Vocabulary Words From the Word Museum

eclectic list of vocabulary words for writers

As the largest and most dynamic collection of vocabulary words ever assembled, the English language continues to expand.

But as hundreds of new vocabulary words are added annually, older ones are sacrificed.

Now from the author of Forgotten English comes a collection of fascinating archaic words and phrases, providing an enticing glimpse into the past. With its beguiling period illustrations, The Word Museum ranges from engaging tidbits of everyday life to the extraordinary.

The Word Museum differs from a dictionary in that most of its entries are unfamiliar, and even the familiar looking ones are rich with unexpected twists. For instance:

• Gumbled: upon awakening in the morning, the eyes are said to be gumbled
• Sirloin: the loin of beef, so called from its being knighted by one of our kings in a fit of good humor.
• Thrunced: very angry, displeased

Readers can savor the wonderful oddities of old and unusual vocabulary words as they gain insight into a cross-section of life from hundreds of years. Perfect to dip into, read aloud from, or keep next to the bed. The Word Museum is a kaleidoscope of humor, education, and enchantment from bygone times.

by: Jeffrey Kacirk Release Date: 07 September, 2000, Media: Paperback

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Reader Comments

A word for every occasion

This book is a treasure trove for those of us interested in the obscure vocabulary words.

Even 'grammar-folk' (educated people) will be 'blutterbunged' (confounded, overcome by surprise).

Nothing Faffle About It

Jeffrey Kacirk dedicates "The Word Museum: The Most Remarkable English Ever Forgotten" to Lewis Carroll because of the delectable verbiage introduced in "Jabberwocky." This seems right, as Kacirk's choice of words here are as fun, unique and rarely use Carroll's.

This is not an etymological study, but an comfortable overview of antiquated vocabulary words.

He start off with 'abbey-lubber,' which is a pretentious loiterer in a religious house. I am unsure how I'll tastefully work this into a sentence next Sunday at church, but I am glad to have such a word in my quiver should the occasion arise.

Don't dismay if, while reading this, you feel you are seeing words new to you. Most of these words haven't escaped rare book rooms in 200 years. For example, we prefer, 'librarian' over 'bibliothecary' and children tend to choose 'sleepy' instead of 'Billy-wink.'

A little disappointing

I thought that there would be more information about the origin and usage of the vocabulary words.  I was expecting something more along the lines of "the Professor and the Madman"---something that gave a historical view of why words stopped being popularly used.  However, it's interesting to look over the lists of definitions---you can almost hear how people used to talk.