15 Extremely Interesting Words You Probably Don't Know ...

By Lezlie

15 Extremely Interesting Words You Probably Don't Know ...

This list is for the lady logophiles out there, and I'm willing to bet there are at least a few words you probably don't know! I learned early in life that an impressive vocabulary can do as much for you as an impressive wardrobe. The key is to have fun with language and grow in knowledge without using it to make others feel excluded. These are some of my favorite not so known words from the dictionary as well as the book "The Gilded Tongue". This purple velvet hard cover book is a must read for anyone interested in language, humor and words you probably don't know.

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1

Impavid

Impavid (im-PAV-id): adj. from Latin impravidus, from in- (not) and pavidus (fearful): not afraid; fearless.

It's natural to have some fear, like the type of fear that protects you from touching a hot stove or playing in traffic. But if you find that fear consumes you or even stops you from pursuing what's in your heart, then that fear needs to be escorted to the closest exit door. Impavid is probably my favorite word because it's a great approach to life. It also doesn't sound too weird so you can incorporate it in your everyday vocab and not sound too stuffy.

UPD:

Impavid is an adjective derived from Latin, meaning “not afraid” or “fearless”. It is used to describe someone who is not afraid to take risks or pursue their dreams. It is a positive term that encourages people to take charge of their lives and make their own decisions. Impavid is a great way to describe someone who is brave and willing to take chances. It is also a great way to remind yourself to stay strong and face your fears. It is an empowering term that can be used in everyday conversations and is a great addition to any vocabulary.

2

Agathist

Agathist (AG-uh-thist): n. from Greek-derived agath- (good): a person who believes all things tend toward ultimate good.

Sometimes I memorize new words by remembering clues. When I first came across this word I thought of Agatha Christie. If you don't know who Agatha Christie is, you should. Anyway, then I thought, "It's good to solve crimes. Therefore Agatha = Agathist". My next thought was Agathist reminds me of Optimist, and they have similar meaning. If that doesn't work, think of one bubbly hopeful person you know in your life and repeat. "********_ is such an agathist" 10x.

UPD:

Agathism is a philosophical belief that everything in the world is ultimately good. It is derived from the Greek term 'agath-', which means 'good'. Agathists believe that even in the most difficult and trying times, there is a hidden good that will ultimately prevail. This belief is similar to that of an optimist, as both believe that good will eventually triumph over evil. Agathists often view the world with an optimistic outlook and strive to make the best out of every situation. This belief is commonly seen in the works of authors such as Agatha Christie, who often wrote stories with a positive moral lesson.

3

Skulduggery

hair,face,eyebrow,cheek,beauty, (skuhl-DUHG-uh-ree): n from Scottish sculduddery: underhand dealing; trickery

Imagine the look on your sister's face when you find your sweater in her closet and shout "Skulduggery!" She probably wouldn't know exactly what face to make. Skulduggery is an obscure word, but for no real reason. It sounds so much more indignant than "trickery"— which sounds like a word Dora the Explorer would say. Skulduggery really packs a punch and gets the point across.

UPD:

Skulduggery is a Scottish word derived from the term "sculduddery," meaning underhand dealings or trickery. It is often used to express indignation or surprise when someone has been caught doing something underhanded. Skulduggery is an interesting and powerful word that can be used to make a point in a more emphatic way than simply saying "trickery." It is a great word to use in everyday conversation, and can be used to express surprise or shock when someone is caught doing something underhanded.

4

Belgard

Belgard (bel-GAHRD): n. from Italian bel guardo (lovely look): a kind or loving look.

It's not unusual for a person to give a belgard when they plan to bogart you. Then again, there are some genuinely kind and loving people in this world and it shines through their eyes. Honestly, I hadn't heard of this word before but I could see how easy it would be to incorporate into my daily vocab and even become common between my friends and me. "Stop belgarding me, you know I can't say no to those eyes!"

UPD:

Belgard is an Italian word that translates to “lovely look” and is used to describe a kind or loving look. It is often used to describe someone who is trying to manipulate someone else through their gaze. However, it can also be used to describe someone who is genuinely kind and loving, and whose emotions are visible in their eyes. The word is not commonly used, but has the potential to be incorporated into everyday language. It could be used in a sentence like, “Stop belgarding me, you know I can’t say no to those eyes!”

5

Collocate

Collocate (KAHL-uh-KAYT): v. from Latin collocare, from com-, cum (together, with) and locate (to place): i. to set or place together in proper order, ii. to arrange side by side.

When I first saw the movie Clueless, I was forever changed. How, you might ask? It was the way Cher decided to collocate her closet by color. I had never seen a rainbow in a closet before and it stuck with me forever. Today my closet is not only collocated by color, but also type of clothing (i.e. shirts, dresses, etc.). Is there something in your life that you have to collocate?

Famous Quotes

Men in general judge more from appearances than from reality. All men have eyes, but few have the gift of penetration.

Niccolò Machiavelli
6

Duende

Duende (doo-EN-DAY): n. from Spanish dialectal (charm), from Spanish (ghost): the ability to attract others through personal magnetism and charm.

