Way Back Words: Reviving the Charm of Forgotten Vocabulary

In the ever-evolving landscape of language, some words inevitably fall into obscurity, buried under the weight of modern slang and digital dialects. Yet, there is a peculiar charm to these forgotten gems—words that once danced on the tongues of our ancestors, carrying with them stories, sentiments, and shades of meaning that modern words often fail to capture.

While new words emerge all the time—and have their own charm, indeed—I still longed for the distinct allure that only those timeless treasures could give me. It was this very realization that sparked the creation of “Way Back Word of the Week.”

In 2024, we embarked on a linguistic journey through time to explore words from our past. From the whimsical flibbertigibbet to the melancholic lugubrious, we rediscovered the richness and playfulness of our language heritage.

Join me as we look back on the definitions, origins, and stories behind these captivating words. Perhaps you’ll find yourself slipping a few of these forgotten treasures into your everyday conversations.

Agelast:

According to Merriam-Webster’s Unabridged Dictionary, this term means a person who never laughs. Its first known use was around 1877. It is derived from the Greek agélastos (“not laughing”).

Can you imagine such a thing? I could not envision going a single day without laughing. Some socialites claim to avoid wrinkles by not laughing or smiling. That’s no way to live! Bring on the wrinkles if it means I’ll be able to chuckle!

Anthropomorphize:

According to Merriam-Webster (2024), the definition is as follows: attribute human form or personality to animals or things. I think it’s safe to say that we all do this—or at least know someone who does.

Anthropomorphized characters are a staple of myths, films, and books, like the singing kitchenware in Beauty and the Beast (1991) by Disney, or perhaps Wilbur, the talking pig from Charlotte’s Web (1952) by E.B. White.

I, for one, am guilty of this. Whether it’s putting fancy coats on my dog or talking to my cat (acting as though she understands what I’m saying), it’s such an everyday thing. I bet there are some of you out there who talk to your plants.

Apricate:

This word reminds me of our dog, Charlie, and our cat, Sissy. It means to bask in the sun. They both enjoy a good, long nap, basking in the warmth of the sun. Who wouldn’t, right?

 Its earliest known use was in the late 1600s, and it is derived from the Latin apricus (sunny, having lots of sunshine; warmed by the sun). There isn’t a ton of information out there on apricate; in fact, not all dictionaries even list this word!

Botch:

While most of us use this term today to mean making a mess of or doing a repair job poorly, did you know it also means a boil or inflammatory sore?

Merriam-Webster lists both definitions for our Way Back Word: as a noun, it’s an inflammatory sore; as a verb, it means to foul up hopelessly or to put together in a makeshift way.

More often than not, we use this as a go-to word for when things go south—like that home remodeling project that went horribly wrong; I swear that’s how Pinterest told me to do it! It was around 1752 that we started using botch in this way. That’s right—people have been side-eyeing each other’s handiwork for centuries!

Bully:

The word bully was first used in the 1530s to mean “sweetheart” and applied to either sex. Its connotation shifted uncomfortably throughout the 17th century from “fine fellow” to “blusterer” and even “harasser of the weak.” It was even said to be used to describe a “hired thug” or “protector of prostitutes.”

Today, when we think of the word bully, we might imagine the character Scut Farkus from A Christmas Story (1983), and he most certainly was not a sweetheart.

Cacography:

Here’s an interesting word. Its first known use was in the late 1500s, and it comes from the Greek kakos (bad) and graphe (writing). As an antonym to calligraphy and orthography, it means bad handwriting or bad spelling. While I can most certainly help you with the latter (bad spelling), I’m afraid you’re on your own with the former (bad handwriting).

When cacography is used in literature and film, it can depict the character’s social or educational status. Think of Joe Gargery in Great Expectations by Charles Dickens (1861). The way his character is written (the use or misuse of words) reflects his level of education. It provides us with a better understanding of Joe as a person.

Chicane:

When used as a verb, our old friend Merriam-Webster lists this word as “to use chicanery, employ shifts, subterfuges, or artifices; to cavil at or quibble over.” As a noun, “deception, usually by legalistic subterfuge; an obstacle, especially on a racecourse; the absence of any trumps in a hand of cards just dealt, in some forms of bridge formerly scoring as simple honors.” Hmm, this Way Back Word gets around!

