Language is not just a tool for communication but also a living archive of the ingenuity and idiosyncrasies of past generations. While we continually embrace new terms and slang, there’s a treasure trove of forgotten words that ooze charm and character. This article brings to light 13 words we should bring back, each uniquely rich in history and meaning. Each one not only enriches our vocabulary but also connects us with times gone by.

1. Snollygoster

A delightful yet sharp word, snollygoster refers to a clever, unprincipled person, especially a politician. It emerged in the 1840s in American English, capturing the craftiness of political operatives who manipulated situations for their benefit without regard for moral integrity. Given the contemporary political landscape’s complexity, making this one of the words we should bring back could provide a precise and playful way to critique political maneuvering and the lack of ethics often observable in public affairs.

2. Jargogle

From the 1690s, jargogle initially meant to confuse or jumble. This verb encapsulates the feeling of mental disarray and disorientation—something many can relate to in today’s fast-paced, information-overloaded world. Using jargogle could bring a playful, historical flair to describing the daily bewilderment we often feel, whether it’s due to complicated instructions, convoluted legal language, or just trying to follow a poorly written recipe.

3. Quagswagging

The act of quagswagging—shaking back and forth—might not have a common modern scenario but could vividly describe particular motions in everyday life, such as a dog shaking off water after a bath or someone wobbling to maintain balance on a bus. This word from the 1650s has a visceral quality that can bring conversations to life with vivid imagery.

4. Twitter-light

Long before Twitter became a social media platform, twitter-light referred to a specific time of day just before evening when birds are particularly vocal. The word blends the natural world’s rhythm with human perception of day turning into night, offering a poetic alternative to the mundane ‘twilight.’ Making it one of the words we should bring back could inspire greater appreciation of nature’s daily cycles in our language.

5. Groak

To groak means to stare silently at someone while they are eating, possibly in the hope that they will offer to share their food. Originating in Scotland, this word captures a specific, relatable behavior that most have either witnessed or exhibited. With its humorous and slightly guilty connotations, groak could add a layer of communal acknowledgment to our dining experiences.

6. Fuzzle

Used in the 18th century, fuzzle meant to make someone drunk or to become drunk. It has a playful and fuzzy sound, fitting its meaning perfectly. In social settings where drinks are involved, bringing back fuzzle could add a lighthearted, vintage touch to our descriptions of intoxication.

7. Grubble

To grubble is to grope or feel about blindly or uncertainly, often with one’s hands. Whether it’s rummaging in a bag for keys or searching for a light switch in the dark, grubble is a wonderfully descriptive alternative to more mundane verbs like searching or fumbling.

8. Yex

A quick, involuntary intake of breath, often resulting from one’s own saliva going down the wrong pipe, or a sudden hiccup, can be described as a yex. This word provides a specific label for a common, yet surprisingly under-discussed bodily function, adding both precision and a hint of humor to our descriptions of these minor disturbances.

9. Brabble

To brabble means to argue over trifles. In an age where social media often amplifies petty disagreements, brabble offers a concise, historical term that puts modern-day squabbles into perspective. This can encourage us to think twice about the energy we expend on minor conflicts.

10. Lunting

Lunting involves walking while smoking a pipe. This old Scottish term could be humorously adapted for modern use to describe anyone walking while partaking in some form of smoking, be it a cigarette, a cigar, or even vaping. Lunting captures a specific visual of leisurely moving through space, smoke in tow, linking a bygone habit with contemporary practices.

11. Twattle

To twattle means to gossip or chat idly—a perfect description for casual conversations that fill our social gatherings and phone calls. In an era where small talk is both an art and a necessity, twattle provides a playful term that might make our chitchats sound more charming and whimsical.

12. Quockerwodger

A 19th-century term for a wooden puppet, particularly one controlled by strings, quockerwodger could be a metaphorically rich way to describe someone who is manipulated by others—useful in both political and personal contexts. Its quirky sound and vivid imagery could bring a light-hearted yet poignant critique of manipulation in various spheres.

Reviving Riches of Language

Rediscovering and using these words we should bring back is not just about expanding our vocabulary. It’s about connecting with the past and bringing its richness into our modern lives. Embracing these forgotten words is like wandering through a linguistic museum, rediscovering artifacts that once colored the human experience. By using these expressions, we not only enrich our language but also foster a deeper connection to our linguistic heritage. Let’s delight in the diversity of expression and bring these words out of the shadows and into the spotlight once more.

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Toi Williams

Toi Williams began her writing career in 2003 as a copywriter and editor and has authored hundreds of articles on numerous topics for a wide variety of companies. During her professional experience in the fields of Finance, Real Estate, and Law, she has obtained a broad understanding of these industries and brings this knowledge to her work as a writer.