The word ‘snollygoster’ is a fantastic word that has been forgotten about until now.
Snollygoster was originally two German words put together: schnelle geister, meaning “quick spirits” or “mythical monster,” and was used in the 19th century to calculate doubtful people (most especially politicians).
It was recently used in a spat between two MP’s in Gloucester. At least one good thing came from the MPs’ expenses scandal--the return of the word snollygoster.
Additional Credits: The Word Detective
Key Themes Behind This Trend
- Language Revivals
- The resurgence of forgotten or obscure words offers opportunities for creativity and branding.
- Search for Authenticity
- Consumers are seeking out unique and traditional language expressions that offer a sense of authenticity and nostalgia.
- Sociopolitical Commentary
- The use of rare words in public discourse highlights the power of language to convey meaning and provoke thought.
Where This Applies
- Publishing
- Publishers can tap into the interest in language revivals by releasing books and dictionaries on forgotten words.
- Education
- Language educators can incorporate the study of vintage words and their origin into their curriculum to enrich students' understanding of language.
- Marketing and Advertising
- Brands can utilize vintage language revivals to create unique marketing campaigns and resonate with consumers seeking authenticity.
