WordsEnglish is one of the richest languages in the world. At the last count there were estimated to be over 1 million words in the English lexicon. Many have been borrowed or stolen from other languages and many invented for use in new technologies and disciplines. In this article we’ve gathered together just a few of the more unusual ones to see if you know (or can guess) what they mean.




SPONDULICKS
OPTIONS …
A : Money; Cash
B : Delicacies, especially served as appetizers
C : A Fanciful creature of undefined nature

<span class='article_colouredheader'><b>Answer...</b></span>

A : Money or Cash

1856, American English slang, “money, cash,” of unknown origin, said to be from Greek spondylikos, from spondylos, a seashell used as currency.




COLLYWOBBLES
OPTIONS …
A : Feeling of fear, apprehension or nervousness.
B : Ice placed in a drink to cool it.
C : A group of benevolent spirits promoting good in the world.

<span class='article_colouredheader'><b>Answer...</b></span>

A : Feeling of fear, apprehension or nervousness.

Probably from New Latin cholera morbus the disease cholera, influenced through folk etymology by colic and wobble




KNACKERED
OPTIONS …
A : Permanently attached; not freely moving.
B : Aware
C : Exhausted; very tired.

<span class='article_colouredheader'><b>Answer...</b></span>

C : Exhausted; very tired.

English slang knacker to kill, tire, perhaps from knacker, noun. First Known Use: 1886




INTENERATE
OPTIONS …
A : To foretell events; predict
B : To move lightly and swiftly; flutter
C : To make soft or tender; soften

<span class='article_colouredheader'><b>Answer...</b></span>

C : To make soft or tender; soften

From in amd Latin tener – delicate or tender.




MAGNILOQUENT
OPTIONS …
A : Speaking or expressed in a lofty or grandiose style; pompous; bombastic
B : Pleasing to the taste; palatable
C : Having or showing great warmth or intensity of spirit; feeling, enthusiasm etc.

<span class='article_colouredheader'><b>Answer...</b></span>

A : Speaking or expressed in a lofty or grandiose style; pompous; bombastic

From the Latin magnus – great and loquī – to speak.




DYSPHEMISM
OPTIONS …
A : A list or collection of proper names.
B : The substitution of a harsh, disparaging or unpleasant expression for a more neutral one.
C : A short and witty or sarcastic saying or writing.

<span class='article_colouredheader'><b>Answer...</b></span>

B : The substitution of a harsh, disparaging or unpleasant expression for a more neutral one.