Welcome to the weird and wonderful world of languages. If you’re keen on learning some cool-sounding, strange, funny, silly, and downright outrageously hard to pronounce words, you’re in the right place. We’ve rounded up some of the weirdest words in the world!
Did You Know
Here’s a quick fact about languages: they’re all shaped by geography, by people’s experience, and by culture. And for that reason, every region has its own unique set of idioms and memorable phrases.
Non-English phrases that sound like weird words to you have deep meaning for someone from another culture. Conversely, some English words sound utterly senseless to them.
Many foreign languages contain weird words describing complex actions or emotions, and they have no English language equivalents. Others are straight out of the English dictionary, but they remain largely unheard of.
Roundup of the Weirdest Words From Around the Globe!
Toska
Vladimir Nabokov said that no English word renders all the shades of the Russian word “toska,” and he was right. At its deepest, the term refers to a sensation of spiritual anguish. It can also refer to a dull headache of the soul, mental throes, or missing something you don’t even know. It can also be a feeling of nostalgia, lovesickness, and even boredom.
Jayus
Jayus is an Indonesian word that is used when a joke is so badly told and so utterly unfunny that one has no other choice but to laugh.
Litost
This Czech word was pinned by Milan Kundera, author of The Unbearable Lightness of Being. It relates to a state of agony and torment created by the sudden realization of one’s own misery.
Kyoikumama
In Japanese, Kyoikymama refers to a mother that relentlessly pushed her children toward academic achievement.
Tartle
In Scotland, Tarle refers to the act of hesitating while you’re introducing someone because you’ve actually forgotten their name.
Ilunga
In Southwest Congo, Ilunga (which is a word from the Tshiluba language) is one of the most famous untranslatable words. Most professional translators translate it as the stature of a person that’s ready to forgive and forget any kind of abuse, tolerate it once more, but who will never forgive or tolerate a third offense.
Wabi-Sabi
Wabi-Sabi is a Japanese phrase that roughly translated to a way of living that focuses on finding the beauty within life’s imperfections and peacefully accepting the natural cycle of decay and growth in life.
Schadenfreude
Schadenfreude is a German word that describes the feelings of pleasure one gets by seeing another’s misfortune. It’s a lot like “America’s Funniest Home Videos,” but Schadenfreude probably just didn’t have the same ring to it.
Hyggelig
Hyggelig is a Danish word that translates to connotations of a warm, friendly, cozy demeanor, but that’s just when it’s literally translated. The true meaning of the word is something that just has to be experienced to be understood.
L’appel du vide
In French, this means “the call of the void”. Of course, that’s when it’s translated literally to English. But more specifically, the French use this phrase to describe the instinctive urge for jumping from high places.
Ya’aburnee
Ya’aburnee is an Arabic word that’s both morbid and beautiful at the same time. It means “you bury me”. In Arabic, they use it as a declaration of hope that you’ll die before someone you love because it would be too difficult to live without them.
Duende
Originally used to describe a mythical entity that possesses humans and creates a feeling of awe in nature, this Spanish term’s meaning has morphed into something more that now refers to the mysterious power a work of art can have on a person.
Saudade
Saudade is one of the most beautiful Portuguese words of all time. Whether it’s translatable or not, it describes the feeling of longing for something or someone that you love deeply. But you lost that thing or person. Bittersweet memories are all you have left.
Παλικάρι (Palikári)
You can’t translate this Greek word. But it describes a brave and proud young man. The word is actually a noun that they use to describe the characteristics of a fearless young man. The word emerged during the Greek War of Independence between 1821 and 1829. In those times, a παλικάρι (palikári) fought in a group led by a captain.
Cabotage
Cabotage is a fancy word for coastal navigation. It’s also the exclusive right of a country to control the air traffic within its borders. There’s an ongoing debate about the origins of the word. What we do know is that it was popularized in the mid-19th century. It’s probably also a conjugation of the French language word “caboter” (sail along a coast) and the Spanish language word “cabo” (cape, headland).
Gardyloo
Gardyloo was used in medieval Edinburgh as a warning cry. Back then, it was customary to throw slops from the windows into the streets.
Valetudinarian
A valetudinarian is a sickly or weak person. It also describes someone that is morbidly concerned with his or her health.
