# Vintage Language Revivals 'Snollygoster' Brought Back by Heated Public Spat By Tisah Tucknott | Published 2009-06-19 | Social Good Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/snollygoster References: [thenorthernecho](http://www.thenorthernecho.co.uk/features/4391800.Comeback_time_for_snollygoster/) & [makli](http://www.makli.com/snollygoster/) 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](http://www.word-detective.com/011107A.html) ## Trend Insights (Trend Hunter) - Score: 1.9/10 - Popularity: 6% | Activity: 44% | Freshness: 8% - Audience gender: 50% men, 50% women - Primary generations: Millennial, Gen X - Top markets: North America, Europe, Asia ## Categories [Trend Hunter](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends) > [Social Good](https://www.trendhunter.com/socialgood) ## Key Themes ### 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. ## Related on Trend Hunter - [Word-Shouting Party Games](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/really-loud-librarians.md) - [Educational Linguistic Newsletters](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/why-is-it-called-that.md) - [Spelling Vending Machines](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/pay-with-words-vending-machine.md) - [Re-Energized Snack Campaigns](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/speakie-snackie-campaign.md) - [Search-Hacking Campaigns](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/word-of-the-year.md) - [Daily Word Game Pastimes](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/wordle-the-party-game.md) - [Revived Snack Product Flavors](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/discos-pickled-onion.md) - [Online Dating Anti-Ghosting Features](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/snack-anti-ghosting.md) - [Inclusive Spell-Checking Tools](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/witty-works.md)