Editor's Corner

What better way to start a Monday than with a list of old-fashioned insults? First, a (probably unnecessary) caveat: these words are meant to give you a chuckle not to provide ammunition you can use against your coworkers, friends, family, or even enemies. If you feel the urge to blast one out, remember our JHA motto: Do the right thing.

I got this list from a Dictionary.com slideshow, but they made it clear that you won’t find these words defined in their dictionary because the words are obsolete.

Compared to the invectives we hear today, these words sound like insults a Brownie troop would fling—but they were once considered offensive. I love the whimsical imagery they provide.

· Bedswerver: Shakespeare coined this word to describe an adulterer.

· Fopdoodle: Someone of little significance.

· Gnashnab: An 18th century northern English word, meaning someone who complains all the time.

· Gobermouch: An old Irish term for someone who likes to meddle in other people’s business.

· Klazomaniac: A person WHO CAN ONLY SPEAK BY SHOUTING.

· Scobblelotcher: Someone who avoids hard work like it’s his or her job.

· Snoutband: Someone who always interrupts a conversation to correct or contradict.

· Stampcrab: Someone who’s heavy of foot.

· Whiffle-Whaffle: Someone who wastes a lot of time.

· Zooterkins: Not really an insult, this is something you yell after someone has insulted you.

· Zounderkite: A Victorian word meaning idiot.

Have a fun day.

Donna Bradley Burcher | Senior Technical Editor | Symitar®

8985 Balboa Ave. | San Diego, CA 92123 | Ph. 619.278.0432 | Extension: 765432

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