Mamihlapinatapei
This is a Yagan word, and Yagan is the indigenous language of the Tierra del Fuego. It’s beautiful and describes the feeling of butterflies in one word. The meaning? The wordless but meaningful look two people share when they both want to initiate something but are both reluctant to start.
Torschlusspanik
Torschlusspanik is a word that belongs to the German language. When you translate it literally, it means “gate-closing panic”. Contextually, however, it refers to the fear of diminishing opportunities as one ages. We think it’s one of the weirdest words to describe a midlife crisis.
Conclusion
The world is home to many fascinating languages, each with its own set of intriguing phrases and idioms. We’ve shared some of the weirdest words and most captivating phrases from around the world with you so you can delve a little deeper into the magical world of linguistics.
For more informative articles and language learning tips, be sure to check out our blog!
Top 10 “Weirdest” words in the world
- 1.1 Chutzpah (חֻצְפָּה)
- 1.2 Chichinabo.
- 1.3 karoshi (過労死)
- 1.4 Schadenfreude.
- 1.5 Sgiomlaireachd.
- 1.6 (to) Ape.
- 1.7 Arachibutyrophobia.
- 1.8 Pana Po´o.
What is a fancy word for love?
Words related to love emotion, tenderness, appreciation, taste, fondness, lust, yearning, passion, affection, respect, friendship, devotion, infatuation, lover, prize, treasure, prefer, admire, choose, cherish.
What does ferocious mean in English?
: very fierce or violent. : very great or extreme. See the full definition for ferocious in the English Language Learners Dictionary. ferocious. adjective.
Who is a ferocious person?
adjective. A ferocious animal, person, or action is very fierce and violent.
What does victorious mean?
having won a victory
What is it called when you inherit something?
Beneficiary: Someone named in a legal document to inherit money or other property. Wills, trusts, and insurance policies commonly name beneficiaries; beneficiaries can also be named for “payable-on-death” accounts. Bequest: A gift of an item of personal property (that’s anything but real estate) made at death.
What are some examples of inherit?
Inherited traits include things such as hair color, eye color, muscle structure, bone structure, and even features like the shape of a nose. Inheritable traits are traits that get passed down from generation to the next generation. This might include things like passing red hair down in a family.
How do you spell inheritance?
the act or fact of inheriting by succession, as if by succession, or genetically: to receive property by inheritance.
What does inherit mean in the Bible?
The concept of inheritance is very important in the Bible and refers not only to the passing on of land and possessions from one generation to another, but also to the earthly and spiritual gifts which God plans to give to those who are his ‘children’.
What is an inherited trait?
An inherited trait is one that is genetically determined. Inherited traits are passed from parent to offspring according to the rules of Mendelian genetics.
Which is the correct sentence of inheritance?
any attribute or immaterial possession that is inherited from ancestors. (1) She feared losing her inheritance to her stepmother. (2) She spent all her inheritance in a year. (3) She came into her inheritance at eighteen.
What is inheritance English?
1 : something that is or may be inherited. 2a : the act of inheriting property. b : the reception of genetic qualities by transmission from parent to offspring. c : the acquisition of a possession, condition, or trait from past generations.
What is inheritance Java?
Inheritance can be defined as the process where one class acquires the properties (methods and fields) of another. The class which inherits the properties of other is known as subclass (derived class, child class) and the class whose properties are inherited is known as superclass (base class, parent class).
What is inheritance C++?
The capability of a class to derive properties and characteristics from another class is called Inheritance. Inheritance is one of the most important feature of Object Oriented Programming. Sub Class: The class that inherits properties from another class is called Sub class or Derived Class.
Top 10 “Weirdest” words in the world
- 1.1 Chutzpah (חֻצְפָּה)
- 1.2 Chichinabo.
- 1.3 karoshi (過労死)
- 1.4 Schadenfreude.
- 1.5 Sgiomlaireachd.
- 1.6 (to) Ape.
- 1.7 Arachibutyrophobia.
- 1.8 Pana Po´o.
What is a rare word?
Here are the fifteen most unusual words in the English language.
- Serendipity. This word appears in numerous lists of untranslatable words.
- Gobbledygook.
- Scrumptious.
- Agastopia.
- Halfpace.
- Impignorate.
- Jentacular.
- Nudiustertian.
Is twerp a swear word?
If you call someone a twerp, you are insulting them and saying that they are silly or stupid.
