This will be a selcouth post for all those in love with linguistics and words, grammar aficionados and passionate readers. Far from us the intention to discombobulate or flummox our readers, but you have to admit, the English language has some strange words few people know of or can explain their meaning. And while in English you can construct basically any sentence using the verb “to get” and make yourself clear enough, well, this awesome language also comprises some words and expressions that leave people flabbergasted, while sounding like complete kerfuffle or malarkey. There are hundreds if not thousands of these words, but for now, let’s take a look at the most funny, weird, out-of-the-box ten words and expressions in English you may have the chance of hearing once in your life time. Or at least hope so.
1. Nudiustertian
No English proof reader in any version of Microsoft Word will recognize this one as being correct or even existing. Still, it means “the day before yesterday”. Two thumbs up for those who heard of it and a bow to those who can actually use it in a conversation without sounding like speaking an alien tongue.
2. Cockamamie
Not completely unheard of, since it became almost famous through the voice of Dolores Claiborne, one of Stephen King’s best books and most beloved heroines, this word means, as many people already figured it out, something that is absurd, outlandish, ridiculous, implausible.
3. Hobbledehoy
“You’re a hobbledehoy and you will face the consequence of your actions!” said…. no one, ever, although this almost impossible to pronounce word apparently means “an awkward or ill-mannered young boy”. If Tom Sawyer or poor ol’ Huck Finn pop to your mind, that’s probably what this word refers to.
4. Mulligrubs
Sounds like a pile of monsters creeping from under the bed? Nope, totally wrong. It is similar to a more used and common expression – “having the blues” and it means pretty much the same. The mulligrubs are, in fact, a down, sad, even depressed state of mind. Do not confound it with the munchies.
5. Gobbledygook
That’s pretty much what we are doing here. Using a meaningless or nonsensical language. Just kidding, this is education!
6. Canoodle
Remember that scene in “Grease” where all the teenagers were in their cars, allegedly watching movies in the drive – in cinema? No movie was seen that night, as their main occupation was to canoodle. This affectionate activity, we use to call making-out means to hug and to kiss. Do not confound it with wither canola or noodles, those too can be the result of two people spending time together, but let’s face it, canoodling is way more fun!
7. Snollygoster
“Watch out for that guy, he’s a snollygoster!” You might think that particular guy is a weird combination between a snowman and a ghost, but, in fact, he is just a guy who you can’t trust, as he is deceiving or unreliable.
8. Ecdysiast
The Bachelor Party, in capitals nonetheless, is that Party when the soon to be groom spends his last night of freedom with his buddies, usually drinking and reminiscing the old glory days. Some men throw wild parties, though, often involving humongous quantities of liquor and… ecdysiasts. Or strippers. Or pole dancers. Which this word describes in such a terrible manner, you’d think it’s the Latin biology standard name for some bug species.
9. Anglewitch
No, this is not a witch flying on her broom at impossible angles. Actually, this is an old, unused and forgotten term for fish bait. It’s a worm, basically. if it moves at impossible angles, well… fishermen can answer this question in a properly manner.
10. Nincompoop
Don’t let the “poop” termination fool you. This word does not describe either a complicated industrial pumping device, nor something weird about infants’ poop. It describes, however, a foolish person. What you may be called yourself if you don’t use the English language as you should.