{"id":2727,"date":"2022-01-27T12:24:23","date_gmt":"2022-01-27T12:24:23","guid":{"rendered":"<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>The English language is, quite possibly, one of the strangest languages out there.<\/p>\n<!-- \/wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p><strong>Let's see which of these craziest words you already know and which ones are new to you"},"modified":"2022-05-10T11:16:58","modified_gmt":"2022-05-10T11:16:58","slug":"the-craziest-words-in-english","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.wordscoach.com\/blog\/the-craziest-words-in-english\/","title":{"rendered":"The Craziest Words in English"},"content":{"rendered":"<div class=\"words-head\" id=\"words-3342356424\"><script async src=\"\/\/pagead2.googlesyndication.com\/pagead\/js\/adsbygoogle.js?client=ca-pub-5017566440575750\" crossorigin=\"anonymous\"><\/script><ins class=\"adsbygoogle\" style=\"display:block;\" data-ad-client=\"ca-pub-5017566440575750\" \ndata-ad-slot=\"3340569236\" \ndata-ad-format=\"auto\"><\/ins>\n<script> \n(adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); \n<\/script>\n<\/div>\n<p>The English language is, quite possibly, one of the strangest languages out there.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Let&#8217;s see which of these craziest words you already know and which ones are new to you<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>1. Bumfuzzle<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>To <a href=\"https:\/\/www.wordscoach.com\/dictionary\/Bumfuzzle\" target=\"_blank\" aria-label=\"bumfuzzle  (opens in a new tab)\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" class=\"rank-math-link\">bumfuzzle <\/a>is to confuse or fluster.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Bumfuzzle is most often used in the dialect of the Southern United States. It is colloquial, meaning it is typically used in informal conversation. It is very similar to bamboozle and may be derived from it.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>2. Cattywampus<\/strong><br><br>Askew, awry, kitty-corner. <br><br><a href=\"https:\/\/www.wordscoach.com\/dictionary\/Cattywampus\" target=\"_blank\" aria-label=\" (opens in a new tab)\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" class=\"rank-math-link\">Cattywampus<\/a> is a variant of catawampus, another example of grand 19th century American slang. In addition to \u201caskew\u201d catawampus may refer to \u201can imaginary fierce wild animal,\u201d or may mean \u201c<strong>savage, destructive<\/strong>.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>3. <strong>Gardyloo<\/strong><br><br><strong>Archaic<\/strong>.&nbsp;<br><strong>A warning cry given before throwing dirty water<\/strong>&nbsp;from a window. <br><br>Those living on the top floor of tenements would dispose of their urine by emptying the container into the street out of an open window, shouting &#8216;<a href=\"https:\/\/www.wordscoach.com\/dictionary\/Gardyloo\" target=\"_blank\" aria-label=\"Gardyloo (opens in a new tab)\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" class=\"rank-math-link\">Gardyloo<\/a>!&#8217;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>4. <a href=\"https:\/\/www.wordscoach.com\/dictionary\/Taradiddle\" target=\"_blank\" aria-label=\"Taradiddle (opens in a new tab)\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" class=\"rank-math-link\">Taradiddle<\/a><\/strong><br><br>This word references someone or something that is filled with pretentious nonsense or something that is a lie. A great example of this is that classic fisherman\u2019s tale of how big the fish he caught was. Usually the fisherman is lying or at least exaggerating about the fish, especially if he (or she) didn\u2019t keep the fish.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>5. <a href=\"https:\/\/www.wordscoach.com\/dictionary\/Snickersnee\" target=\"_blank\" aria-label=\"Snickersnee (opens in a new tab)\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" class=\"rank-math-link\">Snickersnee<\/a><\/strong><br><br>A knife, especially one used as a weapon.<br><br>While this word sounds like something funny or possibly cute, it is actually referring to a long, dangerous knife. It was first used in reference to cut-and-thrust fighting in the 1700s and is still occasionally used when referencing the knife, though it is becoming more and more obsolete.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>6. <a href=\"https:\/\/www.wordscoach.com\/dictionary\/Widdershins\" target=\"_blank\" aria-label=\"Widdershins (opens in a new tab)\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" class=\"rank-math-link\">Widdershins<\/a><\/strong><br><br>The wrong way.<br><br>This is another way to say something is moving counter-clockwise or something is moving in the wrong direction.