Can I put 2 pregnant guppies together?
Yes. You should either put her in a separate tank, or a separate container inside the same tank. When she gives birth the males will eat the babies.
Do female guppies die after giving birth?
“Guppies have no postnatal care for their young, so from a fitness prospective, when they last give birth, they might as well be dead,” Reznick told LiveScience.
Why are my guppies not giving birth?
The water temperature (cooler temps = longer gestation), the fish’s stress levels, if this is her first pregnancy, etc. Guppies can sometimes hold fry for several months before giving birth if several of these factors come into play.
Can a dead guppy give birth?
Can a Dead Guppy Give Birth? It can happen, especially if the death occurs right before birth is given. But if they die before birth (a few days or weeks), then the fry will generally die with it as well. That is, obviously, a very sad occurrence, but it can happen.
Do female guppies eat their babies?
Guppies are known for being the easiest aquarium fish to spawn. Females give live birth frequently, to well-developed offspring. The only hitch in guppy breeding is that guppies, like most fish, have no reservations about eating their young.
Do male guppies kill females?
Can Guppies Kill Each Other? It’s entirely possible that guppies male or female can kill other guppies in their tank. If you don’t remove a bully or aggressor, then the chances of another guppy in your tank dying are going to increase. While it’s not as likely that they’ll outright kill each other by attacking.
Will guppies eat a dead guppy?
Guppies usually have a tendency to take a bite at immovable or dead guppies. You certainly don’t want your guppies to eat a dead guppy as it would deteriorate their health. Also, dead guppies rot easily, and that will contaminate the tank water. This is not good for the other living guppies.
Can you keep a single guppy?
It’s absolutely fine to keep one guppy alone, particularly if you own a very small tank which would cause cramped conditions if you were to keep several.
Can 2 male guppies be kept together?
Very peaceful fish. Males can be kept with other males no problem in my experience. The thing they do good is when 2 are racing after the female 1 gets there than the other fastest fish first.
Can I keep all male guppies?
If you’re only keeping them for their looks, we recommend that you keep males only. You can keep one Guppy per 2 gallons of water; for example, you can keep 5 in a 10-gallon tank and 10 in a 20-gallon tank. If you choose to keep both males and females, keep them at a ratio of 2:1.
Will male guppies fight?
Anyway, to cut a long story short, yes, male guppies fight, and yes, if their fins are repeatedly damaged then problems like finrot can occur. They may calm down once a pecking order is established, but don’t bank on it.
How often should guppies be fed?
Feed your adult guppies a small amount of food one, two or three times a day. Feed them no more than they can eat in about five minutes so the uneaten food doesn’t foul the water.
Do guppies need light at night?
If you are raising guppy fry, it’s important to give them at least seven or eight hours of darkness each night. Lighting helps guppy fry grow faster, but more than 12 to 17 hours of light will deprive them of much-needed rest and relaxation they get when they fall asleep.
What’s the best food for guppies?
Brine shrimp
What human food can guppies eat?
Some vegetables you can try feeding to your Guppies are:
- Cucumber / Zucchini / Tomatoes — Wash it, remove the jelly bits and the seeds, cut into small slices and put it in the aquarium tank.
- Lettuce / Romaine lettuce / Spinach — Wash it, just rip them by hand and put it in the aquarium tank.
– 1.1 Chutzpah (חֻצְפָּה)
– 1.2 Chichinabo.
– 1.3 karoshi (過労死)
– 1.4 Schadenfreude.
– 1.5 Sgiomlaireachd.
– 1.6 (to) Ape.
– 1.7 Arachibutyrophobia.
– 1.8 Pana Po´o.
Considering this, What is the weirdest English word?
– Vex.
– Bequeath.
– Mixology.
– Flub.
– Kerfuffle.
– Bibble.
– Kakorrhaphiophobia.
– Berserk.
Also, What is the craziest word?
– Bumfuzzle. This is a simple term that refers to being confused, perplexed, or flustered or to cause confusion. …
– Cattywampus. …
– Gardyloo. …
– Taradiddle. …
– Snickersnee. …
– Widdershins. …
– Collywobbles. …
– Gubbins.
Regarding this, What is the odd word?
Odd words means the word which does not match with other words of the group. Here you’ll have a set of words in which every words are related in some manner or they follow certain pattern except one and that one word will become odd word. Example : … Hence, calculator is the odd word.
