Deipnosophists, stridewallops and shot-clogs have all been celebrated in a book that chronicles the most extraordinary words in the English language. By Harry Wallop, Consumer Affairs Editor
Some are lost words redisovered, others are gems from local dialects, but all are intriguing examples of how English continues to be the most quirky language in the world.They have been assembled by Adam Jacot de Boinod, the author of Toujours Tingo, the successful book which collected words and phrases from around the world. His latest book is The Wonder of Whiffling.
via Are these the best ever words in the English language? – Telegraph.
The Torygraph writer encourages readers to send in their favourite obscure words, and old favourites like ‘defenestrate‘ quickly come up. (To throw oneself out a window). There’s even a mention of callipygous, which means having beautifully shaped buttocks.
To use a few more in context. Although I recently cagged (made a vow not to drink for a while) because I don’t want to fornale (spend money before I’ve earned it) that resolution is very flimsy, especially when I run into a shot clog (a drinker tolerated because he picks up the bill). This is more often than with some, as it is generally agreed that the Jet-Set Hobo is something of a deopnosophist (one who is good company at table). Perhaps I’ve become rather too good at this, as I’m in danger of becoming crambazzled (prematurely losing my looks to the demon drink).
And if I carry on like that, how will ever expect to attract a gal who is frankly, callipygous?
