Think about holding your listeners on tenterhooks where they are paused, and think hard about what some words mean. Inevitably, the random nature of the English language is very likely to borrow words with different etymology from foreign languages. Discovery through etymology for vocabulary leads to vistas that open cultural history in terms of human imagination. Here are ten strange words in the English vocabulary, each with its extraordinary past and exciting history, creating a more vivid story within the language.
Uncommon English Words and Their Origins
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Serendipity
Definition: A happy or beneficial discovery made by chance.
Origin Story: “Serendipity” comes from the Persian fairy tale called The Three Princes of Serendip. This is the story of the three princes who, incidentally, stumbled upon good things on their travels, one after the other. The term was later coined in English by writer Horace Walpole in the 18th century, inspired by the princes’ story. Today, “serendipity” has become a term to describe happy accidents and delightful surprises in life. Imagine stumbling upon some quaint bookstore in a narrow alley or finding an unexpected solution to a problem—those are modern examples of serendipity.
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Quixotic
Definition: Extremely idealistic, impractical, or unrealistic.
Origin Story: The term comes from Don Quixote, the great book of Miguel de Cervantes. In the tremendous Spanish novel, Don Quixote is a gentlemanly but errant chivalrous idealist on a quest to revive knight-errantry, often battling fantasies and tilting at windmills that he conceives as giants. His adventures epitomise an idealism detached from reality, leading to the term “quixotic.” Using this word today describes a person or endeavour that is romantic and noble but ultimately impractical, such as chasing a distant dream.
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Pundit
Definition: An expert or authority in a field often provides public opinions.
Origin Story: The term “pundit” originates from the Sanskrit term pandit, describing one learned or wise, typically schooled in the law or philosophy of the Hindus. It was in this early period of the Indian sub-continent, during the era of British colonisation, that it entered the vocabulary of English. Over time, it started to take on a very slight role in discussing commentaries or experts, notably in journalism and politics.
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Nirvana
Definition: State of being beyond suffering and desire; supreme happiness.
Origin Story: Borrowed from ancient Sanskrit and closely associated with Buddhist and Hindu traditions, “nirvana” is a state of spiritual enlightenment where one is liberated from the cycle of birth and death. The term initially encapsulated profound philosophical ideals, symbolising a place of peace and happiness beyond worldly attachments. Its usage has expanded to describe any place or state of bliss, as in phrases like “a chocolate lover’s nirvana.”
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Cacophony
Definition: A harsh, discordant mixture of sounds.
Origin Story: Derived from the Greek words kakos (bad) and phone (sound), “cacophony” first appeared in English in the 17th century. It perfectly captures the chaotic nature of unpleasant sounds—think of a bustling market, an untuned orchestra, or city traffic. The term is widely used in literature and music to describe sounds that lack harmony. Knowing “cacophony” adds depth to your expressions of sound, particularly when describing loud, jarring environments.
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Berserk
Definition: Having a hysterical or savage performance; unable to control.
Original Origin Story: “Berserk” traces back to the Norse warriors known to fight in an uncontrollable fury during battles. The concept developed over the centuries so that anyone acting wildly and with intense, uncontrollable passion was described by such a term. In today’s English, saying someone has gone “berserk” means one is overwhelmed by highly fierce emotions, be it excitement, fury, or otherwise ideal words for moments of high intensity.
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Juggernaut
Definition: A vast, mighty, and irresistible force.
Origin Story: The word “juggernaut” comes from Jagannath, one of the forms of the Hindu god Krishna. British colonial observers in India saw giant chariots used in festivals for Jagannath and were impressed by their size and power. In time, the term became synonymous with any massive, unstoppable force. In modern usage, you call a sports team, a corporation, or a trend a juggernaut when it appears unstoppable and powerful.
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Pandemonium
Definition: Wild and noisy disorder or confusion; chaos.
Origin Story: This inventive word was coined by the English poet John Milton in his epic poem Paradise Lost. In the poem, Pandemonium is the capital of Hell and the place where fallen angels gather. Putting together the Greek roots pan (all) and daimon (demon), “pandemonium” evokes a sense of overwhelming disorder. Today, it describes situations of chaos or uproar, from bustling marketplaces to unruly crowds.
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Mentor
Definition: A trusted and experienced advisor.
Origin Story: The word “mentor” originated from the epic book—the Odyssey, by the ancient Greek poet Homer. Mentor was one of Odysseus’ friends who played the role of a guardian and instructor to Odysseus’ son, Telemachus. Over time, the word “mentor” changed its meaning as it was used to indicate a source of wisdom in personal and professional settings. It has remained a respectful term and an expression of endearment because it specifies the worth of relied advice in personal and professional improvement.
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Zombie
Definition: A reanimated corpse, often portrayed in folklore and popular culture as mindless or soulless.
Origin Story: “Zombie” has a fantastic journey from West Africa to modern English. It perhaps originates from the Kongo word Zambia, which means “spirit of a dead person,” and later became prominent through Haitian folklore, where the term “zombie” was used for a corpse reanimated by magic. The term, therefore, through the help of literature and film, among other media, has now evolved into describing the fantastical dead creatures found today in popular culture. Words also portray how cultural myths morph the language over a certain period to assume new ideas in the new cultures.
The language is alive since it continuously assimilates from different cultures across the globe as words and meanings blend with those of the following cultures. But, each one has its little tale as an unusual word, remembering how your diverse background in forming a nation has infused itself in your English words and meanings. These kinds of stories will bring us vocabulary strength and more appreciation of history for the life cycles a word undergoes, spreading time and geography.
Next time you use any word, remember that it carries a history, a story, and a glance through the common linguistic wealth of human beings. Use this vocabulary to expand it further, making the language richer and conversations more interesting. So, take all these words, share those stories, and observe how your expressions will change and how you begin to understand things in that manner.
