHawks) June 8, 2017
They’ve also written four books, if you have an emacity for the printed page.
