English is full of surprises—especially when it comes to the words we’ve kept around for centuries. Some are bizarre, some are hilarious, and others are just plain puzzling. Yet, all of these words are still in use today, whether in literature, dialects, or modern conversation.
In this article, we’ll explore strange English words that sound made up but are 100% real—and still make appearances in speech or writing.
1. Agog
Meaning: Extremely eager or excited.
Example: “The fans were agog with anticipation before the concert began.”
Why It’s Strange: It sounds like baby talk—but it’s a legit word from Middle French and Greek origin.
2. Codswallop
Meaning: Nonsense or rubbish.
Example: “That conspiracy theory is total codswallop.”
Origin: Possibly British slang from the 1950s. Theories about its origin vary, but it’s still used in UK English.
3. Doozy
Meaning: Something extraordinary or bizarre.
Example: “That thunderstorm was a real doozy.”
Why It’s Strange: It’s got a fun, almost cartoon-like sound. Its exact origin is unknown, though some link it to the luxury Duesenberg cars.
4. Hootenanny
Meaning: An informal gathering with folk music and dancing.
Example: “They hosted a hootenanny in their backyard every summer.”
Origin: Originally American slang for “thingamajig,” it evolved into a term for music parties in the 1940s.
5. Kerfuffle
Meaning: A commotion or fuss, especially over something minor.
Example: “There was a minor kerfuffle at the office over coffee mugs.”
Origin: From Scottish curfuffle, meaning to dishevel or disorder. Now a favorite in British English.
6. Flummox
Meaning: To bewilder or confuse.
Example: “I was flummoxed by the tax form instructions.”
Origin: Appeared in British dialects in the early 19th century. The randomness of the word adds to its charm.
7. Lollygag
Meaning: To dawdle or be slow.
Example: “Quit lollygagging and do your homework.”
Origin: American English from the 1800s. Still used today in casual speech, especially in the U.S.
8. Bamboozle
Meaning: To trick or deceive.
Example: “I got bamboozled by that fake online store.”
Origin: First appeared in the early 1700s. No one’s sure where it came from, but it stuck around thanks to its bouncy rhythm.
9. Ragamuffin
Meaning: A person, usually a child, in ragged or dirty clothes.
Example: “The little ragamuffins ran through the alley barefoot.”
Origin: This word dates back to the Middle Ages. It’s still used today—mostly affectionately or humorously.
10. Skedaddle
Meaning: To leave quickly or run away.
Example: “Let’s skedaddle before the traffic starts.”
Origin: American Civil War slang. Possibly derived from a dialect or borrowed from an obscure European language.
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Why These Words Have Survived
You might think these words would have disappeared by now, but they’ve survived because they’re:
- Fun to say
- Vivid in imagery
- Used in pop culture and literature
- Passed down through generations
They also often describe something uniquely, making them hard to replace.
How to Use Them (Without Sounding Outdated)
Here’s how to keep these strange words alive—without sounding like you’re from another century:
- Use them in storytelling – They add color and character.
- Inject humor – Many of these words are naturally funny.
- Mix them with modern slang – Blend old with new for creative contrast.
- Teach them to kids – Words like “skedaddle” or “bamboozle” are fun for young learners.
Final Thoughts: Embrace the Quirk
Language isn’t just about being understood—it’s about having fun with how we express ourselves. These strange English words are like little time capsules, filled with charm, history, and a sense of play.
So don’t be afraid to drop a “codswallop” or “hootenanny” into your next conversation. You might just start a new trend—or at least spark a good laugh.
