15 funny English words you won’t believe are real (and how to use them)
English is packed with all sorts of weird and wonderful words, some of which sound so bizarre that you’d think they couldn’t possibly be real!
But, believe it or not, these quirky words are totally legit and come with fascinating meanings and backstories!
If you’re someone who loves stumbling upon oddball terms or just wants to sprinkle some fun into your vocabulary, you’re in the right place!
In this blog, we’re going to explore a list of some of the funniest and most head-scratching words in the English language—think flummox, gobbledygook, and kerfuffle.
We’ll also dive into the origins and meanings behind these gems and dare you to slip them into your everyday conversations. Not only will it give your language a playful twist, but you’ll also wow your friends with your newfound, offbeat vocabulary!
1. Flummox
Meaning: To confuse or bewilder someone.
Imagine you’re reading through a complicated document or trying to solve a tricky math problem. Suddenly, nothing makes sense, and you feel entirely confused—flummoxed!
While it’s likely that flummox comes from English dialects—possibly from the Midlands or southwestern England—no one knows for sure where it really originated. Some linguists think it might have been created through onomatopoeia, mimicking the sound of something flopping or floundering, which kind of makes sense if you imagine someone feeling totally confused and at a loss!
Example: The instructions for building the new furniture completely flummoxed me, and I had to call customer support!
2. Gobbledygook
Meaning: Language that is meaningless or hard to understand; often used to describe overly complicated jargon.
Gobbledygook perfectly captures that feeling when you’re bombarded with technical terms or bureaucratic language that leaves you scratching your head. Coined in the 1940s by Texas politician Maury Maverick, who likened unnecessarily complicated language to the sound of a turkey’s gobble, this word is still widely used to describe convoluted speech.
Example: When the lawyer started explaining the contract in legal gobbledygook, I had to stop him and ask for plain English.
3. Kerfuffle
Meaning: A commotion or fuss, especially one caused by conflicting views.
The word “kerfuffle“ has its roots in Scottish Gaelic, with a bit of influence from Irish, and it generally means a commotion, fuss, or some kind of disorder—usually sparked by conflicting opinions or actions.
The Scottish Gaelic word “car” means “to twist” or “to bend,” while the Irish phrase “cior thual” refers to “confusion” or “disorder.” By the 19th century, the word had popped up in Scottish dialects as curfuffle or carfuffle, and it eventually morphed into the kerfuffle we know today.
It made its way into mainstream English in the early 20th century, especially in British English, and became the go-to word for describing minor disputes or disturbances. Its playful, almost bouncy sound probably helped it catch on, too!
Example: There was a bit of a kerfuffle at the meeting when two team members started arguing over who should present the project.
4. Lollygag
Meaning: To spend time aimlessly or dawdle.
If you’ve ever procrastinated or taken your time when you should be working, you’ve lollygagged. This fun word has been in use since the mid-19th century and suggests that you’re doing something completely unproductive, even when you should be focused!
Example: Stop lollygagging and finish your homework before dinner!
5. Bumfuzzle
Meaning: To confuse or fluster someone.
Like flummox, bumfuzzle refers to that state of confusion where everything seems off or nonsensical. It’s one of those words that sounds as messy as the situation it describes!
Example: The changing schedules and conflicting dates bumfuzzled me, and now I don’t know when the party is!
6. Skedaddle
Meaning: To run away or leave quickly.
The word “skedaddle” means to run away quickly or flee, and although its exact origins are a bit fuzzy, it started gaining traction in the U.S. in the mid-19th century. It really took off during the American Civil War, where it was often used to describe soldiers who were fleeing the battlefield in a hurry.
There are a few interesting theories about where skedaddle might have come from. Some think it could be linked to an old British dialect word, “scaddle”, which meant to run off in fear or scatter. Others suggest that it could have roots in English or Irish, or maybe even Scots-Irish dialect, brought over by immigrants. And then there’s the idea that it might just be a fun, made-up word that mimics the sound of someone hurrying away—kind of like other playful slang words.
Even though its origin is still a bit murky, skedaddle has stayed popular in American English and is still used today when talking about quick, hasty exits!
Example: As soon as the rain started pouring, we skedaddled out of the park and ran for cover!
7. Snollygoster
Meaning: A shrewd, unprincipled person, especially a politician.