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>7. <a href=\"https:\/\/www.wordscoach.com\/dictionary\/Collywobbles\" target=\"_blank\" aria-label=\" (opens in a new tab)\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" class=\"rank-math-link\">Collywobbles<\/a><\/strong><br><br>Severe gastroenteritis of unknown etiology; characterized by severe colic and vomiting and diarrhea<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>8. <a href=\"https:\/\/www.wordscoach.com\/dictionary\/Gubbins\" target=\"_blank\" aria-label=\"Gubbins (opens in a new tab)\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" class=\"rank-math-link\">Gubbins<\/a><\/strong><br><br>&#8211; An object of little or no value<br>&#8211; A small device or gadget<br>&#8211; Odds and ends<br>&#8211; Litter or rubbish<br>&#8211; A silly person<br><br>This is an object that has little or no value and is also referring to a gadget or device. It can also refer to odds and ends or rubbish and, oddly enough, can be used to describe a silly person.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>9. Abibliophobia<\/strong><br><br>This is a word that perfectly describes many people and you may be one! This refers to someone who is afraid of running out of things to read. We\u2019re guessing that you are probably going to start using this word to describe yourself as you head out the door to the nearest Barnes and Noble or local bookshop.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>10. <a href=\"https:\/\/www.wordscoach.com\/dictionary\/Bumbershoot\" target=\"_blank\" aria-label=\" (opens in a new tab)\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" class=\"rank-math-link\">Bumbershoot<\/a><\/strong><br><br>Here is a fun word that most people know. This is referring to an umbrella and is something we have heard in many a Disney film or in many different books.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>11. Lollygag<\/strong><br><br>To <a href=\"https:\/\/www.wordscoach.com\/dictionary\/Lollygag\" target=\"_blank\" aria-label=\"lollygag (opens in a new tab)\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" class=\"rank-math-link\">lollygag<\/a> is to be slow or idle or&nbsp;<strong>lazy<\/strong>. You might say to your dawdling friends, &#8220;Don&#8217;t lollygag!<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>12. <a href=\"https:\/\/www.wordscoach.com\/dictionary\/Flibbertigibbet\" target=\"_blank\" aria-label=\"Flibbertigibbet (opens in a new tab)\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" class=\"rank-math-link\">Flibbertigibbet<\/a><\/strong><br><br>This is another fun word! This refers to someone who is silly and who talks incessantly. The first known usage of this word is the 15th century and used to be spelled flepergebet. This word also refers to a person who is flighty.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>13. <a href=\"https:\/\/www.wordscoach.com\/dictionary\/Malarkey\" target=\"_blank\" aria-label=\"Malarkey (opens in a new tab)\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" class=\"rank-math-link\">Malarkey<\/a><\/strong><br><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>empty rhetoric or insincere or exaggerated talk<br><br>This refers to words that are insincere and talk that is particularly foolish.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>14. <a aria-label=\" (opens in a new tab)\" href=\"https:\/\/www.wordscoach.com\/dictionary\/Pandiculation\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" class=\"rank-math-link\">Pandiculation<\/a><\/strong><br><br>yawning and stretching (as when first waking up)<br>As you stretch, your muscles might go rigid for a short time, which can sometimes be uncomfortable. It also describes that wonderful, or terrible, a combination of being extremely sleepy, stretching, and yawning at the same time.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>15. Sialoquent<\/strong><br><br>Do you remember being the eager student in high school or college who sat on the front row? Do you remember how much the professor spit while talking? Well, this is what that action is called. This is such an eloquent word for such an uncomfortable front-row sensation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>16. Wabbit<\/strong><br><br>No, this isn\u2019t referring to a rascally wabbit. It is a Scottish term for being exhausted. Next time you\u2019re tired, try saying, \u201cI\u2019m pretty wabbit at the moment\u201d and see just how many people look at you strangely.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>17. Snollygoster<\/strong><br><br>This is something many people already call many politicians, but it happens to be a nicer-sounding term. This refers to a politician who does or says things for their own personal advancement instead of following their own principles. Try saying this in your next political discussion and see people\u2019s reactions.