The English language is a magnificent body of words which has grown to its huge extent by absorbing words from all other languages it has encountered. Because of this absorbance of words, and the natural evolution of languages, we have lost from daily use many words as new ones take their place. Here are 20 great archaic words I feel are perfectly good for day‑to‑day use and deserve to be given an airing more often. If you don’t agree, be aware that I am willing to puzzle you.
Why 20 Great Archaic Words Matter
Old words carry the flavor of centuries, the humor of forgotten jokes, and the precision of concepts that modern slang sometimes skips. Dropping a single archaic gem into conversation can make you sound erudite, witty, or just delightfully eccentric.
1 Gardyloo
Derived from the French shout “garde à l’eau” – literally “watch out for the water!” – this cry was bellowed when a chamber pot was emptied from a window onto the street below. It is especially linked with Edinburgh’s towering tenements, where residents would warn pedestrians of the incoming splash.
2 Puissant
Meaning powerful or mighty, this term was once a favorite for describing nobles in both French and English aristocracy. Should you ever find yourself in the presence of royalty, slipping “puissant” into the conversation will add a regal flair.
3 Sweven
A dream or vision, “sweven” appears in classic literature. For example, in Burton’s translation of 1001 Nights, a queen assures a sultan that their daughter has suffered “from swevens and nightmare” on her wedding night.
4 Pismire
An old‑fashioned word for an ant. It blends the old terms “piss” (referring to the faint, urine‑like odor some ants emit) and “myre,” meaning a small insect. The result is a vivid, if slightly humorous, descriptor for the tiny worker.
5 Ambodexter
Originally used to describe someone capable of using either hand, the term also carried a sneaky connotation of untrustworthiness – you never quite knew which hand would act next. In a pinch, calling a duplicitous rival “ambodexter” makes for a sly insult.
6 Contumelious
Denoting scornful or arrogantly rude behavior, this word feels tailor‑made for the modern internet publishing world, where contemptuous commentary runs rampant.
7 Excogigate
To plan, plot, or devise – a Latin‑born verb meaning “to bring out by thinking.” Ironically, you’ll rarely see it used when drafting a list, even though the act of list‑making is itself a form of excogitation.
8 Galimaufry
A delightful jumble or confused medley, “galimaufry” aptly describes a haphazard collection of items – much like some of the author’s previous lists. It also refers to a mixed dish of chopped meats, adding a culinary twist.
9 Septentrional
Meaning “of the north,” the term traces back to the seven stars of the Great Bear constellation. When you need to reference the northern direction with style, “septentrional” does the trick.
10 Twattling
To gossip or chatter idly and excessively. While a “tattler” is someone who spreads rumors, “twattling” can also describe a pet‑owner who fusses over their animal in a noisy, meddlesome way.
11 Zenzizenzizenzic
Representing the eighth power of a number, this mouthful predates modern superscript notation. In the 16th century scholars explained it as “the square of squares squarely,” a tongue‑twisting way to denote a high exponent.
12 Cozen
To swindle or cheat through artful deception. Its roots likely lie in the Italian word for a horse‑trader, suggesting caution when dealing with any sneaky equine merchant.
13 Hugger‑mugger
A state of confusion and disorder, or acting in secret. The phrase also evokes the image of a chaotic mess kept under wraps, as illustrated by the accompanying picture.
14 Welkin
The sky or vault of heaven. Still heard in the expression “make the welkin ring,” which describes a sound so loud it seems to reverberate through the heavens. Instead of asking “Did the earth move for you?” you might ask, “Did the welkin ring for you?”
15 Attercop
Old English for “spider,” famously used by Tolkien to name the fearsome arachnids of Mirkwood. Originally meaning “poison‑head,” the word carried a negative connotation similar to today’s disdain for spiders.
16 Equipollent
Equal in force or power. In logical arguments, “equipollent” means two statements derive validly from the same premises. While the data from this list may divide readers, the conclusions certainly won’t be equipollent.
17 Apricity
The pleasant feeling of warmth from the sun during winter. The author first heard this word in conversation, and its rarity sparked the creation of this very list.
18 Dwimmer‑crafty
Another Tolkien‑borrowed term, describing someone skilled in magical arts and especially sly in concealment and illusion. The current Prime Minister, according to the author, fits this description.
19 Sanguinolent
Meaning tinged with blood or having a passion for bloodshed. Should you ever notice that your urine appears sanguinolent, a visit to the apothecary would be advisable.
20 Pizzle
To beat someone with a dried bull’s penis. Historically, walking sticks made from dried bull penises were used for public floggings. The term also appears in accounts of Quakers being “pizzled” through the streets.
Enjoy sprinkling these forgotten gems into your daily chatter and watch the eyebrows raise in delighted surprise.