From courtroom cunning to high-speed racetracks, the word chicane has had quite the journey! Whether you’re a fan of legal dramas or a racing enthusiast, chicane has a place in your lexicon.

Collywobbles:

This is truly a fun word to say. It’s not such a fun condition to have, but nonetheless, it’s fun to say. Merriam-Webster (2024) has the simplest of definitions for collywobbles: bellyache. But how did it come about? Did someone somewhere long ago have some bad sushi and exclaim, “Ugh! I have the collywobbles!”?

The earliest print appearance for collywobbles was around 1823 and was probably born from a process known as “folk etymology.” In folk etymology, unusual words are changed to make them sound like more familiar words. It’s believed that collywobbles was a transformation of cholera morbus (the disease cholera) influenced by the words colic and wobble.

Cynosure:

This interesting little word has its head in the skies, or at least its origins in the skies.

The first known use of cynosure was in the 1500s, and our modern-day friend Merriam-Webster (2024) defines it as a center of attention or attraction. But do you know why? It’s a pretty cool story, and if you want to read more you can do so here.

Today, cynosure is used to describe something or someone that attracts attention or admiration. For me, God is the ultimate cynosure. For believers, God is the central focus of worship, devotion, and admiration. This aligns with the original meaning of cynosure as something that draws attention and serves as a guiding principle.

Doldrums:

According to our very old friend, The Living Webster Encyclopedia Dictionary of the English Language (1971), this word is defined as follows: the parts of the ocean near the equator that abound in calms, squalls, and light baffling winds; low spirits; a period of inactivity.

This Way Back Word comes from the Old English word dol, meaning “dull” or “sluggish.” It’s said that sailors coined the term to characterize the calm, windless conditions they faced, which would leave their ships stranded for days or weeks.

The doldrums are also known as the “horse latitudes” because sailors would often throw their horses overboard to conserve water when they were stuck in the area. That is a horrifying bit of knowledge that I think I could have gone without knowing. Poor horses.

I find it fascinating how a term that began in a nautical setting has grown to indicate any time of standstill or inactivity in our common language.

Elflock:

This is such a fun word. It dates back to the 15th century and, depending on the dictionary you refer to, means hair matted or twisted as if by elves, or hair in unusual disorder. This perfectly describes the condition of my hair every morning.

The first definition seems whimsical, like telling your small children that fairies visited them at night and purposefully twisted their hair—which I guess could be a little frightening! The second definition simply reminds me of Gary Busey. If fairies are the fault of Gary’s messy mane, then there must be a swarm of those sprites working on him.

Euneirophrenia:

From Ancient Greek, eu- (good), oneiro- (dream), phrenia (state of mind).

This was an interesting word to explore. That is, there was virtually no information available on it. There was merely a single dictionary with this term listed.

Euneirophrenia is the satisfied feeling of waking up from a pleasant dream. You would think that a word with such a beautiful meaning would warrant more exposure. But, alas, this is the solitary nugget of information I could find.

Expergefactor:

Here’s an interesting little word. You won’t find it listed in Merriam-Webster; however, you will find the related term, expergefaction, which is defined as awakening.

Expergefactor, on the other hand, refers to anything that wakes you up. Maybe it’s an alarm clock, the smell of fresh-brewed coffee (my favorite!), or a barking dog waiting to go outside for his morning potty time.

It’s a rather old-fashioned word, but it’s a fun one to use if you want to add a bit of flair to your vocabulary. Can you visualize telling someone, “My alarm clock is the most annoying expergefactor!”

Famelicose:

This word was a tough one to find much information on, but I liked its meaning, so I dug in as far as I could to make it one of our Way Back Words.

Famelicose originates from the Latin word famēlicōsus, which means “very hungry.” This makes sense since the Latin word for hunger is fames.

This word first appeared in English in the early 1700s. Given its rarity, you won’t find it in many dictionaries; those that do include it generally agree it means “often or very hungry.”

Finifugal:

Its earliest known use was in the 1880s, and the only evidence of this word was in the writings of L.A. Tollemache.

