Overlooked Obsolete Words That Are Still Meaningful

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Know About the Old Words That Have Now Become Obsolete

English is one of those languages that is quite diverse and extensive. The reason is that the language is itself 1500 years old, which is why its dictionary of words is quite large. If you have ever read the full dictionary of English, you would have noticed that some words are not used these days anymore. You can find countless obsolete words in the dictionary that once were a part of routine language. However, as the time evolved, English became more simpler by routing out hard words that were difficult to pronounce.

Though many obsolete words are not used in the routine conversation or discussion anymore, but they are still considered meaningful in some conditions. Knowing about these words is important for professional writers, because they can’t offer literature or speech writing services properly without mastering the entire language. The novel writers are especially required to bring diversity in their writing, which is why they also need a good understanding of the obsolete words.

In this blog, we will take a look at some old words that are not used commonly these days. So, let’s start from the basics understanding how old the English language is and why its history is so versatile as compared to other languages.

History of English Language

The history of the English language is traditionally divided into three major periods: Old English (450–1150), Middle English (1150–1500), and Modern English (1500–present). English originated from the Germanic dialects brought to Britain by the Anglo-Saxon settlers around the 5th century CE. These dialects were influenced by the languages of the Celtic-speaking Britons and later by Latin. Old English was a highly inflected language with a rich system of grammatical endings and was heavily influenced by Old Norse due to Viking invasions, adding vocabulary and simplifying grammar.

During the Middle English period, the Norman Conquest of 1066 marked a turning point. This period saw the gradual erosion of Old English inflections and the emergence of a more fixed word order. Middle English was also shaped by the writings of Geoffrey Chaucer, whose Canterbury Tales showcased the evolving vernacular. The period ended with the Great Vowel Shift, a series of major phonological changes that dramatically altered the pronunciation of vowels and laid the foundation for Modern English.

Modern English developed further through the Renaissance, which introduced a vast number of power words from Latin and Greek due to scientific, cultural, and intellectual advancements. The standardization of English was propelled by the invention of the printing press in 1476, making texts more accessible and promoting consistent spelling and grammar. The colonial expansion of Britain and the rise of American English in the 18th and 19th centuries spread the language globally, adopting and adapting words from diverse cultures.

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Catchy Obsolete Words You Could Still Use

There are some words in the English that looks unique, but are not used anymore. You can find them in dictionaries but not in the routine conversations, articles and other stuff. Here are some of them listed below.

Crapulous

The term “crapulous” refers to the unpleasant feeling of being unwell due to overindulgence in food or drink. This sensation often arises after consuming an excessive amount of rich or indulgent fare, leaving one feeling sluggish, nauseous, or generally unwell.

Historically, the word originates from the Latin term crapulosus, which means “intoxicated”, highlighting its association with indulgence and discomfort. While it is not a commonly used term today, it vividly describes that post-feasting regret, whether caused by too many decadent desserts, overeating at a lavish dinner, or an evening of spirited drinking.

Mawk

The word “mawkish” has an intriguing and somewhat unpleasant origin, as its underlying meaning is rooted in the term “maggotish.” It stems from the now-obsolete word mawk, which literally referred to a “maggot.” Over time, mawk took on a figurative sense, being used to describe an overly delicate or fastidious fancy.

By extension, “mawkish” came to describe something that is excessively sentimental. The term retains traces of its origin in the sense of something overly delicate to the point of being distasteful or insincere. What was once a literal reference to a maggot now metaphorically captures the idea of an overindulgence in sentimentality that can feel unpalatable or contrived.

Grumpish

The word “grumpish” has its origins in the early 18th century, specifically around the 1720s. It emerged as an alternative to describe someone exhibiting a sullen, moody, or irritable demeanor. Closely related to the modern term “grumpy,” it conveys a sense of dissatisfaction or ill temper, often associated with someone being uncommunicative or brooding.

The use of “grumpish” highlights the evolution of language in capturing human emotions and behaviors. While today “grumpy” is the more common term, “grumpish” adds an element of formality or old-fashioned charm, making it a versatile word in literature and historical contexts. This term exemplifies how language can preserve subtle distinctions in tone and meaning, connecting us to the emotional expressions of past centuries.

Lunting

The term “lunting” refers to the act of walking while smoking a pipe, a practice that combines the leisurely enjoyment of tobacco with the meditative or social aspects of a stroll. This unique word encapsulates a specific cultural habit, often associated with a bygone era when smoking a pipe was a common pastime, particularly among certain social classes.

Beyond its primary meaning, “lunting” also extends to describe the visible emanation of smoke or steam from a tobacco pipe, further emphasizing the sensory aspects of pipe-smoking. Additionally, the word can refer to the flame used to ignite a fire, torch, or pipe, reflecting its historical association with the tools and rituals of lighting and smoking.

Groak      

The word “groak” is a curious and specific term that refers to the act of silently watching someone as they eat. This behavior is often subtle, marked by quiet, lingering gazes that communicate a mix of yearning and unspoken desire. While not commonly used today, groak captures a very relatable, almost universal human experience when someone craves for the food.

Historically, the word groak highlights a behavior rooted in social dynamics and the universal understanding of silent communication. It reflects a polite restraint, where the individual does not directly ask for food but instead relies on nonverbal cues to express their interest. This term embodies a blend of hope and vulnerability, as it hinges on the generosity of the person being observed.

Cockalorum

The term “cockalorum” emerged in the early 1710s and carries a vivid and somewhat whimsical meaning. It refers to a small or insignificant man who has an inflated sense of self-importance. This word paints a picture of someone whose confidence and self-regard far outweigh their stature or achievements, often making them seem pompous or overly proud.

In its historical context, cockalorum likely served as a humorous or mocking term, used to describe individuals whose exaggerated self-esteem bordered on the ridiculous. It reflects the playful and colorful nature of language in the 18th century, where such funny words were crafted to capture personality traits in a memorable way.

Monsterful

The term “monsterful” is used to describe something that is truly extraordinary, remarkable, and awe-inspiring. It conveys a sense of greatness or wonder that goes beyond the ordinary, evoking feelings of admiration and amazement. This unique word captures the essence of something that is not just impressive but almost otherworldly in its grandeur or magnificence.

In essence, monsterful suggests a combination of immense scale, exceptional quality, or profound impact. It can be applied to anything that leaves a lasting impression due to its extraordinary nature, whether it be a breathtaking natural phenomenon, or a particularly stunning piece of art.

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Final Words

That brings us to the end of this blog in which we have listed some old obsolete words that are not used anymore. Being a writer, you need to know about all the words that are part of the English literature. The best way to do that is by consulting an English dictionary that contains a list of words. It helps to enhance your knowledge, allowing you to shape up your writing in different types of styles. The above defined words will certainly help you to know how obsolete words look like. They usually sound a bit hard, which is why most of them are not used anymore.

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