Living languages are constantly changing and adapting. I have seen the birth of many new words over the years. For example, company names “Fedex” and “Google” became verbs with the generic meanings of sending a package overnight and doing an internet search. The Oxford English Dictionary in recent years added dozens of words including “whatev” and “chillax.” But as new words are born so do old words die. Following is a list of words that are no longer in use and are being removed from the dictionary.
As a service to my readers I have added suggested words or phrases for those who might find themselves unable to clearly express their thoughts without the use of these cancelled words.
- Fudgel: Pretending to work when you are not actually doing anything. Replace with: Millennial.
- Snollygoster: An unprincipled person, usually a politician. Replace with: Trumpie.
- Tyromancy: The practice of telling fortunes with cheese. Replace with: Praising Cheeses!
- Quockerwodger: A wooden toy figure that moves when a string is pulled; a puppet. Replace with: Clarence-Thomas.
- Lanspresado: One who arrives at a party empty handed. Replace with: Mooch.
- Mugwump: A person who remains aloof or independent, especially from party politics. Replace with: Genius!
- Twattle: Idle talk or gossip. Replace with: Campaign Speech.
Regardless of what the lexicographers say I am not giving up the word Hornswoggle.