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 🦅📚 Words | Language | Etymology (@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 🦅📚 Words | Language | Etymology (@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 🦅📚 Words | Language | Etymology (@HaggardHawks) September 18, 2017

4.

A KALLIPYG is someone with beautiful buttocks.

— Haggard Hawks 🦅📚 Words | Language | Etymology (@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 🦅📚 Words | Language | Etymology (@HaggardHawks) August 29, 2017

5.

A THEIC is an excessive drinker of tea.

(Scientific American, 1886) pic.twitter.com/UcCNHMs2t8

— Haggard Hawks 🦅📚 Words | Language | Etymology (@HaggardHawks) February 19, 2017

6.

The place a heron stands when it hunts is called its SIEGE. pic.twitter.com/F9RBL4rYow

— Haggard Hawks 🦅📚 Words | Language | Etymology (@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 🦅📚 Words | Language | Etymology (@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 🦅📚 Words | Language | Etymology (@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 🦅📚 Words | Language | Etymology (@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 🦅📚 Words | Language | Etymology (@HaggardHawks) June 8, 2017

They’ve also written four books, if you have an emacity for the printed page.