The Word Collector — Part 21

This entry continues our journey into the fascinating world of newly discovered words and phrases, collected from the depths of literary and media exploration. While modern trends may elude me, I invite you to enjoy these terms, even if some are familiar to you.

Eellogofusciouhipoppokunurious – As you've likely gathered from the title, this remarkable American term spans 30 letters and translates to "very good." It appears in Wisen’s Dictionary of American Slang from 1934 and is believed to have originated in Nebraska, Oregon, and Massachusetts. This word seems to be a portmanteau, combining lengthy existing terms.

Should you master its pronunciation, it could serve as an amusing conversational piece, especially if you find yourself hosting an overly knowledgeable guest. If they claim they haven’t heard it before, channel your inner Mrs. Pearce and express mild disbelief, emphasizing “that,” as in “Didn’t you know that?” It’s quite surprising anyone wouldn’t be familiar with such a word!

Cheugy – This modern slang, first used around 2013, describes lifestyle choices that are considered out of touch or overly eager, reminiscent of parents attempting to appear trendy to their discerning teenage children. Interestingly, some people have embraced this aesthetic positively. The term gained notoriety in a humorous guide to identifying foolish behavior.

Terroir – Recently encountered in a review of a controversial Channel 4 TV program about human meat, this French term refers to the distinct environmental factors that influence a crop's characteristics, including its growing conditions and agricultural practices. For more details about the program, a review is included below, though I found it excessively positive!

Unshriven Bugaboos –

Shrive – This verb, used in the context of a priest hearing confessions and granting absolution, was noted in an article in The Observer referring to Putin, likely not in a flattering way.

Bugaboo – This term denotes a source of fear or concern, and was also mentioned in the same Observer article.

Skeleton Keys and Stopped Clocks

Moving on from unshriven bugaboos, here are additional interesting terms:

“His empathy a kind of skeleton key” – This phrase, from Rachel Cooke's article in The Observer, beautifully describes the character of Timothy Spall in the BBC series “The Sixth Commandment.”

Interiority – Used by an aspiring author in the aforementioned series, it signifies one's inner character or subjectivity.

“Human scaffolding” – This phrase appeared in Kiran Sidhu’s article in The Observer, discussing her past reliance on social interactions in London to avoid confronting personal truths.

“Like a stopped clock” – A clever description by Stuart Lee in The Observer of a UK minister who consistently makes mistakes yet occasionally gets things right.

Though it may sound harsh, this is the same minister who controversially ordered the removal of Disney murals at a reception center for asylum-seeking orphans, earning him the nickname “minister without heart.”

“Stagnation Nation” – A fitting description of the UK’s economic status, as noted by William Keegan in The Observer, referencing the Resolution Foundation's critique of the fiscal situation post-Brexit.

Sliding Doors, Goblins, and Mouse Droppings

During a recent long drive while listening to BBC Radio 4, I encountered the term “Sliding doors moment.” This phrase signifies a critical decision or action that can significantly alter one’s future, derived from the 1998 film “Sliding Doors,” which explores two parallel lives based on a train-catching decision.

Goblin mode – A playful term describing the rejection of societal norms in favor of hedonism and self-indulgence. Although it dates back to 2009, it gained mainstream popularity in 2015 when comedian Sam Jelbert observed a friend embracing this mindset.

Sprinkles – Referring to small, often colorful bits of confectionery used as decorations for desserts. These sweet additions vary in name across countries, sometimes called “hundreds and thousands,” and curiously known in France as vermicelles en sucre, which translates to “sugared mouse droppings”!

Bookkeeper – Not exactly a new term, but interestingly, it is the only word in English with three consecutive pairs of duplicated letters. The only competition for this title is sweet-toothed, depending on its formatting. Fascinating, isn’t it?

A Never-Ending War

The following terms are sourced from the substantial work “Vietnam — An Epic History of a Tragic War” by Max Hastings, which I am slowly navigating through, having borrowed it from my local book exchange.

Sepulchral – Pertaining to tombs or burial; characterized by gloom or melancholy.

Orthogonal – An adjective signifying right angles; can also refer to statistical independence among variables.

I trust you enjoyed this latest collection, and I encourage you to share any intriguing words you've encountered in the comments.

Thank you for reading!

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