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>18. Erinaceous<\/strong><br><br>This is a strange one; it refers to something or someone who resembles a hedgehog. If someone ever says that you are looking quite erinaceous today, you know now to give them a penetrating, evil glare.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>19. Bibble<\/strong><br><br>Do you know those people in your favorite restaurant who drink and\/or eat noisily? What they are doing is referred to as bibble.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>20. Impignorate<\/strong><br><br>How about using this word when you want to say that you\u2019re pawning something? It is a much fancier term and quite a fun one at that. This phrase doesn\u2019t only mean to pawn but also to mortgage something.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>21. Nudiustertian<\/strong><br><br>Have you ever wished that you had a word for the day before yesterday? This is that word! It might be a little bit more convoluted to say, but it sure is an interesting-sounding word. This word is sure to confuse, and eventually astound, people. Now that you know this word, try teaching it to your friends!<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>22. <a aria-label=\"Quire (opens in a new tab)\" href=\"https:\/\/www.wordscoach.com\/dictionary\/Quire\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" class=\"rank-math-link\">Quire<\/a><\/strong><br><br>tablet of paper<br><br>You can always say \u201ctwo dozen sheets of paper\u201d or you can say \u201cquire.\u201d It means the same thing! Interesting, huh? There are quite a few single words for many phrases.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>23. Ratoon<\/strong><br><br>Don\u2019t worry, this isn\u2019t referring to a raccoon and rat mix breed or a rodent of unusual size, it is, in fact, referring to that small shoot or growth that comes from the root of a plant. You will see a lot of these in the spring and summer as things are growing.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>24. Yarborough<\/strong><br><br>This refers to when you are playing a game of cards and the dealer deals a hand without any numbers above nine. This can really be unfortunate or great, depending on which game you are playing.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>25. Xertz<\/strong><br><br>You\u2019re outside in the summer heat moving heavy furniture or other items, making you super thirsty. As soon as you\u2019re able, you grab a tall glass of water, lemonade, or iced tea and gulp it down quickly and\/or greedily, helping to quench your thirst and cool yourself down. When you do this, it is called xertz. This also refers to eating food quickly and\/or greedily.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>26. Zoanthropy<\/strong><br><br>This is an interesting term! It refers to a person who has delusions that they are a form of animal or that they have changed into an animal.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>27. Pauciloquent<\/strong><br><br>If you are a person of few words, then this is the term for you. It refers to someone who doesn\u2019t say much or who, when giving a speech, gives a very short one. This is a great way for you to tell people you are a person of few words, without having to say that whole long statement.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>28. <a aria-label=\"Bloviate (opens in a new tab)\" href=\"https:\/\/www.wordscoach.com\/dictionary\/Bloviate\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" class=\"rank-math-link\">Bloviate<\/a><\/strong><br><br>Yell, rave<br><br>This is the opposite of pauciloquent and refers to people who talk for a long period of time or who inflate their story to make themselves sound better. This also refers to someone whose words are empty and have no meaning.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>29. Borborygm<\/strong><br><br>You know that rumbling you sometimes get in your stomach? Well, this is one term for that sensation! It might be a little bit more difficult to say than saying, \u201cI\u2019m hungry,\u201d though.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>30. <a aria-label=\"Brouhaha (opens in a new tab)\" href=\"https:\/\/www.wordscoach.com\/dictionary\/Brouhaha\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" class=\"rank-math-link\">Brouhaha<\/a><\/strong><br><br>Loud confused noise from many sources<br><br>This is a word we are sure many people have heard and it is still used a lot today. This refers to an uproar or big event. We guess you could say the latest sports team to win at something sure did cause a brouhaha!