By definition (if you can find one), it is an adjective used to describe the act of dreading the end of something.

We have all been there, whether we dread the ending of an amazing book, a relaxing summer vacation (especially for school-aged children), or the finale of our favorite TV show (I miss you, Supernatural!).

Flibbertigibbet:

Say that three times fast! The Living Webster Encyclopedic Dictionary of the English Language (1971) defines this term as a chattering or flighty person, usually a woman. Really? Usually a woman? Anyway, its first known use was in the 15th century, and its origin may lie in a meaningless representation of chattering.

If any of you have seen the romantic comedy Joe Versus the Volcano (1990), you will remember that Meg Ryan’s character Angelica refers to herself as a flibbertigibbet.

Gardyloo:

I will warn you that the definition of this word is potentially unpleasant. It is thought to have first been used in Scotland around 1622. It was a warning issued before tossing wastewater out a window—sometimes wastewater from a chamber pot! I warned you that it was unpleasant.

According to several dictionaries, the word gardyloo is derived from the French garde à l’eau, which means “watch out for water.” If I heard someone announcing it, I’d be on high alert!

Gigglemug:

Okay, this one might be a dead giveaway, but here we go. Gigglemug is a rather dated slang word to refer to a smiling face. It first appeared in the Victorian era and is a compound of giggle (laughing in a silly way) and mug (face). I told you it was a giveaway.

It’s been used in various forms of literature and media. For instance, it appears in the book The Miracle on Ebenezer Street by Catherine Doyle (2020), where a character is described as a gigglemug.

Growlery:

The word growlery has a unique and interesting history. It originates from Charles Dickens’ novel Bleak House, published in 1853. In the book, Mr. Jarndyce, a key character, uses the term to refer to a place where he can retreat to growl or grumble privately:

“Sit down, my dear,” said Mr. Jarndyce. “This, you must know, is the Growlery. When I am out of humour, I come and growl here.”

While not all dictionaries will list this Way Back Word, it has been adopted into the English language with a specific meaning. Over time, words coined in literature can become part of everyday language, especially if they capture a unique idea or concept.

Gubbins:

I’ve found several possible meanings for the word gubbins. One such definition is fish pairings or refuse (I bet you’re crinkling your nose at the imagined smell, aren’t you?). A less pungent meaning is assorted stuff—usually of little to no value—and a fool or silly person.

Gubbins comes from British English and is believed to have originated from the dialects of southwestern England. Its exact etymology isn’t completely clear, but it’s thought to have been derived from the Middle English word gobbon, which means a piece or lump.

Over time, gubbins evolved to describe odds and ends and little bits of things. Think of them as the contents of your junk drawer—you must have a junk drawer, right? No? Just me?

Heretofore:

Some of you fellow grammarians already know (and hopefully use) this word, but for those of you who do not, let’s dig in!

Originating in the 13th century, it kept its meaning throughout the ages (astonishing, right?). Merriam-Webster defines heretofore as up to this time or hitherto—I know, another great word!

This fancy old-timer is a compound word formed from here, to, and (obviously) fore, which is an Old English word meaning “before.” So, it quite literally means “here to before.” It can be a bit of a mouthful, but I think it adds a nice touch of formality and precision to writing—or speaking.

Here is my use of heretofore when talking about my weekly journey into researching Way Back Words for you to enjoy:

“Heretofore, the diligent editor, armed with her trusty laptop and quill, hath navigated the vast expanse of the internet, seeking knowledge and wisdom amidst the digital tomes and scrolls of yore.”

Highfalutin:

This is one of my favorite words, and I’ve used it often. It’s a fun and expressive word used to describe someone or something that’s pretentious, pompous, or overly fancy. It often carries a slightly humorous or mocking tone, suggesting that someone is trying too hard to appear important or sophisticated. In my opinion, it pairs nicely with hoity-toity and la-di-da.

The origins of highfalutin aren’t crystal clear; however, it is a North American colloquialism that emerged in the mid-19th century. It’s believed to be a combination of high (suggesting something grand or lofty) and a variant of fluting (which might relate to the high-pitched sound of a flute, often associated with formality or grandiosity). Another theory suggests it might be a playful alteration of high-flying, used to describe someone with lofty, pretentious airs.

