USE BIG WORDS WITHOUT BEING SESQUIPEDALIAN

Have you ever mabbled a gift? You probably have. 12 verbs we rarely use

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The English language is a bottomless source of linguistic treasures and nuances designed to describe in very specific detail absolutely everything and anything that can be fathomed. Common everyday words have equivalents that are rarely used or went out of style at some point in time in favor of more modern analog terms.

We have assembled a modest list of seldom-used synonyms for your perusal. These twelve outcasts are the rarely-heard cousins of very popular words that are an important part of our daily vocabulary.

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Why would you "declare" something when you can "aver" it? The verb "aver," a lesser-known synonym of "declare," originates from the Old French word averrer, which means to affirm or confirm.

In its modern usage, "aver" retains its essence as a formal declaration or affirmation, often employed in legal contexts or when making solemn statements. It conveys a sense of seriousness in asserting the truth or validity of a statement. Though not as commonly used as its more popular counterpart "declare," "aver" endures in specific registers.

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Perhaps one of the most common words on this list, "livid" is a synonym for "angry". It traces its roots to the Latin word lividus, meaning envious. Over time, it evolved to describe the darkening or discoloration associated with bruises, and eventually, it assumed its current use to define intense anger or fury.

When someone is described as "livid" it suggests a level of anger so deep that it manifests physically, as if the individual is figuratively turning blue with rage. This word adds depth to the expression of anger, communicating a sense of both the emotional intensity and the potential consequences of such strong feelings.

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A godly term related to the Roman god Mercury, the term "mercurial" originated from the Latin word "mercurialis". It serves as a lesser-known synonym for "moody." Drawing a linguistic parallel to the unpredictable nature of the Roman god, "mercurial" describes the essence of wild mood swings and temperament.

Describing an individual as "mercurial" implies attitudes that shift rapidly and unpredictably. This term goes beyond a mere description of moodiness, suggesting a dynamic and changeable disposition.

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Meaning to fall or dive, the term "plunge" comes from the Old French word plongier. It describes an abrupt descent or submersion, like a forceful dive into water. Beyond the very act of descending, "plunge" conveys a sense of rapid and often intense movement.

Whether used in the context of a literal fall or a metaphorical descent into a situation, "plunge" works as a more spectacular synonym for "fall".

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Coming from the Latin word acquiescere with "ad" (to) and "quiescere" (to rest), "acquiesce" is a less common synonym for "agree." This term goes beyond mere agreement, suggesting a passive acceptance or compliance with a request or situation.

When one acquiesces, they yield without protest, possibly with a sense of resignation. The term carries an undertone of submitting to circumstances rather than actively embracing them.

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Another term that is heard from time to time, "digress" serves as a lesser-known synonym for "deviate". It comes from the Latindigressus which means "to deviate" or "to wander off".

When an individual digresses, they depart from the main topic of discussion or deviate from the intended course of conversation, often into a tangent or a side note. Unlike a straightforward deviation, "digress" implies a purposeful or incidental departure.

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A magical term that originated from the Old French word alurer meaning to entice, "allure" is a lesser-known synonym for "attract." This word describes more than mere attraction, expressing a sense of charm and appeal.

When something or someone has allure, it possesses an irresistible charm that draws attention and interest. If a more sophisticated yet intense synonym of "attraction" is called for, "allure" is the word.

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In a similar but not equal vein to allure, the word "enrapture" serves as a lesser-known synonym for "captivate". It originated from the Latin word raptus, which also gave rise to "rapture". This term expresses the idea of being intensely captivated or delighted.

When something or someone enraptures, it goes beyond simple fascination. It evokes a state of being entranced or carried away with joy.

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For a term that encapsulates a popular concept so well, "gallivant" doesn't get used a lot. The word originated from the Middle English word galevant which meant to gad about or travel for pleasure. "Gallivant'' is a lesser-known synonym for "in search of amusement".

This term implies a carefree and leisurely journey, often undertaken for the sheer joy of exploration or adventure. When one decides to gallivant, they embrace a spirit of spontaneity and amusement, allowing themselves to wander without a specific destination.

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A very rarely used word, "abscond" came from the Latin word abscondere, meaning "to hide or conceal". The term is a more succinct and lesser-known synonym for "leave abruptly".

When one chooses to abscond, they not only depart suddenly but also do so clandestinely or with an intent to evade detection. This term transmits a sense of mystery and secrecy, suggesting a departure that involves a deliberate effort to disappear or escape notice.

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Although the term is definitely not popular, it describes an activity that it very much is. Derived from the word "lolly" meaning "to idle", and "gag" suggesting a joke, "lollygag" is a lesser-known synonym for the concept of spending time aimlessly.

This idiom implies a leisurely approach to time, often with a playful quality. When one decides to lollygag, they engage in activities without a specific purpose, reveling in the unhurried and carefree passage of time. "Stop lollygagging and get to work" could very well be an expression heard at offices all around the world.