Before I even read the meaning of this word, I was drawn to it. It's not only fun to say, but you kind of have to pucker your lips to say it correctly. So, it makes sense that it means magnetism and charm. Instead of saying swag (if you even use that word), try using the word duende for a week just for fun. I can see your duende multiplying already girl.

7

Enology

Enology (ee-NAHL-uh-jee): n. from Greek oinks: the science of wine or winemaking, viticulture.

If you have ever gone wine tasting, you know that there is a certain air about wine culture. There is a lot to learn about the process, the grapes, the regions, and more. There really is a science behind making amazing wine. Next time you find yourself having a conversation with a sommelier, drop enology into a sentence. Or even better, you can learn more about enology through sites like winespectator.com so you can come with questions for the next time you go wine tasting.

8

Limerence

hair,face,photograph,person,woman, (lɪmɪrəns): n Coined by an American psychologist, Dorothy Tennov: a state of mind resulting from romantic attraction, characterized by feelings of euphoria, the desire to have one's feelings reciprocated

My favorite words are ones invented by people, instead of those with vageuly identified origins that have simply eveloved over time alongside mankind. Limerence is one of my most adored words because a 20th century psychologst created it. Created words always arise out of a need, which Dr. Tennov evidently noticed. This word sums up the state of being in love quite well, as it isn't just a feeling, but a strong desire to be loved in return.

9

Fard

Fard (FAHRD): v. from Middle English farden, from Middle French farder, of Germanic origin; akin to Old High German faro (colored): to paint the face with cosmetics.

Fard is a word that we all can use because we all paint our face at least a little. Don't we ladies? I personally don't think it's the most lovely sounding of words, but I found it interesting and thought that maybe you would too. Do you have a favorite professional fard artist? My personal favorite is bebebooth.com. If you don't have a favorite fard artist, what's your favorite cosmetic line?

10

Gammer

Gammer (GAM-ur): n. from probably a contraction of godmother: an old woman.

This word should be easy enough to remember and incorporate into your daily vocal because gammer sounds a lot like grandma. I found it interesting that this was an alteration of godmother. It's another word that can easily slip into Rolodex of words although I don't think it sounds too flattering. "Hey, check out that gammer over there." What do you think ladies? Would you want to be called a gammer when you are a silver fox one day?

11

Paroxysm

facial expression,face,hair,person,nose, (PAR-uhk-siz-uhm): n from Greek-derived paroxysmós (irritation): a fit of violent action or emotion

All women are familiar with the paroxysm in some form or another. Think of a time when you lashed out at your friend or partner for no logical reason, maybe you threw something or simply screamed at the top of your lungs. There's a word for the condition from which you're suffering, it's "paroxysm".

12

Hypergamy

Hypergamy (hy-PUR-guh-mee): n. from Greek hyper- (beyond, over, above) and gamos (marriage): marrying someone at or above one's social station.

I think most of us marry at least at our social station in life. Some of my friends have married above the station they were born into. I can't think of many women who have married beneath the station they were born into, though I have read many stories about women falling for a man who can only offer them love. Hypergamy sounds pretty cool when you say it, though I probably won't add it to my daily vocab.

13

Jejunator

Jejunator (JEE-joo-nay-tur): n. from Latin jejunus (hungry) and English -tor (signifying an agent): a person who fasts.

Of all of the words on this list, I love saying this word the most. It sounds like terminator with juice in the beginning. It's a funny sounding word that can easily slip into our daily vocab. Even if you don't personally fast, there is always some celebrity fasting that this can apply to. Also, juicing is growing in popularity and this term only seems appropriate for those who choose to juice. I'm surprised a health coach hasn't grabbed this term and ran with it yet.

14

Draconian

human positions,photograph,leisure,sitting,green, (drey-KOH-nee-uhn): adj from Latin, of Draco: unusually severe or cruel

I personally love this word! It doesn't work in every situation, but when you really want to describe the grueling task you just accomplished for work or school , draconian should be your go-to word! Draconian also works for taxing classes in school, atheletic drills, or even a rough Yoga class. Draconian should make appearances in our vernacular more often!

15

Pulchritude

atmosphere,aurora,outer space, (PUHL-kri-tood): n from Latin pulchritūdō: physical beauty; comeliness.

I personally attribute this unfortunate word's unpopularity to the disconnect between the word and it's definition. If you look into your daughter's eyes while tucking her into bed and tell her how "pulchritudinous" she is, she might start crying! The word's ugly nature betrays it's beautiful definition, making it the last kid picked for the kickball team, or last adjective picked for the poem, nine times out of ten.

Did you know any of the words on this list? Which word was your favorite, if any? What other words would you add to this list? Until next time ladies!

This article was written in collaboration with editor Sabrina Yates.

Feedback Junction

Where Thoughts and Opinions Converge

*negative

Thinking about get a tattoo with a word from this list haha

"Fard" has a negotiate connotation to it, it means to paint your face in public, which has always been frowned upon. Never thought I'd use anything I learned while studying Shakespeare in real life lol

Yes please post more! Loved this!

I love this app!!

Omg I'm 12 and taking the SAT in December!

I'm a jejunator with a lot of duende!!!! Yay. Thanx for such interesting article.

helpful! :)

I knew fard :)

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