Get ready to learn some new words – some new and unbelievable words! Take a look at the infographic below from Grammar.net. Do you recognize any of the words you see there? No. Well, me neither! These are some crazy English words for sure. They are not common words to say the least, but I figured we’d have some fun today and I’d introduce you to these crazy, rare, and interesting words in English. You will definitely impress your teacher, colleague, or any native English speaker if you use any of these words. You will likely also have to tell them what the word means after you use it because chances are they will never have heard the word before them self!
Image by Grammar.net.
The words introduced in this infographic are pictorially represented. These pictures are intended to help you understand the meaning of these words. I think an actual definition for each of these words would be helpful too. So, that is what I have provided below. I have to warn you though, some of the words I use to define the words above need their own definitions! This is definitely an advanced level vocabulary building exercise, beginning students should not be discouraged if they find this vocabulary over their head. Beginners should come back and revisit this post in the future if they are finding it to advanced now.
gobemouche (n) – a credulous person (credulous = believing things too easily or usually believing things); a person who believes everything he or she hears
yepsen (n) – an amount that can be held in two hands when the hands are cupped together; a form of measurement
natiform (adj) – something that looks like buttocks (buttocks = a bottom)
inadvertist (n) – a person who is generally thought to not take notice of things; a similar meaning to the word ‘oblivious’
ombutescence (n) – a persistent silence (persistent = long lasting or on going)
plinyism (n) – a statement of having doubt about the truth or accuracy of something
scrouge (v) – to crowd or press in
quaresimal (adj) – having meager (meager = lacking in quantity or quality) or modest qualities
maritality (adj) – generally relating to marriage or being married; more specifically relating to a husband and his role or duties in marriage
fard (v) – to put on makeup
hansardize (v) – to show (or prove) that a person previously held a different point of view
killcrop (n) – a changeling (changeling = a child that is believed to have been secretly substituted for a different child by fairies)
bayard (n) – a legendary horse that is believed to be magical
bed-swerver (n) – a person who swerves (to swerve = to turn aside from a straight course) from their marriage vows
agerasia (n) – an old person who is youthful in appearance or behavior
Now that you know the meaning of all these crazy words, see if you can fill in the blanks below with the appropriate words from above.
1. Sam gathered a ________________ of vegetables and put them in the pot to make soup.
2. The woman’s ____________ made it difficult to pinpoint her age.
3. Because it was winter Carolyn was only able to picked a __________________ bouquet of flowers for her mother to give her for her birthday.
4. __________________ takes too much time for me, which is why I don’t wear makeup.
5. James’ wife is a __________________, which is why he is filing for divorce.
6. The mother couldn’t believe that the child she took home from the hospital was the same one she gave birth to two days earlier. She believed her baby was a ______________.
How did you do? You can check your answers below.
If all these words didn’t confuse you too much and you want to learn more odd or uncommon words in English I recommend checking out this webpage. Enjoy!
Answers:
1. yepsen; 2. agerasia; 3. quaresimal; 4. Farding (fard); 5. bed-swerver; 6. killcrop