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Why wrap up when you can "mabble?" A word derived from the Old Frenchmabillon, meaning a cloth or garment, "mabble" describes the act of enveloping or covering, often in an informal manner.

Even though it is not frequently used in modern language, "mabble" could enrich the vocabulary by providing a softer and more charming alternative to describe the simple act of wrapping something up.

Well, actually…

They never said that: 12 popular misquotes

Popular quotes are a good way to condense the ideas of a famous figure or to quickly make a reference to our favorite film or book. But we might not realize that many phrases embedded in society’s collective memory are actually misquotes or wrongly attributed to someone else. These are 12 examples of popular misquotes.

If you were to ask who said this phrase, most people would answer Marie Antoinette. However, that would be incorrect. The original phrase—_"Qu'ils mangent de la brioche,"_ or _"Let them eat brioche"_—was attributed by Jean-Jacques Rousseau in his Confessions to an unnamed princess. How do we know it wasn’t Marie Antoinette? She was only nine years old at the time and still living in Austria.

Darth Vader’s most quoted line never existed in that form. In The Empire Strikes Back, Luke accuses Darth Vader of murdering his father, based on what Obi-Wan Kenobi told him. Darth Vader’s actual response—_"No, I am your father"_—has since lived on as a misquote in the collective memory.

Historians disagree about the last words spoken by Julius Caesar. Some say he remained silent after an initial cry of surprise, while others report that he spoke in Greek to his friend Brutus, saying Καὶ σύ, τέκνον ("You too, child"). The famous _"Et tu, Brute?"_—which can be translated as "And you?" or "You too, Brutus?"—first appeared in Caesar Interfectus by Richard Edes, but was later popularized by William Shakespeare’s Julius Caesar.

While this phrase is often associated with Niccolò Machiavelli’s ideology, he never actually said it. In his works, Machiavelli argued that rulers might sometimes need to resort to questionable means to ensure the greater good. He emphasized that one can never fully know a person’s intentions, so it is better to judge them by the results of their actions.

According to legend, while on trial for teaching heliocentrism—at the time not scientifically proven and considered contrary to biblical teaching—Galileo Galilei famously declared "E pur si muove!" ("And yet it moves!"), meaning that the universe does not bend to belief. Although the phrase is attributed to Galileo, it was first recorded at least a century after his death, with no evidence of it being veridical.

Casablanca is one of the undisputed classics of cinematic history, and it has frequently been quoted and used as inspiration. However, one of its most famous phrases—"Play it again, Sam"—is actually a misquote. Ingrid Bergman’s character says both "Play it once, Sam, for old times’ sake" and "Play it, Sam. Play ‘As Time Goes By’" but the misquote became popular after Woody Allen’s play, later adapted into the film Play It Again, Sam.

This lovely quote, often attributed to Mahatma Gandhi, is another example of a phrase mistakenly linked to a famous figure. Gandhi expressed a similar sentiment in his writings—the idea that change must begin with oneself—but the exact wording is not his. The phrase is more accurately attributed to Arleen Lorrance, a 1970s educator.

In the early 20th century, Evelyn Beatrice Hall published The Friends of Voltaire, a biography of the French philosopher. In it, as a way to illustrate Voltaire’s beliefs on freedom of speech, she penned the phrase: "I disapprove of what you say, but I will defend to the death your right to say it." The maxim was such a good synopsis of Voltairian ideals that most people came to believe it was a direct quote from him.

On April 13, 1970, the Apollo 13 spacecraft had to abort its mission due to the explosion of an oxygen tank. Astronaut Jack Swigert first reported the issue with the words: "Okay, Houston, we’ve had a problem here." Jim Lovell later repeated, "Houston, we’ve had a problem." How did the misquote become so popular? In the 1995 film Apollo 13, the screenwriter thought the past tense was not dramatic enough, and he changed it to "we have a problem."

One could argue that this phrase is one of the quintessential Sherlock Holmes sayings. But did you know it wasn’t written by Arthur Conan Doyle? Sherlock Holmes does call his companion "my dear Watson," and he uses the word "elementary" when describing his deductions, but the full phrase —"Elementary, my dear Watson"— first appeared in a 1899 stage play and was later popularized by Basil Rathbone’s film adaptations.

Real Trekkies know that this phrase, though popular, was never actually spoken by Captain Kirk in the original Star Trek series. He did say similar lines, such as "Mr. Scott, beam us up," and other variants. The misquote became so popular that it entered popular culture as a saying of its own.

Some could argue that the Bible is the most misquoted book of all time. This particular phrase, often cited from Paul’s first letter to Timothy, is used to criticize money, but most people don’t realize that it is only a partial quote. The full passage—"For the love of money is the root of all evil"—warns against the dangers of loving money excessively.