What is a very rare word?
limited, unusual, singular, uncommon, occasional, extraordinary, strange, unlikely, subtle, scarce, unique, unthinkable, great, delicate, rich, priceless, exquisite, attenuate, deficient, few.
16 Related Question Answers Found
What is the strangest word?
– Gerrymandering.
– Fungus.
– Aa.
– Vex.
– Bequeath.
– Mixology.
– Flub.
– Bibble.
What is the most beautiful English word?
– 10 Serendipity (n.)
– 9 Petrichor (n.)
– 8 Supine (adj.)
– 7 Solitude (n.)
– 6 Aurora (n.)
– 5 Idyllic (adj.)
– 4 Clinomania (n.)
– 3 Pluviophile (n.)
What is the strangest word in the world?
– Serendipity. This word appears in numerous lists of untranslatable words. …
– Gobbledygook. …
– Scrumptious. …
– Agastopia. …
– Halfpace. …
– Impignorate. …
– Jentacular. …
– Nudiustertian.
What’s the hardest word to say?
– Rural.
– Otorhinolaryngologist.
– Colonel.
– Penguin.
– Sixth.
– Isthmus.
– Anemone.
– Squirrel.
What is the most meaningful word?
According to the big fat Webster’s Encyclopedic Unabridged Dictionary, the word “run” has 179 meanings. That’s way more than “take” (124 meanings), “break” (122), “turn” (122), “set” (119), “go” (98), “play” (94), and every other word.
What are the 10 hardest words to spell?
– Misspell.
– Pharaoh.
– Weird.
– Intelligence.
– Pronunciation.
– Handkerchief.
– logorrhea.
– Chiaroscurist.
What is a unique word?
To explain this very simply, a unique word is one that’s unusual or different in some way. It might have a complicated history or interesting connections to another language. But, primarily what makes an English word interesting is its unusual spelling, pronunciation or meaning.
What is the most beautiful sounding word?
– 10 Serendipity (n.)
– 9 Petrichor (n.)
– 8 Supine (adj.)
– 7 Solitude (n.)
– 6 Aurora (n.)
– 5 Idyllic (adj.)
– 4 Clinomania (n.)
– 3 Pluviophile (n.)
What is the ugliest word?
– Pulchritude. …
– Crepuscular. …
– Mooch. …
– Pugilist. …
– Quark. …
– Gestational. …
– Fetid. Edging out the word stink in our list of ugly English words, fetid simply stands on its own even without knowing its meaning. …
– Honk. Bonus!
What is the cutest word ever?
– snuggle.
– pipsqueak.
– mommy.
– jubilee.
– giggle.
– tinkle.
– tummy.
– pink.
What word takes 3 hours to say?
METHIONYLTHREONYLTHREONYGLUTAMINYLARGINYL … All told, the full chemical name for the human protein titin is 189,819 letters, and takes about three-and-a-half hours to pronounce.
What is meaning of odd word?
Odd is an informal word to mean occasional or now and again.
What is the ugliest word in the English language?
In his last survey conducted in 2009, the words vomit, moist, puke, phlegm, slaughter, snot, ugly, damp, and mucus, topped the list for ugliest.
Last Updated: 12 days ago – Co-authors : 9 – Users : 5
While reading books, have you ever encountered rare words tat you don’t know the meaning? This can happen to anyone especially non-native speakers. This article will give you a list of 30+ weirdest and rarest words in English.
 |
| Top 30+ Weirdest and Rarest World Words In English Language. Photo KnowInsiders |
| Table of Contents |
|
Why Learn Weird English Words? Top 30+ Weirdest and Rarest World Words In English Language 1. Anachronism 2. Accismus 3. Acnestis 4. Agelast 5. Bailiwick How to Remember Weird New English Words: Keep a Vocabulary List 6. Bumfuzzle 7. Behoove 8. Cacophony How to Remember Weird New English Words: Use Post-It Notes and Cards 9. Crapulence 10. Diphthong 11. Draconian 12. Effete 13. Fatuous 14. Gargalesthesia 15. Gobbledygook 16. Jentacular 17. Kerfuffle Weird long word: Kakorrhaphiophobia 18. Hullaballoo (ˌhʌl.ə.bəˈluː) 19. Lionize 20. Lalochezia 21. Meldrop Weird short word 22. Noisome 23. Obfuscate 24. Nikehedonia 25. Nudiustertian 26. Pareidolia 27. Riposte 28. Obelus 29. Verisimilitude 30. Zeugma Conclusion |
Why Learn Weird English Words?
