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One of the great things about languages is that, like our bodies, they tend to regenerate themselves. Words, like cells, die and are replaced just as quickly by new ones, and lucky for etymologists and linguistic scavengers like ourselves, what’s left behind makes for some fascinating detritus. With that in mind — and without using Google — see if you can guess which of the following were once words in common usage, and which are, as the English used to say, balderdash!
1. Phwoar. As an enthusiastic expression of desire, approval, or excitement, esp. in regard to sexual attractiveness.
2. Codswallop. Nonsense, drivel.
3. Hayburner. A gas-guzzling car.
4. Jitney. A car employed as a private bus.
5. Spifflicated. Drunk.
6. Muggins. A scoundrel.
7. Spondulix. Money.
8. Absquatulate. To disappear.
9. Agelast. A person who doesn’t laugh.
10. Antapology. A response to an apology.
Trick question! They’re all real words — both old-world British and American slang. Gotcha!
Spondulix, antapology,spifflicated
posted by Laurie on 11-8-2006 at 11:18 pm
i’ve not heard “muggins” used to describe a scoundrel but we in england use it and its diminutive “mug” to describe someone who is easily fooled, the ever inventive cockernees even use it as a verb “don’t mug me off you slaaaaag” they shout from their foggy tenements with outside loos
posted by andrew mac on 11-9-2006 at 6:39 am
Spifflicated my not be a true word (I didn’t take the time to look it up in the dictionary) but I have seen it in at least one of O’Henry’s short stories. of course it was being used by a character whose words were largely made up.
posted by Lee on 11-9-2006 at 12:45 pm