English has always been a weird language. Since it emerged in early medieval England, it has become a mash-up of vocabulary and grammar from other languages, such as French, Latin and Greek.
New words are constantly being added to our vocabulary; 20 years ago, no one would have expected we would be using phrases like “brain rot” and “doomscrolling” regularly.
Have you ever come across a word that sounds so ridiculous that you think it is fake? Check out these seven English words that sound made up but are completely real.
Bamboozle
verb
Meaning: to confuse someone, usually by tricking, cheating or fooling them
Example: I thought I was buying an iPad, but I have been bamboozled; when I opened the box, it was filled with rocks!
Flabbergasted
adjective
Meaning: extremely surprised and/or astonished
Example: I was flabbergasted when I saw my cat open the sliding door. I didn’t know she could do that.
Lollygag
verb
Meaning: to fool around and waste time, usually by moving slowly or doing something less important – or nothing at all
Example: Hailey really needs to do her homework, but she prefers lollygagging and playing on her phone all day.
Malarkey
noun
Meaning: behaviour or an idea that is ridiculous or meaningless
Example: You cannot trust anything my cousin says. It’s all malarkey – he’s never been to the moon or danced with BTS.
Kerfuffle
noun
Meaning: unnecessary excitement; a commotion, controversy or fuss
Example: I accidentally ran into someone in the hallway and, in all that kerfuffle, I broke my glasses.
Skedaddle
verb
Meaning: to move or leave very suddenly
Example: When I heard my brother break my mother’s expensive glass vase, I knew it was time to skedaddle.
Flibbertigibbet
noun
Meaning: an unserious, silly, talkative person, often someone who gossips
Example: Watch how you act around Mr Wong down the hall – he’s a flibbertigibbet and will not hesitate to spread rumours.