Hobbledehoy:

This was yet another interesting word to explore. Merriam-Webster (and most all other sources) list this term as meaning an awkward gawky youth. The first person (or character) that came to mind when hearing this definition was Urkel from the TV show Family Matters (1989–1998). I can hear his hobbledehoy voice now, “Did I do that?” “Got any cheese?” You’re hearing it now, aren’t you?

Although its origins aren’t clearly known, we do know it was first used in the 1500s. It’s suspected to be related to French or Anglo-French words, though no direct equivalent has been noted.

One possible link I found was to the dialect word hobidy-booby, which means a scarecrow. A scarecrow could be construed as “awkward and gawky,” at least in my book.

Hoosegow:

Here is an interesting word. Many of you probably know this term means jail—hopefully not from firsthand experience. Did you know that it was thought to have come about through a mispronunciation?

The Mexican Spanish word juzgado means panel of judges. In many Spanish pronunciations, the ending -ado is pronounced as -ao in normal speech, with no d or only a very softly voiced d. When the American West borrowed the term, they recorded it just the way they heard it: hoosegow.

Hullabaloo:

I love this word. What’s more fun than running into your child’s room and yelling, “What’s all the hullabaloo?” Okay, so maybe there are some things that are more fun, but it’s still humorous to see the looks on their faces at the mention of this silly-sounding word.

According to Merriam-Webster (2024), it’s defined as a loud, continued noise or mixture of noises, or a state of commotion, excitement, or violent disturbance. That doesn’t sound pleasant!

Its first known use was in 1762, and it was thought to derive from hallo + Scots balloo (an interjection used to hush children).

Impignorate:

Here’s another interesting word. According to Merriam-Webster (2024), it’s a transitive verb meaning to pledge, pawn, or mortgage. In today’s economy, nobody wants to talk about mortgages, right? Even so, it has its place.

The earliest known use of impignorate was in the 1500s. The earliest evidence we have of this term is in Edward Hall’s Hall’s Vnion (1548). If you fancy a tricky book to read—and if reading about valuable insights into the events and societal norms during the reign of Henry IV and the succeeding monarchs is your cup of tea—then read on! If not, then take my word that impignorate is, in fact, in this book.

Jakes:

My stepson (Jacob) is going to love me for this one. The term jakes dates back to the mid-15th century, so I took a dive into Webster’s American Dictionary of the English Language, 1828 Edition, for its definition. According to our old friend, this term means “a house of office or back-house; a privy.” For those of you who might not know, a privy is an outdoor toilet without plumbing. Now you can see why Jacob will be thrilled (or not) with this tidbit.

Jakes were typically simple enclosed structures with a seat over a pit and were used extensively before the invention of indoor plumbing. The first church I can recall attending as a child had jakes (yup, I’m that old).

Lackadaisical:

Have you ever had a case of the “Mondays,” where you just do not have the energy or enthusiasm to take on the new week? If so, you were being lackadaisical. 

Our old friend Merriam-Webster (2024) defines this word as lacking life, spirit, or zest. I’ve definitely been there! However, I’ve never been lackadaisical about the lexicon. To me, words are like that unopened Christmas present under the tree; I cannot wait to unwrap it and solve the mystery of what lies inside.

Ferris Bueller from Ferris Bueller’s Day Off (1986) is a good example of someone taking a lackadaisical approach to school, preferring to skip class and enjoy life. If you were having a case of the Mondays, it would be hard not to take a lackadaisical approach to work, school, or other responsibilities. Am I right?

Lugubrious:

Merriam-Webster (2024) defines this word as especially or affectedly mournful and dismal. What a downer, hey? Up until now, we’ve had quite a few uplifting, fun words, but, as Henry Wadsworth says, “Into each life some rain must fall.” So, we’ll consider lugubrious our rainy-day word.

When I hear this word, I think of the popular Winnie the Pooh character, Eeyore, created by A.A. Milne in 1926. Despite his lugubrious attitude, we still love him.

