Why our ancestors had a much richer vocabulary for the absurd
In short: Language is constantly evolving, but some of our most expressive slang has fallen into obscurity. This episode explores 83 historical phrases that deserve a comeback, ranging from genuinely bizarre expressions to those we might be better off leaving behind.
The video examines the etymology and meanings of 83 distinct slang terms sourced from various historical linguistic records. By looking at these phrases, the host explores how different eras—from the Victorian age to modern hipster culture—have shaped our colorful ways of speaking.
To curate this list, the show draws on a wide array of references, including the Dictionary of American Slang, 1811 Dictionary of the Vulgar Tongue, and specific regional records like the Dictionary of the Slang-English of Australia. It serves as a deep dive into how 'knowledge junkies' can rediscover lost linguistic flavor.
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Sources
- Summary by Intellect · source: 83 Old Slang Phrases We Should Bring Back - mental_floss on YouTube (Ep.208) | Mental Floss
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