Increasing your vocabulary is always useful—from basic, common vocabulary words to the weirdest ones in the language.
Even native English speakers are constantly learning new words that they never knew existed! You’ll have more brilliant ways that you can describe things and express your ideas. You can impress your friends with your knowledge or even get a great new job by demonstrating your English skills in a big interview.
Just understanding one more word will help you make your way through confusing English conversations. Even if you never use some of these weird words, you won’t be left wondering “what?” if you hear native English speakers use them.
You will also understand a lot more too! This can lead to greater confidence … which then means you speak and practice even more!
Finally, weird English words often have lots of syllables (the different sounds within a word) and unique letter combinations, making them excellent for pronunciation practice.
Say them out loud. Hear the fantastic sounds they make, and you’ll certainly agree that these weird words will add some more life to your sentences and make people stop and listen!
Top 30+ Weirdest and Rarest World Words In English Language
1. Anachronism
Pronunciation: /əˈnæk.rə.nɪ.zəm/
Definition: An anachronism is something (or someone) that is out of place in terms of time or chronology. This is most common with old-fashioned items in a modern setting, but can also occur with futuristic items in period pieces. Most anachronisms are there by mistake, especially within movies and television shows.
E.g. Showing the Pharaoh wearing a wristwatch was an obvious anachronism.
2. Accismus
Pronunciation: /ækˈsɪzməs/
Definition: A form of irony in which someone feigns indifference to something he or she desires. Aesop’s fable The Fox and the Grapes illustrates accismus when the fox dismisses some grapes he is unable to reach, stating that he is sure they are sour anyway.
E.g. “Oh I couldn’t possibly accept…” Exclaimed Veronica upon being presented with a pair of diamond earrings, her natural affinity for accismus shining through.
3. Acnestis
Definition: Space between shoulder blades that cannot be reached to scratch
Pronunciation: ak-NEES-tis
4. Agelast
Definition: A person who never laughs
Pronunciation: AJ-uh-last
E.g. I’m not sure is she’s an agelast because she is grumpy or because she’s vain.
5. Bailiwick
Definition: a person’s area of skill, knowledge, authority, or work (noun)
Pronunciation: /ˈbeɪliwɪk/
E.g.He never writes up our reports—that’s my bailiwick.
How to Remember Weird New English Words: Keep a Vocabulary List
Once you’ve learned all the great new words in our list below, make sure that you actually practice them so that you can make them part of your regular conversations.
Some top tips for remembering new vocabulary include the following points:
• This doesn’t have to be anything fancy—just a small notebook where you write all new words as you learn them. It helps to have a page for words that start with each letter of the alphabet.
• Divide each page into three columns. Write the word in the first column and a short definition (in English) in the second column. You can use the third column for making notes, sample sentences and any additional meaning in your own language.
6. Bumfuzzle
 |
| Photo Pinterest |
To bumfuzzle is to confuse or fluster.
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.
How to pronounce: /buhm-fuhz-uhl/
E.g. I was totally bumfuzzled by the physics homework last night—I didn’t understand any of it!
7. Behoove
Definition: You can use behoove as a verb that means to be necessary or appropriate for something else. It comes in handy when telling someone why they should do something or when writing a persuasive essay.
Pronunciation: /bɪˈhuv/
Example: «It would behoove the students to learn the vocabulary terms before the test next week.»
Idiom:
• it behooves somebody to do something (formal)
• it is right or necessary for someone to do something
• E.g. It behooves us to study these findings carefully.
8. Cacophony
Definition: A cacophony is a harsh mixture of sounds. It descends from the Greek word phōnē which means sound or voice, and is joined with the Greek prefix kak-, meaning bad; creating the meaning bad sound. In a similar way, the word symphony (which means a harmonious arrangement of instruments) traces to phōnē and the Greek prefix syn-, which means together.
Pronunciation: /kəˈkɒf.ə.ni/
E.g. I couldn’t hear over the cacophony of alarm bells.
How to Remember Weird New English Words: Use Post-It Notes and Cards
If you find some words very difficult to remember, try to write the word on a post-it note and stick it somewhere where you’ll see it often. The more you read the word the more you’ll remember it.