Lugubrious has some Latin roots! Its first known use was in 1585, and it’s the sole surviving English offspring of lugēre (to mourn), akin to the Greek lygros (mournful).

Missive:

Talk about a snazzy way to say message! This week’s word is a noun that refers to a letter or a written communication, often one that is formal or official in nature. 

Missive has been in use since the 15th century and is derived from the Medieval Latin word missīvus, which means “for sending, sent.”

I was recently reacquainted with this word when I worked with an author on his book (I love it when my workday is filled with Way Back Words!), and again while watching the TV show Sleepy Hollow (2013–2017). In this show, you will hear the character Ichabod Crane use this term regularly. Fun fact: you’ll catch a lot of cool old words in that show.

Myriad:

The word myriad was first used in the 16th century. A mere 600 years ago, if you were to have a myriad of things, you would have exactly 10,000 of them. Today, we refer to it as an indefinitely large number, or a great multitude of things.

I don’t think I own 10,000 of any one thing! Except maybe sticky notes filled with useful tips. So, I guess I can say, “I have a myriad of sticky notes!” and I would be technically correct in any era.

Nincompoop:

Now, here’s a great word, and one in which you’re probably familiar. It’s a fun word to use, and with the definition of “a silly person, fool, and simpleton,” how can it not be fun?

There is a disputed theory behind its origins that I found interesting enough to mention—even if it has no merit. Samuel Johnson, the famous lexicographer, suggested that nincompoop came from the Latin phrase non compo mentis, which means “not of sound mind.” There’s no proof that this theory is true, but it is interesting and somewhat fitting.

Another theory is that nincompoop was simply made up with no specific origin. Could you imagine if you made up a word and it caught the attention that nincompoop has? That would be amazing!

Oxter:

Here is an age-old word hailing from Old English that refers somewhat charmingly to the armpit. Though it’s mostly slipped out of common usage, you’ll still catch its whisper in Scotland, Ireland, and Northern England, especially among older generations—they have the best words!

This term has been in use since at least the 15th century and comes from the Old English words ōxta or ōhsta, which are related to ōxn (meaning armpit). You may (if you were lucky enough) have heard it used in idiomatic expressions like “up to his oxters,” meaning deeply involved in something, which is similar to “up to your neck” in American English. Now that I know this word exists, I choose to say “up to your oxters”—it’s much more fun!

Poltroon:

According to Webster’s American Dictionary of the English Language, 1828 Edition, the word poltroon is defined as an arrant coward, a dastard, or a wretch without spirit or courage.

Some of you may recall seeing this term in the historical novel A Tale of Two Cities by Charles Dickens (1859), when Madame Defarge’s husband said:

“It would be easier for the weakest poltroon that lives, to erase himself from existence, than to erase one letter of his name or crimes from the knitted register of Madame Defarge.”

Merriam-Webster (2023) has a similar definition of a poltroon: a spiritless coward. This definition reminds me of the Cowardly Lion from The Wizard of Oz (1939). His poltroonery was rather comical.

Quomodocunquizing:

Wow. That’s a mouthful, right? This quirky, tongue-twisting word is an adjective that means “making money in any possible way.”

As you probably can guess, it’s not widely used. In fact, research shows that our little tongue-twisting friend has only been recorded once in the English language by Sir Thomas Urquhart (a Scottish writer and translator in the 17th century), who wrote, “Those quomodocunquizing clusterfists and rapacious varlets” in The Jewel (1652). Did you notice all the Way Back Words in that sentence? I love it!

Quomodocunquizing is derived from Latin roots, with quomodo meaning “in what matter” and cunquizing meaning “related to acquiring money.”

Rigmarole:

Merriam-Webster (2024) defines this term as something (such as a procedure or an explanation) that is long, complicated, and tedious. Hmm, this could describe some people’s work environment—not mine, of course, but I’m sure someone else’s.

It also lists a dated definition of confused or meaningless talk. If you’ve ever talked to a toddler, you’ll appreciate this definition.

This was certainly a fun word to research. Its first known use was in 1736, and it’s presumed to be from an altered Kentish vernacular survival of Ragman Roll. If you’d like to read more about Ragman Roll, you can do so here.

