The Deadword Dictionary: A Book of Outdated Words

The Deadword Dictionary was first written more than twenty years ago. I’m making some changes, based on further refinement of the concept, and also including an “Iffy” section. Here are the rules for the selection of Deadwords: Orphans, words used in only a single common expression, with no flexibility, such as “yore” as in “days of yore.” Faux amis, words borrowed from another language but misunderstood or misapplied (à la mode) Obsolete words or phrases Iffy words—you decide whether they still have weight in today’s language. You might call this the rearview mirror perspective, with a “huh” under one’s breath. Yeah? They really said that? The English language is like a kitchen sponge: it picks up all the tiny pieces of we-don’t-know-what but we need a word, so we’ll just use this stray one from we-don’t-care-where. But when did you last see a “doublet” or “spitoon” or use “whilom”—why keep them around? A little housecleaning is in order here. Got your favorite overworked obsolete nugget? Send it in to bandanna@cox.net.