You could also have small cards with new words that you take with you to different places—you can then refresh your memory when sitting on the train or bus, waiting for a friend in a coffee shop on your lunch break… anywhere!
9. Crapulence
Definition: Sickness caused by excessive eating or drinking
Pronunciation: krăp′yə-ləns
10. Diphthong
Definition: A sound formed by the combination of two vowels in a single syllable, in which the sound begins as one vowel and moves toward another (noun)
Pronunciation: /ˈdɪf.θɒŋ/
E.g.To adopt such an idea would simplify the teaching of the vowels to learners, since you could absorb these so-called diphthongs into the simple system.
 |
| Photo Pinterest |
11. Draconian
An adjective to describe something that is excessively harsh and severe. Derives from Draco, a 7th-century Athenian law scribe under whom small offenses had heavy punishments; prescribing death for almost every offence.
Pronunciation: /drəˈkəʊ.ni.ən/
E.g. The new parking fines are positively draconian.
12. Effete
Sometime, you meet someone or encounter something that is overly refined — even to the point of uselessness. That thing is effete.
Pronunciation: /ɪˈfiːt/
Example: «Her beautifully manicured nails were an effete affectation, getting in the way every time she tried to type.»
13. Fatuous
Definition: Sometimes you need to describe someone or something that is foolish or silly. That’s a great time to use the word fatuous.
Pronunciation: /ˈfætʃ.u.əs/
Example: «The clown wore large shoes and a red nose and was generally fatuous.»
14. Gargalesthesia
 |
| Photo Pinterest |
Definition: The sensation commonly associated with tickling
Pronunciation: /gar-guhl-es-thee-zee-yah/
15. Gobbledygook
Definition: Close your eyes for a second and think of a turkey. What sound does it make? Does it sound something like “gobble, gobble, gobble”? That’s exactly where this word came from!
Created from the meaningless sound that turkeys make, gobbledygook (noun) was originally an American English word. It was created in the 1940’s to mean words that are nonsense or have no meaning. It also describes when people use too many technical words and so other people can’t understand what they’e saying.
Pronunciation: /ˈɡɒb(ə)ldɪˌɡuːk/
E.g. The Director was talking a load of gobbledygook in that meeting. I have no idea what he wants!”
16. Jentacular
Definition: Of or pertaining to a breakfast taken early in the morning, or immediately upon getting up
Pronunciation: jen-TAK-yuh-luhr
• jabberwock means nonsense, gibberish
• jabiru means large tropical stork with massive bill
• jettatura means the evil eye
• jib means small triangular sail extending from the head of the foremast
• jibboom means spar forming an extension of the bowsprit
• jibe means to change a ship’s course to make the boom shift sides
• jiboya means boa constrictor
• jiffy means unit of time used in computing equal to 1/100 second; any small unit of time
• jupon means sleeveless jacket worn beneath a hauberk
• jural means of, like or pertaining to the law
17. Kerfuffle
Pronunciation: /kəˈfʌf(ə)l/
Kerfuffle (noun) has been around since the early 1800s. There are two ideas as to how it came into English. It probably came from either Scottish Gaelic or from Celtic Irish, the languages that were used historically in Scotland and Ireland.
If somebody asked you the following question, would you know what they meant?
“What’s all the shouting for? Why are you making such a kerfuffle?”
It means to make a fuss or a bother, usually when people have different points of view. Imagine two of your friends having a minor disagreement over something and making quite a bit of noise – doesn’t kerfuffle sound like a great way to describe the situation? They might also be making a hullaballoo too…
Weird long word: Kakorrhaphiophobia
Kakorrhaphiophobia is an abnormal, persistent, irrational fear of failure. In clinical cases, it’s debilitating: the fear of even the most subtle failure or defeat is so intense that it restricts a person from doing anything at all.
Kakorrhaphiophobia is the most extreme version of what we all experience when we decide to acquire a new skill: doubt, uncertainty, anxiety about our capabilities, and fear of what others will think:
- «What if I fail?»
- «What if I look bad?»
- «What if others think I’m stupid?»
- «What if others think I’m not very good?»
- «What if others aren’t impressed with what I can do?»