Scaramouche:

Some of you might be thinking, “Where did I hear this word?” Those of you from my generation may recall it from Queen’s song “Bohemian Rhapsody” (1975). That was my initial thought when I heard the word. Are you visualizing Mike Meyers and Dana Carvey belting out the tune in a blue 1976 AMC Pacer in Wayne’s World (1992)? I am!

Scaramouche, according to Webster’s American Dictionary of the English Language, 1828 Edition, was defined as a buffoon in motley dress. It has its origins in the 17th century as a stock character in Italian comedy. The role had the characteristics of a servant, a masked henchman, and an assortment of villainous traits. He sounds like a fun guy!

Scurryfunge:

Have you ever found yourself rushing around cleaning the house when company is on their way over? That, my friend, is the definition of scurryfunge. At least, that’s its definition today.

Scurryfunge is believed to have Old English origins, and in its infancy, it meant “to beat or lash.” It later evolved to “to rub or scrub clean,” before finally reaching today’s meaning of “to rush around cleaning when company is on their way.”

There’s a YouTube video mentioning this Way Back Word of the Week, where they discuss unique Christmas words. I could definitely see scurryfunge fitting into that category. I mean, who hasn’t rushed around the house cleaning before a Christmas get-together? Or is that just me?

Shambles:

Here is a fun one! This word dates back to the 15th century, and in its singular form, it meant “a stool.” Later on, it acquired the meaning of “a table for vending meat” and then evolved to “a meat market” and then “a slaughterhouse.”

Most of us hear the word and think of a scene of great disorder or destruction. It’s the state I envision the house will be left in when Dad or Grandpa are left in charge of the little ones.

Whichever definition you choose to use, it’s still a fun word.

Skedaddle:

The word skedaddle is an interesting word with a colorful history. According to Merriam-Webster (2024), it’s an intransitive verb that means to leave immediately or run away, often used in a humorous or informal context.

I’m sure there are plenty of you who’ve heard this word growing up. Probably a few of you have used this while scooting your children away. I know I’m in both of those categories!

The origin of skedaddle is somewhat mysterious, but it’s believed to have appeared around the time of the American Civil War in the 1860s.

It was noted and popularized in newspapers during the summer of 1861 and was originally often spelled skadaddle with an a, not an e.

Skedaddle quickly became part of American military slang and was used to describe a hasty flight or retreat. Over time, its usage spread beyond the military context, and it became a part of the general American lexicon.

Today, you might hear it used in sentences like, “When the rain started, everyone skedaddled out of the park” or “I need to skedaddle to my next meeting.”

Slugabed:

According to Webster’s American Dictionary of the English Language, 1828 Edition, this word means one who indulges in lying abed. If you have teenagers, you more than likely have a slugabed living among you.

Its first known use was in 1592. The word slug is derived from Middle English slugge, which means “lazy person.” The word abed means “in bed.” Bring the two together, and you have every teenager known to man! But seriously, don’t we all wish to be slugabeds occasionally?

Spondulicks:

This is an archaic word for money or cash. There are a couple of views on its origins. I personally like the view that the term spondulicks is from the Greek spondulox, which refers to a type of seashell (Spondylus). The Spondylus shell was used as jewelry and an early form of currency. Archaeological evidence suggests that people in Europe were trading these shells as far back as 5,000 years ago.

In Chapter 13 of The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn by Mark Twain (1884), the riverboat captain tells Huck that he wouldn’t forsake a sailor’s life “for all [old Jim Hornback’s] spondulicks and as much more on top of it.”

It’s an entertaining term to use. And it would be fantastic if a client told me, “Now that I’ve rounded up some spondulicks, I’m ready for you to provide your editing services.”

Swullocking:

This was an interesting word to research, mainly because my go-to sources didn’t list it. I was forced to the outer banks in search of any info on this word. Enter: Weather.com—seriously, I had to do some digging!

Being “overpoweringly hot” is the definition Weather.com gives this old adjective from England (Weather.com, 2023).

This term is related to another interesting-sounding word, swelking, which means sultry; however, swullocking describes an even hotter and more uncomfortable condition. Yuck! No thank you. 

