Resurrecting language
10 completely forgotten English words that should make a comeback
Published on April 22, 2025
Credit: Mark Rasmuson
Words come and go like an ever-changing tide, with the ebb and flow of language constantly reshaping how we communicate, often reflecting our ways of life or our shared sense of humor. Modern jargon may sometimes seem unique and detached from the past, but the truth is, that there are many forgotten words that could seamlessly fit back into our vocabulary. From "fribbler" to "peacockize," we've gathered 10 forgotten words that could make a triumphant comeback in modern English.
Eye-Servant
Credit: Thought Catalog
An "eye-servant" refers to a person who only works diligently when being observed, often slacking off when not under scrutiny. The "servant" part of the term might be a tad outdated, but if you replace the concept of "servant" with "employee," you can easily picture the word being used in modern contexts.
In fact, the idea of tying workplace performance to intense surveillance—and the sometimes negative consequences of this management style—is a hot topic in today's discussions, especially as remote work becomes more common and global work culture evolves. So, this one could fit right in!
Slug-a-Bed
Credit: Matthew Henry
"Slug-a-bed" refers to someone who stays in bed late, often procrastinating and avoiding responsibilities altogether. This rather whimsical term might seem quite modern, but its earliest appearance in literature comes from the writings of William Shakespeare in the 1500s!
To this day, calling someone or something "sluggish" refers to the same kind of general attitude. And while the original word had a rather negative connotation, modern adopters might just as happily embrace the concept, as the value of slowing down to relax has become increasingly appreciated in today’s fast-paced world.
Fribbler
Credit: Thought Catalog
What on earth is a "fribbler," you might ask? A "fribbler" is someone who appears infatuated with a romantic interest but avoids commitment or taking the relationship seriously. If you think the word is quirky, wait until you learn that this often frustrating behavior was even called "fribbledom."
With modern relationships increasingly embracing the "no strings attached" approach, this term could certainly spread like wildfire among contemporary speakers. We can easily see self-proclaimed "fribblers" reclaiming their way of life, while their frustrated partners use the word derisively.
Ear-Rent
Credit: Kimia Zarifi
Have you paid your ear-rent this month? An English word from the 1600s, "ear-rent" refers to the cost of listening to someone’s troubles or stories, especially when it starts to feel like a burden. In today’s world of effortless, instant communication, we sometimes forget that listening requires energy and can lead to emotional exhaustion.
If we overuse the ears of those close to us, we might as well be paying them an "ear-rent" for their time and patience. We can easily imagine "ear-rent" making a comeback as a humorous commentary on the complexities of our hyper-connected age.
Sillytonian
Credit: Thomas Park
Coined around the 1700s, "sillytonian" is a playful term used to describe a silly or gullible person, often seen as part of a larger group of similarly naive individuals. Chances are, you’ve encountered a few sillytonians in your daily life—who knows, you might even be a sillytonian to someone else!
The word is harmless enough to avoid being truly offensive while humorously pointing out the pitfalls of herd mentality and unquestioned naivety.
Petty-Fogger
Credit: Clarisse Meyer
There have always been less-than-scrupulous lawyers, as this term dating back to the late Middle Ages suggests. A "petty-fogger" refers to a lawyer who engages in dubious or unethical practices, often prioritizing profit over ethics.
The word originally applied to a class of lawyers in the 1500s who were experts at making a fuss over minor legal cases, frequently bending the truth to their advantage. It was recently revived by Chief Justice John Roberts during a Senate speech, where he referenced the 1905 impeachment trial of Judge Charles Swayne.
Momist
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A "momist" refers to someone who habitually finds fault or plays the role of a harsh critic, constantly scrutinizing the actions and decisions of others—though not necessarily their own. Momists seem to take pleasure in pointing out flaws, whether in their peers, family members, or anything, really.
There’s no reason this word couldn’t make a comeback, as the stereotype is almost universal. And in today’s world, it could easily apply to many online commenters and social media critics.
Snout-Fair
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"Snout-fair," combining "snout" (referring to the nose and mouth of an animal) and "fair" (meaning beautiful), was once a playful way to describe someone as handsome or having a beautiful face. Though now obsolete, this lighthearted term was commonly used in the 1500s to compliment someone’s appearance.
Now, why wouldn’t we want more words to describe beauty? The charm and whimsical nature of "snout-fair" could even help soften the rigid and unrealistic beauty standards of modern society with a touch of humor.
Merry-Go-Sorry
Credit: Miles Storey
"Merry-go-sorry" describes a blend of joy and sorrow, capturing the bittersweet nature of certain experiences that elicit both happiness and sadness simultaneously. According to the Oxford English Dictionary, the earliest recorded example of this now-obsolete word is from the year 1599.
The truth is, English doesn’t have many words that manage to capture the complexity of human emotions. Society often expects us to experience clear-cut feelings, but life is rarely that simple. Plus, the term evokes the nostalgic image of childhood joy—something we can all connect with.
Peacockize
Credit: Tj Holowaychuk
If you've ever seen a peacock, you can guess what this word is about. "Peacockize" describes the act of displaying oneself ostentatiously, much like a peacock displaying its feathers.
The word first appeared in 1598, in the writings of John Florio, a language teacher. But, come on, this word seems almost tailor-made for our modern era of often superficial interactions based on showing off and relentless self-promotion through social media.