This unusual term refers to someone who is crafty and opportunistic, often bending the rules to get ahead. Though rarely used today, snollygoster was a popular term in the late 19th century and perfectly describes people who prioritize their own interests over moral principles.
Example: Everyone knew the mayor was a snollygoster, always making promises he never intended to keep.
8. Nincompoop
Meaning: A foolish or silly person.
The word “nincompoop” is an old-school way of calling someone a fool or a silly person, but where it actually comes from is a bit of a mystery. There are a few theories, though, about how this amusing word came to be.
Some experts think it might come from the Latin phrase “non compos mentis”, which means “not of sound mind” or “insane.” Over time, that serious legal term might have been shortened and twisted into the much more playful-sounding nincompoop.
Another idea is that it could be related to the Dutch word “nikampoep”, which was an insult meaning “worthless person” or “simpleton.”
First recorded in the 1600s, nincompoop has stuck around for centuries as a light-hearted way to describe someone who’s acting foolish or bumbling, even if we’re still not quite sure where it came from!
Example: Don’t be such a nincompoop, of course, you need a passport to travel abroad!
9. Canoodle
Meaning: To kiss and cuddle in a playful or affectionate way.
Canoodle is a fun, whimsical word that evokes images of romantic or affectionate behavior. It dates back to the early 19th century and likely comes from the word cuddle, though its exact origins are unclear.
Example: The couple was caught canoodling in the park, completely unaware of the world around them.
10. Cattywampus
Meaning: Something that is askew, out of alignment, or not arranged correctly.
Cattywampus is a Southern U.S. word that paints a perfect mental picture of something not quite in order. It’s often used to describe things that are crooked or out of place, like furniture in a room or a haphazardly made bed.
Example: The books on the shelf were all cattywampus after the earthquake.
11. Collywobbles
Meaning: A feeling of discomfort in the stomach; often due to nervousness or anxiety.
Some linguists think collywobbles might have come from the medical term “cholera morbus,” which referred to a stomach illness. The chol- part relates to bile (from the Greek kholē), and morbus means “disease” in Latin. Over time, this serious-sounding phrase could have morphed into the much more fun and lighthearted collywobbles.
Of course, it’s also likely that collywobbles was simply invented as a playful, silly word to capture the feeling of a wobbly, unsettled stomach. The word “wobble” adds to that sense of instability or nervousness!
Example: I always get the collywobbles before giving a big presentation at work.
12. Hullabaloo
Meaning: A loud noise or fuss, usually caused by a commotion or public uproar.
When things get chaotic, and there’s a lot of noise and shouting involved, you’ve got a hullabaloo on your hands. This word is perfect for describing loud, disorderly situations, especially when people get riled up!
Example: There was a huge hullabaloo outside the store when the sale was announced.
13. Fuddy-Duddy
Meaning: A person who is old-fashioned, fussy, or overly conservative.
Fuddy-duddy is a fun, slightly teasing word used to describe someone who is stuck in their ways or too particular about rules and traditions. It often has a playful tone and isn’t meant to be mean-spirited.
Example: My grandpa can be a bit of a fuddy-duddy when it comes to using new technology.
14. Poppycock
Meaning: Nonsense or foolish talk.
Whenever someone is spouting off absurd ideas or making ridiculous claims, poppycock is a great word to describe their speech. It’s a lighthearted way to dismiss something as nonsense.
Example: His theory about aliens controlling the government is complete poppycock!
15. Gubbins
Meaning: A collection of miscellaneous items; also refers to something of little value.
This British slang term refers to random, often useless, bits and bobs. It can describe anything from a drawer full of knickknacks to random gadgetry that serves no real purpose.
Example: I cleared out my desk and found all sorts of gubbins I didn’t even remember owning!
Summary
These funny and quirky English words might seem a bit obscure, but that’s part of their charm. They can inject a sense of humor and creativity into your conversations, making even ordinary situations sound more colorful and entertaining. When you sprinkle terms like cattywampus or collywobbles into your speech, it’s likely to catch people off guard—in a good way!
So, go ahead and embrace these strange, hilarious terms. Let your vocabulary shine with a bit of humor and wit, and watch how these oddball words spark curiosity and bring a whole new level of fun to your everyday chats!
Ready, set, skedaddle—your word challenge awaits!