Linguistic comeback

These 10 outdated words are too good to stay buried!

Over time, language evolves, and with it, certain words fade into the background, replaced by new phrases and expressions. But some of these forgotten words have fascinating histories and meanings that will make you smile—or scratch your head. So, let’s take a stroll down memory lane and rediscover some outdated words that deserve a comeback. You’ll be surprised how much fun they are!

Image: Jornada Produtora

Remember that time you rushed out the door without breakfast and sat down in an important meeting? Just as the director began speaking, your stomach grumbled so loudly that everyone could hear it. That’s curmuring, the noise your stomach makes when it’s protesting from hunger.

Image: David Boca

Imagine jumping into the ocean on a hot summer day, and the cold water hits you like a shock to the system. You want to scream and gasp for air, and that’s called a curglaff.

It’s a Scottish term from the 1800s, and it perfectly captures that initial chill when you dive into icy waters. Who knew that there was a word for that heart-stopping moment?

Image: engin akyurt

Have you ever woken up with your hair in complete disarray, as if it had a wild night? That’s elflock, a term for messy hair that looks like it was tangled by mischievous elves while you slept. It’s fun as it is specific, don’t you think?

Image: Priscilla Du Preez 🇨🇦

If you’ve ever overheard a conversation where someone was gossiping about trivial matters, you might have caught them twattling. It’s an old-fashioned way to say that someone is talking nonsense or spreading rumors. Language evolves and changes, just like gossip and the many ways we find to name it!

Image: Kenny Eliason

This one might sound a bit fancy, but excogitate means to plan or devise something thoughtfully. It comes from Latin roots and refers to bringing something to life by thinking it through carefully. It’s a plan, but in the scheming way, not the to-do list way, you know? This is a word worth keeping; we could all do with a little more of it!

Image: Angelina

Have you ever met someone who thinks way too highly of themselves? That’s a cockalorum: A person who’s full of themselves despite not having much to show for it. The word has been around since the early 1700s and is the perfect way to describe someone with a high opinion of themselves, especially if they’re not actually as impressive as they think they are!

Image: Vitaly Gariev

You may not know the word, but you’ve surely witnessed a brabble. When two people argue over something so small and insignificant that you can’t help but shake your head, that’s a brabble. Whether it’s a petty disagreement over the last slice of pizza or a heated debate about the TV remote, you can bet it is one of these.

Image: Val Tievsky

Back in the 1800s, gentlemen enjoyed a leisurely activity called lunting, which was simply walking while smoking a pipe. It’s a charming image, don’t you think? Picture strolling along with your favorite pipe in hand, taking in the fresh air and enjoying a quiet moment. Next time you go for a walk, why not try a modern version of lunting? Just once in a while can do no harm!

Image: Jon Tyson

Imagine meeting someone and immediately thinking they’re good-looking. That’s when you can call them a snoutfair. This word, dating back to the 1500s, refers to someone with an objectively attractive face. So, if you’re ever complimenting someone’s appearance, try telling them they’re a snoutfair, it’ll certainly catch their attention!

Image: K

Have you ever met someone who could just captivate you with their charm? That’s the effect of being gorgonized. This word comes from the mythological Gorgon, Medusa, whose gaze could turn people to stone. While you won’t actually be turned into a statue, you might find yourself completely mesmerized by their presence!

Deep roots

11 everyday words with indigenous roots

English is a very welcoming language in the sense that it incorporates terms from many other languages from all over the world. And, as it couldn’t be otherwise, Native American languages have lent many of their words and terms to English speakers. Some traveled through Spanish or French before settling into English, and others arrived directly through early contact and trade, helping shape the way we speak today. Did you know about these 11 terms?

The word "canoe" comes from the Taino term canoa, which was first used by Caribbean islanders long before Europeans arrived. Early explorers adopted it to describe the slim, sturdy boats they saw.

Over time, "canoe" became the standard English word for a small paddled craft. Today it still carries that sense of simplicity and closeness to nature.

The word "barbecue" comes from barbacoa, another Taino term for a wooden frame used for cooking meat over fire. Europeans adopted it and applied it to both the method and the gathering itself.

Today, "barbecue" means everything from a backyard cookout to a regional cooking style. Its origins highlight the deep culinary influence of Native Americans in the nation's current culture.

"Skunk" comes from the Algonquian word squnk, which means "urinating fox" (quite a fitting term, indeed). This was an obvious reference to the animal’s strong defensive spray. Early settlers adopted the term directly.

Since English had no better name for the creature, the Native word stuck. Today, the word skunks is also used as playful slang.

The word "moose" originates from Eastern Abenaki, a part of the Algonquian family, where it meant "he strips off bark." Yes, it described the animal’s habit of tearing bark from trees.

The name entered English quickly because settlers relied on Native knowledge of local fauna. The word remains unchanged because of its accuracy and usefulness.

"Raccoon" comes from the Powhatan word arakun, meaning "he scratches with his hands." It described the animal’s clever, humanlike front paws.

Settlers adopted the term because it captured the creature’s behavior beautifully. Today, the raccoon is used as a household symbol of curiosity, not unlike the animal itself.

The term "chipmunk" most probably comes from the Ojibwe word ajidamoo, which means "one who descends trees headfirst." Early English settlers adapted the sound into today’s form.

Though the spelling changed over time, the lively image of a chipmunk racing down a tree face-first stayed.

The word "caribou" comes from the Mi’kmaq term qalipu, which means "snow shoveler," referring to the animal’s habit of digging through snow for food.

French settlers brought the word into English, keeping its descriptive nature. The name still connects the modern animal to the winter landscapes it belongs to.

"Totem" comes from the Ojibwe word ototeman, which means "kinship group." It described symbols representing clans and shared roots.

English adopted it to describe carved poles and symbolic elements. Though broader in modern usage, it still hints at the original sense of community, identity, and heritage.

"Coyote" comes from the Nahuatl word coyōtl, which was used by Indigenous tribes of central Mexico. Spanish speakers adopted it, and English borrowed later.

The word kept its meaning, and it remains one of the most direct links between the English language and Nahuatl.

The tasty avocado’s name traces to the Nahuatl word ahacatl, which refers to the fruit and to a body part as well. Spanish speakers transformed it into aguacate.

Later on, English speakers adapted it to avocado. While the name sounds contemporary and culinary, it has ancient Native roots.

The last Nahuatl word and also the last word on the list comes from the term xocolātl, which describes a bitter cacao drink that was consumed long before Europeans arrived in America. The name traveled from Spanish to English.

Though the product changed dramatically, the word survived. Today, chocolate is a universal symbol of sweetness, with rich and deeply indigenous roots.