Forgotten Words From Old Languages We Once Used
Languages are always changing. Some words stick around forever, while others quietly disappear over time.
But every lost word tells a little story. And looking back at them is like opening a window into how people used to live, think, and speak.
Let’s take a quick step back in time and explore some of these old words that once had a place in daily life but have since slipped away.
Snollygoster
This was used in 19th-century America to describe a clever, tricky person who used their skills for selfish reasons—usually in politics. It wasn’t just someone smart, but someone who bent the rules without shame.
People used this word when they didn’t trust a leader who talked smooth but acted shady. Over time, other words like “crook” or “con artist” became more popular.
But honestly, “snollygoster” still feels like a word that could make a comeback.
Twattle
A word from the 1600s, this simply meant to chatter or talk too much—especially about nothing important. It wasn’t rude, just a way to describe someone who couldn’t stop talking.
Think of it like someone rambling on during a quiet dinner. Eventually, words like “babble” and “chatter” took over.
But “twattle” had a soft, silly sound that made it less harsh than calling someone annoying.
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Curglaff
This Scottish word describes the sudden shock your body feels when it hits freezing water. It’s that full-body gasp when you take a plunge into a cold lake.
No need for long explanations—just “curglaff” and everyone knew what you meant. The word fell out of use, but the experience is still very real.
Even today, cold plunges are trendy, though they could really use this old word back.
Apricity
This meant the warmth of the sun during a cold winter day. It’s the quiet comfort of sunlight hitting your face when the air is still icy.
It showed up in old Latin-based texts and carried a peaceful feeling with it. At some point, it disappeared from modern vocabulary, maybe because it was too specific.
But many still know the feeling, even if they don’t know the word for it.
Brabble
A “brabble” was a loud fuss or argument over something silly. Picture two people yelling in the street about who got there first—it’s not serious, but it’s loud.
The word was common in the 1500s and 1600s, especially in plays and daily talk. People stopped using it as “argue” or “bicker” became more common.
But “brabble” had a playful tone that made it sound more dramatic than it really was.
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Lunting
This was used to describe taking a relaxed walk while enjoying a slow smoke. It wasn’t about the smoke itself—it was more about taking your time and enjoying the stroll.
It came from old European roots and painted a peaceful image. As daily habits changed, the word faded too.
But the idea of mixing movement with a little comfort hasn’t really gone away.
Groak
Groak meant silently staring at someone who’s eating, hoping they’ll offer you some. It doesn’t involve asking—just watching, with hopeful eyes.
It’s something kids still do without knowing there was once a word for it. It likely faded because people found it too strange or never used it often enough.
Still, it’s surprisingly relatable and funny even today.
Quomodocunquize
This word described the act of making money any way possible, no matter how. It could mean working hard, scheming, or just getting creative with income.
It wasn’t always negative—it simply described someone focused on making ends meet. The word is long, awkward, and nearly impossible to spell, which might explain why it disappeared.
But the behavior it described hasn’t changed at all.
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Fudgel
To fudgel meant pretending to work while doing nothing. It might be leaning over a desk, looking busy, but really daydreaming.
People used it in the 18th century, mostly in offices or quiet jobs. Now people say “slacking off” or “fake working,” but they don’t sound as clever.
It’s one of those words that vanished, yet the need for it clearly hasn’t.
Crapulous
This word described the bloated, sick feeling after eating or drinking too much. It wasn’t used lightly—it meant the kind of full that makes you lie down and rethink your choices.
It comes from Latin roots and was used back when big feasts were common. Eventually, people stopped using it, probably because it sounded too close to other awkward words.
But it told the truth, plain and simple.
Momist
A momist was someone who always found fault—never pleased, always picking. It came from older English with Greek roots and showed up in writings from the 1600s.
This wasn’t a helpful critic, but more like a constant complainer. The word faded out as “nitpicker” and “critic” became more common.
But “momist” packed more weight—it felt more personal.
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Jargogle
Jargogle meant to confuse things on purpose, like when someone explains something in a way that only makes it worse. It wasn’t just confusion—it was messy, tangled, and frustrating.
The word was used in the 17th century, especially when describing unclear instructions. “Jumble” or “mess up” later replaced it.
Still, there’s something satisfying about the sound of “jargogle.”
Respair
This forgotten word was the opposite of despair. It meant finding new hope after feeling hopeless.
It wasn’t loud or bold—it was quiet, gentle, and private. The word vanished sometime in the 1500s, which feels unfair since the negative version survived.
If there’s ever a time to bring back a word, this one should top the list.
Where old words meet the present
It’s strange to think about how many of these words once came up in daily conversation. They weren’t fancy or poetic.
Just simple tools people used to explain the world around them. Some of them describe things we still experience today, even if the words are long gone.
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