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13 wonderful Old English words we should still be using today

Medieval Times
Medieval Times

(You never hear the word "snollygoster" anymore.Flickr / Jeroen Elfferich)
As the years pass, language evolves. In fact, many of the words we use today— like "bedazzled" and "addiction" — were invented by William Shakespeare.

But on the flip side, some fantastic Old English vocabulary has dropped out of everyday conversation.

Read below to see a list of the best words that need reviving.

1. Grubbling (v)

Definition: "Like groping, except less organised. Usually refers to pockets, but can also be used for feeling around in desk drawers that are filled with nicknacks and whatnot."

Example: He was grubbling around in his pocket to find his car keys.

2. Snollygoster (n)

Definition: "A shrewd, unprincipled person, especially a politician."

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Example: Many consider Chris Christie to be a snollygoster after the Bridgegate scandal.

3. Zwodder (n)

Definition: "A drowsy and stupid state of body or mind."

Example: Without my morning coffee, I remain in a zwodder all day.

4. Woofits (n)

Hangovers don't deter drinking
Hangovers don't deter drinking

(It doesn't feel great to have the woofits.Shutterstock)
"A hangover."

Example: Water and Advil normally help when you have the woofits.

5. Grufeling (v)

Definition: "To lie close wrapped up and in a comfortable-looking manner; used in ridicule."

Example: Avoid grufeling in the face of a challenge.

6. Clinomania (n)

Definition: "An obsessive desire to lie down."

Example: Without adequate sleep, you'll suffer from more than clinomania.

7. Hum durgeon (n)

Definition: "An imaginary illness; also 'the thickest part of his thigh is nearest his arse.'"

Example: You should never claim hum durgeon to miss work.

8. Quomodocunquize (v)

Definition: "To make money in any way that you can.”

Example: Rather than quomodocunquizing, invest your money wisely.

9. Fudgel (v)

Facebook Work
Facebook Work

(If you're on Facebook at work you might be fudgeling.Simon Dawson/Bloomberg via Getty Images)
Definition:
"Pretending to work when you're not actually doing anything at all."

Example: Sometimes fudgeling can actually increase your focus.

10. Snecklifter (n)

Definition: "A person who pokes his [or her] head into a pub to see if there's anyone who might stand him [or her] a drink."

Example: Snecklifters never pay for their own whiskey — or offer to buy one for you.

11. Ergophobia (n)

"The morbid fear of returning to work."

Example: The worst employees suffer from extreme ergophobia on Mondays.

12. Famelicose (adj)

Definition: "Constantly hungry."

Example: I'm famelicose for a grilled cheese.

13. Groke (v)

Definition: "To gaze at somebody while they're eating in the hope that they'll give you some of their food."

Example: My dog constantly grokes at me longingly while I eat dinner.

Christina Sterbenz contributed to a previous version of this story.



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