<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>31. <a aria-label=\"Absquatulate (opens in a new tab)\" href=\"https:\/\/www.wordscoach.com\/dictionary\/Absquatulate\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" class=\"rank-math-link\">Absquatulate<\/a><\/strong><br><br>Run away; usually includes taking something or somebody along<br><br>This refers to yourself or someone else leaving suddenly. It can also mean that someone has absconded with something, as well. It is more a form of slang, but it isn\u2019t something you hear every day!<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>32. <a aria-label=\"Comeuppance (opens in a new tab)\" href=\"https:\/\/www.wordscoach.com\/dictionary\/Comeuppance\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" class=\"rank-math-link\">Comeuppance<\/a><\/strong><br><br>An outcome (good or bad) that is well deserved and fitting<br><br>This is definitely a word you probably heard your grandparents use at some point and it is used in many films set in the 1920s to the 1950s or 60s. This is a fun word and it should be used more than it is. It means that someone will get what they deserve or will \u201cget their just deserts.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>33.<\/strong> <strong><a aria-label=\" (opens in a new tab)\" href=\"https:\/\/www.wordscoach.com\/dictionary\/Donnybrook\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" class=\"rank-math-link\">Donnybrook<\/a><\/strong><br><br>A brawl or fracas; a scene of chaos.<br><br>This is a fun little word for an uprising, a melee, or a riot. It can also refer to an argument. If you search Google for this particular term, you will not only find the definition but also learn that it is a place called Donnybrook, which is part of Dublin, Ireland. Very interesting!<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>34. <a aria-label=\"Nincompoop (opens in a new tab)\" href=\"https:\/\/www.wordscoach.com\/dictionary\/Nincompoop\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" class=\"rank-math-link\">Nincompoop<\/a><\/strong><br><br>Idiot<br><br>This is another word that we are sure you have heard at some point and you probably know the definition. This refers to someone who is silly, foolish, or just downright stupid. It was used regularly in the 1950s and 60s but is still quite a fun word to say!<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><br><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Many of these words are still in use but are used in different parts all across America. We have different terms and phrases for different things and it is pretty awesome to learn more about our language.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><br><strong>FAQ&#8217;s<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n<div id=\"rank-math-faq\" class=\"rank-math-block\">\n<div class=\"rank-math-list \">\n<div id=\"faq-question-1643383019852\" class=\"rank-math-list-item\">\n<h3 class=\"rank-math-question \">What is the craziest word in English?<\/h3>\n<div class=\"rank-math-answer \">\n\n<p>Bumfuzzle<br \/>Cattywampus<br \/>Gardyloo<br \/>Taradiddle<br \/>Snickersnee<br \/>Widdershins<br \/>Collywobbles<br \/>Gubbins<br \/>&#8230;<\/p>\n\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>The English language is, quite possibly, one of the strangest languages out there. Let&#8217;s see which of these craziest words you already know and which ones are new to you.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":2739,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[2,244,31,26,126],"tags":[268,29,43,123,9,269],"class_list":["post-2727","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-vocabulary","category-244","category-communication","category-english","category-learn","tag-craziest-words","tag-english","tag-learn","tag-vocab","tag-vocabulary","tag-words"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.wordscoach.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/2727","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.wordscoach.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.wordscoach.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.wordscoach.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.wordscoach.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=2727"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/www.wordscoach.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/2727\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.wordscoach.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/2739"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.wordscoach.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=2727"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.wordscoach.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=2727"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.wordscoach.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=2727"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}