Col
d and Forgotten English Trivia Throughout the evolution of the English language, many words and phrases have been added, modified, and discarded. Some terms and expressions that were commonly used in the past have become obsolete or fallen out of use today. In this article, we'll explore some cold and forgotten English trivia that will take you down memory lane. 1. Coruscate When was the last time you heard someone use the word "coruscate"? This old-fashioned verb means to emit flashes of light or sparkle brightly. It derives from the Latin word coruscare, which originally meant "sparkle." Example: The sun coruscated off the waves of the ocean. 2. Velocipede Velocipede is an ancient word that generally describes any type of human-powered land vehicle with wheels. In the 1860s, it specifically referred to a two-wheeled bicycle with pedals. Today, it is a term that has been replaced by more modern cycling jargon. Example: The velocipede was the precursor to the modern bicycle. 3. Quaggy Quaggy is a word that has fallen out of use today. It describes something that is soft, spongy, and swampy. It originates from the Old English word "cwacian," meaning "to shake." Example: The quaggy ground made it challenging for the horses to haul the wagon. 4. Balderdash Balderdash is a humorous and old-fashioned term that is used to denote nonsense or rubbish. It was first used in the seventeenth century and is believed to have originated from the French word "baldardise," meaning "idle talk or babble." Example: The politician's speech was nothing but balderdash. 5. Flibbertigibbet Flibbertigibbet is a fun, tongue-twisting word that should be brought back into use. It describes someone who is flighty, frivolous, or overly talkative. It is a Middle English term that is believed to have been derived from the Dutch word "fleibbeoter," meaning "chatterbox." Example: My aunt is such a flibbertigibbet; she can never keep a secret. 6. Davenport Davenport is a word that is seldom used today. It refers to a small sofa or writing desk. The term originated from the name of a manufacturer of furniture in Massachusetts, USA. Example: She sat at the davenport, buried in her book. 7. Skulduggery Skulduggery is a term that is rarely used in modern English. It describes deceitful or underhanded behavior. It comes from the Scottish term "sculdudrie," meaning "adultery" or "scandalous behavior." Example: The company's accounting practices were filled with skulduggery. 8. Galumph Galumph is an old-fashioned verb that means to move clumsily or heavily. It was first used in 1872 in Lewis Carroll's book, Through the Looking-Glass. The term is believed to have been derived from the sound of heavy footsteps. Example: The elephant galumphed through the jungle. 9. Hold your horses "Hold your horses!" is a phrase that is still widely used today, but its origins are ancient. This old-fashioned term was used to calm down a horse that was unruly or restless. Today, it is used to ask someone to be patient or to calm down. Example: "Hold your horses," he said. "The meeting hasn't even started yet." In conclusion, these are just some of the many forgotten words and phrases of the English language. While they may no longer be commonly used, they still hold value in their historical context and serve as a reminder of how the English language has evolved over time.
