Dead Words That Need A Comeback

Posted: January 11, 2024 at 9:27 am

Every year there are new words entering our daily vernacular, and some of them even make their way into the dictionary. But sometimes when we start using new words, we stop using old ones, and one university is looking to reverse that by bringing back some old-timey words that our grandparents and great-grandparents may have used back in their day. Wayne State University’s “Word Warriors” have released their annual list of “long-lost” words that they believe are due for a comeback this year. Making the list this year are:

• Blatherskite: A person who talks at great length without making much sense.
• Curglaff: The shock felt when one first plunges into cold water
• Dollop: A shapeless mass or blob of something.
• Kaffeeklatsch: An informal social gathering at which coffee is served.
• Pawky: Having a mocking or cynical sense of humor.
• Petrichor: The pleasant smell that accompanies the first rain after a long period of warm and dry weather.
• Pettifogger: An inferior legal practitioner.
• Rawgabbit: A person who speaks confidently but ignorantly.
• Thunderplump: A heavy fall of rain during a thunderstorm.
• Twankle: To twang with the fingers on a musical instrument.