18. Hullaballoo (ˌhʌl.ə.bəˈluː)
 |
| Photo behance |
Pronunciation: /ˌhʌl.ə.bəˈluː/
“Did you hear all that hullaballoo in the office today?”
A word that really sounds like what it means, hullaballoo (noun) is the loud noises and shouting that people make when they’re angry.
It’s been part of the English language since the middle of the 18th century.
19. Lionize
Pronunciation: /ˈlaɪ.ə.naɪz/
This awesome positive L word is a verb you can use to talk about celebrities and important historical figures and the way people view them. Lionize means to treat someone as a hero.
Example: «In the North, people began to lionize Abraham Lincoln soon after his assassination.»
20. Lalochezia
Definition: Emotional relief gained by using indecent or vulgar language.
Pronunciation: lal’ō-kē’zē-ă
21. Meldrop
Definition: A drop of mucus hanging from the tip of one’s nose
Pronunciation: mell–drawp
Weird short word
22. Noisome
Definition: If you need to describe something that is harmful or really annoying to the point of near harm, use the word noisome. It’s also ideal for describing something that smells bad.
Pronunciation: /ˈnɔɪ.səm/
Example: «The cooler of fish, forgotten in the trunk of the car, began to emit a noisome odor after a few days.»
Top 25 Trickiest Eggcorns In The English Language
Do you know sometimes a word that sounds like the right word and feels like the right word isn’t actually the right word. It is …
23. Obfuscate
Definition: Have you ever seen someone make something more confusing than it needs to be? That person is obfuscating a concept.
Pronunciation: /ˈɒb.fʌs.keɪt/
Example: «While making bread is really a very simple process, his explanation of the different types of yeast and flour served to obfuscate the concept.»
24. Nikehedonia
Definition: The pleasure or excitement that comes from anticipating success
Pronunciation: nai-kee-huh-daa-nee-uh
25. Nudiustertian
Definition: Of or relating to the day before yesterday
Pronunciation: noo-dee-uhs-TUR-shuhn
E.g.“I’d placed the order that nudiustertian morning”
26. Pareidolia
Pronunciation: /ˌpær.ɪˈdəʊl.jə/
Definition: A psychological phenomenon in which the mind perceives a specific image or pattern where it does not actually exist, such as seeing a face in the clouds. Pareidolia can be used to explain a host of otherwise unexplained sightings.
E.g. Alex was sure he saw a human face on the moon’s surface, but it was more likely to be pareidolia.
27. Riposte
Pronunciation: /rɪˈpɒst/
Definition: A quick or witty retaliatory reply. In the context of the sport of fencing, a riposte means a counterattack that is made after successfully fending off one’s opponent.
E.g. Cora was known for having an excellent riposte to any insult.
28. Obelus
Definition: The name for the division symbol ÷
Pronunciation: aa-buh-luhs
29. Verisimilitude
Definition: Something that merely seems to be true or real. Many writers or filmmakers try for some kind of verisimilitude in their stories, to make them believable. Including a great many details in a novel, for example, adds to its verisimilitude.
Pronunciation: /ˌver.ɪ.sɪˈmɪl.ɪ.tʃuːd/
E.g. She was experiencing a nightmare of the most extraordinary verisimilitude.
30. Zeugma
Definition: A figure of speech in which one word has a double meaning within a sentence, zeugma is a useful term for language arts papers. An example of this would be, “He stole my heart and my car.”
Pronunciation: /ˈzjuːɡ.mə/
Example: «In a statement of zeugma, she said she liked her men like she liked her tea: sweet, strong, and fragrant.»
Conclusion
How to use these rare words correctly? First you should understand their meaning.
If you’ve ever seen someone misusing words, you know how that kind of mistake can reflect negatively on perceptions of intelligence. Take a few moments to quiz yourself on the meaning of these uncommon words so you can break them out in your next essay or speech.
 The Most Popular Passwords and The Worst Passwords
Surprising, many people seriously still using 123456, abcd1234… as a password for their online accounts. If your password is on this list, you should change … |
 Most Expensive Google Keywords 2022 to Increase Adsense Earnings
We try to find ouf and predict the most expensive Google keywords in 2022 and the coming years — High CPC Adsense Keywords — that … |
 Learn These 2 Words, Your Life Will Change Automatically
In this life, there are no insurmountable obstacles, after the rain there will be a rainbow. A truly wise person is one who knows how … |