English has one of the largest vocabularies in the world, with estimates ranging from 170,000 words in current use to over 600,000 if you count historical entries. But for every word that survives, countless others quietly fade into obscurity. Some disappear because the objects they describe vanish. Others fall out of fashion.
Yet many lost words are so vivid, so delightful, or so precise that it feels like a crime to leave them buried in dusty dictionaries. Let’s dig into some of these forgotten gems, uncover their histories, and see why they deserve a revival in everyday English.
Why Words Disappear
Languages evolve constantly. English drops words for several reasons:
- Cultural shifts: If the object or idea fades, so does the word (cassette tape, anyone?).
- Competition: A simpler or shorter synonym wins out.
- Prestige and fashion: Borrowed words from French or Latin often replaced native English terms.
- Standardization: Dictionaries and schoolbooks favored certain spellings or usages, pushing others aside.
But while some vanish permanently, others linger in old texts, waiting to be rediscovered.
1. Groak (Verb)
To silently watch someone while they eat, hoping they’ll share.
This Scottish word dates back to the 16th century. If you’ve ever sat across from a friend eating fries and stared longingly until they offered one, you’ve been groaking.
Why revive it? Because “groak” perfectly captures a universal, relatable experience in just one syllable.
2. Snollygoster (Noun)
A shrewd, unprincipled person—especially a politician.
This American word emerged in the 19th century, likely from German roots (schnalle = quick, geist = spirit). U.S. President Harry Truman famously used it to describe dishonest politicians.
Why revive it? In a world where political scandals make headlines daily, “snollygoster” deserves a comeback.
3. Apricity (Noun)
The warmth of the sun in winter.
This beautiful word comes from the Latin apricitas, meaning sunny. It appeared in 17th-century texts but slowly vanished.
Why revive it? English has no exact modern equivalent. Who hasn’t felt joy in a patch of winter sunlight? “Apricity” expresses it with elegance.
4. Crapulous (Adjective)
Suffering from having eaten or drunk too much.
From the Latin crapula (intoxication), this word once described the bloated aftermath of indulgence.
Why revive it? It’s a perfect holiday season word. Instead of “food coma,” imagine saying, “I’m feeling crapulous after Thanksgiving dinner.”
5. Elflock (Noun)
Tangled hair, thought to be the work of elves or fairies.
This whimsical word appears in Shakespeare and 16th-century folklore. Parents once blamed elflocks for messy hair in children.
Why revive it? It’s charming, playful, and more fun than “bedhead.”
6. Lethologica (Noun)
The inability to remember a word or name.
Though rare, this term popped up in early psychology and linguistics.
Why revive it? Everyone experiences it—the tip-of-the-tongue phenomenon. Having a precise word for it makes conversations richer.
7. Jargogle (Verb)
To confuse or jumble up.
Once common in the 17th century, jargogle described muddled situations.
Why revive it? It’s vivid, fun to say, and a great alternative to “mess up” or “scramble.”
8. Cockalorum (Noun)
A small man with a high opinion of himself.
This 18th-century insult combines humor with precision. It conjures an image of puffed-up self-importance in miniature form.
Why revive it? Perfect for describing arrogant personalities with a touch of wit.
Why Reviving Lost Words Matters
Bringing back old words isn’t just about quirkiness. It enriches English by:
- Adding precision: “Apricity” conveys a nuance no other word does.
- Preserving history: Words like “elflock” connect us to folklore and imagination.
- Expanding creativity: Writers, poets, and everyday speakers gain more expressive tools.
Languages that welcome revival stay vibrant. Just as English borrows words, it can also recycle its forgotten treasures.
How Words Make a Comeback
Words don’t return by accident—they need cultural momentum:
- Writers and poets can reintroduce them. (Serendipity was revived by Horace Walpole in the 18th century.)
- Social media can spread them fast—one viral post can resurrect a word.
- Pop culture loves quirky language. A film, TV show, or song can revive forgotten terms.
Imagine a character in a Netflix show saying, “Stop groaking at my pizza.” It could spark a trend overnight.
Final Thoughts: Rediscovering English’s Hidden Treasures
English is a living museum, filled with words both new and ancient. While slang and internet jargon evolve daily, forgotten gems like apricity, snollygoster, and groak remind us that the past still has plenty to offer.
The next time you feel crapulous after dinner or catch someone groaking at your snack, try using these words. Who knows? You might help spark the revival English didn’t know it needed.