As I mentioned, my usual reference guides were of little assistance in my quest for information on swullocking; however, thanks to a submission in 2021, the Collins Dictionary now has a listing for our hot little friend (very hot and humid).

Taradiddle:

Here is another funny-sounding word; this one comes with a highly debated origin. Some will connect it to the verb diddle, which means “to swindle or cheat,” but this connection hasn’t been proven. What etymologists seem to agree on, though, is that its first known use was in the 1700s.

Merriam-Webster (2023) defines it as a minor falsehood or fib, or even pretentious nonsense. Webster’s American Dictionary of the English Language, 1828 Edition, doesn’t even have a listing for this word.

If you’re a Harry Potter fan, you may recall seeing this word in J.K. Rowling’s book Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix (2003), as Cornelius Fudge says, “We haven’t got time to listen to more taradiddles, I’m afraid, Dumbledore.” Yeah, Dumbledore. We don’t have time for such poppycock! But I sure am glad that you had time to read about the word taradiddle.

Tampion:

Hold your horses, fellas; it’s not what you think. The gentlemen reading this may actually enjoy this word. No, it’s not a feminine product; it pertains to firearms! Originating in the 15th century, this term is used to describe a plug for the muzzle of a gun or mortar.

To be honest, I was not familiar with this word until I saw it on the show Duck Family Treasure (2022). During one episode, Jase Robertson found a tampion while treasure hunting in South Carolina. If you’re like me and didn’t know what this word meant, don’t feel too bad; Jase didn’t either.

This ingenious design would keep weaponry operational in adverse conditions such as rain, snow, mud, and so on. They would simply insert this device inside the barrel’s muzzle end to prevent those objects from entering and causing damage. When they were ready to use the weapon, all they had to do was remove it. 

Nowadays, they have become collector’s items, with the arms of the units either embossed or engraved in them.

Unicorn:

You might be thinking, “This word doesn’t belong here!” Well, it does. You see, unicorn is the word that kicked off Way Back Word of the Week and all the beautiful words that came with it.

What I find interesting about words is how their meaning evolves over time, and I was reminded of that while listening to a sermon, where the pastor recounted a story about a non-believer who claimed the Bible couldn’t be authentic since the word unicorn appeared in it. Unicorns are mythical creatures; he argued, therefore, the Bible could not be true.

The pastor went on to explain to this person that the word unicorn meant something different back then. According to Webster’s American Dictionary of the English Language, 1828 Edition, the definition of a unicorn is as follows: An animal with one horn; the monoceros. This name is often applied to the rhinoceros.

Today, we don’t typically think of a rhinoceros when we hear the word unicorn. Instead, we imagine a colorful horse with a single horn on its head, often depicted with wings. So you see, unicorn does fit!

Widdershins:

According to Merriam-Webster (2024), this word is defined as a left-handed, wrong, or contrary direction. Its first recorded occurrence was in the 1500s when it was used to describe one’s hair standing on end. However, today, we’re likely to see this word used as a synonym for counterclockwise.

This quirky-sounding term derives from Middle Low German weddersinnes, which means “against the way.” In earlier religions, the sun was revered, and opposing it was considered bad luck by sun worshippers. It was also considered unlucky in Britain to travel in an anticlockwise direction around a church.

Widdershins is also the title of an award-winning animated short film by writer, director, and animator Simon P. Biggs. It’s an eleven-minute-long black-and-white film about the consequences of automation and artificial intelligence on our lives.

If you have a minute (or eleven), it’s definitely worth checking out. Spoiler alert: There are Way Back Words sprinkled throughout the film.

If you’d like to check it out, you can do so here. I personally appreciate when he wakes up and says, “Let the circus begin.” I think most of us can relate to that.

In an age where language evolves at the speed of light, taking a moment to appreciate these bygone terms enriches our understanding and adds a touch of elegance to our modern jargon. Whether you’re a bibliophile, a lexicon enthusiast, or simply someone who loves the charm of old words, I hope this exploration has inspired you to sprinkle a few of these linguistic gems into your everyday conversations.

So, the next time you find yourself at a loss for words, why not reach back in time and let a Way Back Word work its magic? Happy word-wandering!

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