Old Words That Were Once Quite Common

Language is ever-evolving and sometimes there are words that simply don’t make it into the generations that follow. What we end up with are some words that once had important meanings which are now funny-sounding relics of another era. But, for those that love history these words can be an interesting trip back in time to learn how people viewed the world. And, learning new-old words gives you a few tricks up your sleeve in conversation (so to speak). So here are some archaic words that no one uses anymore. A few of these words could even be due a comeback!

Brabble

To quarrel or fight. It’s even more fun to say than “squabble” though we have to wonder if the two words are related at all.

Deliciate

To revel in something good. Now this is a word we should petition to bring back! It sounds so fun, like the verb version of delicious!

Freck-eager

Bold, even a bit reckless. Since freck means to be eager already, to be freck-eager is to be wild.

Groak

To watch someone eating, hoping they’ll offer you some. We’ve all been guilty of this at some point or another. The last popsicle from the freezer or a few of those fries you said you didn’t want. It seems this is an age-old problem that folks have been dealing with for centuries.

Harridan

A tyrannical, strict, and old fashioned woman. The word is thought to come from the French word haridelle, meaning “old horse”. Ouch.

Otiose

Lazy or leisurely. Think of being on vacation, when you don’t rush around at all, although many have used used the term to mean someone who lacks business and purpose as well.

Psalter

A book of psalms. These volumes were used in the Byzantine era and the early Middle Ages and often contained not only the Book of Psalms from the Bible, but also would contain other prayers, verses, or songs and were used in wealthy families to teach reading and devotion.

Snoutfair

To be pretty or handsome. While this term makes sense, it brings to mind a pig’s snout. Perhaps this is why we use other phrases for beautiful people nowadays.

Wayworn

Tired from traveling. We have long-haul trips and red-eye flights today, but back before air travel it would haven taken weeks to get to certain destinations- sometimes even months. We can only imagine just how tired and weary travelers on these long journeys must have been!