I don't know about you, but I find obsolete words so interesting. It gives us a window into the ways of thinking of eras long gone. I find it truly fascinating. I came across these old words, and it got me thinking on how we'd employ them. Could we?
So the challenge is this... Write a poem or short story on any topic and in any style you wish with as many of these following obsolete English words :
BLATTEROON (n.) :
A senseless babbler or boaster.
APRICATE (v.) :
To bask in the sun or to sun oneself. It derives from the Latin word 'apricus'.
POTVALIANT (adj.) :
To become brave as a result of being drunk.
BAWCOCK (n.) :
A fine fellow. It derives from the French 'beau coq'.
SPANGHEW (v.) :
To throw violently into the air, especially a frog or toad from the end of a stick.
AEOLIST (n.) :
A pompous person who pretends to have inspiration or spiritual insight.
SATISDICTION (n.) :
To say all that is required.
ANAGAPESIS (n.) :
A loss of feelings for someone who was formerly loved.
OVERMORROW (n.) :
The day after tomorrow.
YESTREEN (n.) :
Last night. Yesterday evening. A Scottish word from the 18th century often seen in poetic usage.
FUDGEL (v.) :
Pretending to work while actually doing nothing. (18th century)
DYSANIA (n.) :
Extreme difficulty getting out of bed in the morning. (20th century)
ULTRACREPIDARIAN (n. ; adj.) :
Somebody who gives opinions on subjects they know nothing about. (19th century)
KAKISTOCRACY (n.) :
Government led by the worst or least qualified people. (19th century)
TWATTLING (v.) :
Gossipping idly about unimportant things. (16th century)
LANSPRESADO (n.) :
Someone who always conveniently shows up without any money. (18th century)
GROKE (v.) :
To stare at someone while they eat, hoping they'll share. (Old Scots language)
SLUGABED (n.) :
A person who stays in bed after the usual or proper time to get up. (16th century)
FROBLY-MOBLY (adj.) :
Neither well or unwell. (18th century)
UHTCEARE (n.) :
Anxiously lying awake before dawn, worrying about the day ahead. (Old English)
PERENDINATE (v.) :
To put off until the day after tomorrow. (19th century)
PHILOGROBILIZED (adj.) :
Having a hangover, but without admitting to have been drinking. (19th century)
CALLIPYGIAN (adj.) :
Having beautiful well-shaped buttocks. (19th century)
PEG PUFF (n.) :
A young woman with the manners of an old one. (Old Scots language)
GRUMBLETONIANS (n.) :
People who are angry or unhappy with their government. (17th century)
SNOLLYGOSTER (n.) :
A shrewd, unprincipled person, especially a politician. (19th century)
SHIVVINESS (n.) :
The uncomfortable feeling of wearing new underwear. (Old English)
CACOETHES (n.) :
Irresistible urge to do something inadvisable. (16th century)
ABLIGURITION (n.) :
Spending lavish amounts of money on food. (17th century)
Liam35 years old from |
About as random as my mind gets :-)
Ultracrepidarian Twattling.. (Obsolete words Challenge)
N'er such a Blatteroon am I
As I tell thee this tale I know
Of the Bawcock with a mare to sell
And the Aeolis that was all for show
As pompous does, he snootily eyed
The fine mare and its owner proud
"I say dear chap, that bag of bones
Wears not a saddle but a horsey shroud"
The Bawcock proceeded satisdictionally
To give account of the steeds pedigree
"My man your money could afford her not
And of that I am sure you'll agree"
Slightly aghast and open mouthed
The grumbletonian he now became
"My wealth it is without question
Ask anyone, just mention my name"
"I have looked this old nag over
such a Callipygian shape she does hold
Perhaps the qualities of a Peg Puff
But she may plough, if truth be told"
"I ask no more than four guineas for her
'Though she is surely worth ten time more
She will plough your field and your neighbours too
just make sure you lock the stable door"
"I'll give you 2 guineas and you'll shake my hand
For we know that the deal is but done"
They both agreed and exchanged the sale
Before the setting of the falling sun
But that Bawcock was a Snollygoster in truth
And a careful plan he had put into place
He had heard that the other was a Slugabed
That was a truth he could not erase
Retiring for the evening to bed
The Aoelist stabled the Mare with some hay
But forgetting to bolt the stable door
The horse escaped and was soon far away
Quickly it returned to its old stable Yard
As the Snollygoster knew that it would
The Aoelist lost his claims at Court
Such is the law that only a few understood
Possession they say is nine tenths of the law
And although in good faith the Snollygoster had traded
He knew that the mare would make its return
And the Aoelists claims had quickly faded
There is a moral in this tale I tell
Lessons must be learned from such transactions
Please be aware of such Cacoethes as those
That allow your mind these costly distractions.
Poetry By Liam
Read 78 times
Editors' choice
Written 2024-10-06 12:16
Save as a bookmark (requires login)
Write a comment (requires login)
Send as email
Print text
alarian
what I feel about me is that
random thoughts follow unconscious patterns
only by learning well established poets
you might elevate yourself
otherwise you stir into the same pot
that's how I feel about me
trying to find my path in the dark
2024-11-18
Editorial Team
Congratulations! Your poem has been chosen to be featured on our home page by a fellow member of PoetBay. Thank you for posting on our poetry website!
2024-11-18
arquious
Wonderful excogitations that may result in curglaff and yet remain well and truly gorgonised!
2024-10-06
one trick pony
Thanks Liam.
2024-10-06
alarian |
Editorial Team |
arquious |
one trick pony |