Words of the Week!

Words of the Week!

Hello, hello, and welcome to Words of the Week! Hosted by yours truly ~

Every week, I shall post 4 words—three that will be genuinely intriguing or handy for writers and have practical uses, and another that's just for sillies and/or has a more historical context. I'll share things like, for example, the word "daddles" to describe one's hands, or instead of saying "that's so cool," saying "that's some pumpkins!"

Likewise, keep your eye out for a Vocab-Bomb (I am prone to changing what I call this lol), where I drop a big, themed list of handy writing terms ranging from the common to the poetic uses!

Feel free to practice your own use of the word with a response, or if you have any questions about the words, I can try to answer to the best of my ability.

**Edit: I'll also accept word recommendations, if you have any, and I'll give you a shoutout when it's used as one of the WOTWs! You can PM me one or a small list. Just remember: for the primary words, I would prefer ones that lean more into practicality. That is, ones that writers can feasibly use, OR ones that you will genuinely bump into if you're reading works (modern or classic). Unless you're aiming for the silly recommendation section, then the word just has to sound a bit wacky, or have a silly/weird definition.

Have fun!

Words of the Week (August 4th - 10th)


1: Mellifluous

This word is an adjective that describes something smooth and rich, and flows nicely. It is most often used in the context of describing sounds, especially voices and melodies. It does have a legitimate adverb (mellifluously) and noun (mellifluousness) form, but these are a little rarer to find. "Mellifluous" is a word you can find dating back to Shakespearean-era works, but it is still commonly used today! So this word works in many contexts, and would be a great way to describe a character with a charming voice, or a way to bring out the heartfelt feel of a song you're describing.

"Mellifluous" has also been used to describe the taste and texture of honey, to give you an idea of the vibe this word gives.


2: Vellichor

Technically speaking, vellichor is not a term recognized by most dictionaries. Not yet at least. It was coined by an American author and neologist in 2013, but the reason I wanted to share it on YWS is its unique definition: the feeling, typically of nostalgia, evoked by old and/or used bookstores, and the smell or feel of old paper. I don't know about you guys, but I get what this guy was going for!


3: Idiosyncrasy

This word is a noun, and primarily refers to an abnormality, especially a trait or characteristic of a person, animal, or otherwise living being. It has a recognized plural (idiosyncrasies), adjective (idiosyncratic), and adverb (idiosyncratically) form. "Idiosyncrasy" dates back to Tudor times, and though it isn't the most common word people opt for due to its lengthy nature, it is still a very solid word choice to describe an atypical trait, and it still has a nice poetic feel to it!


Silly Pick: Pettifogging

Can you imagine being called a pettifogger? Would you actually be offended, or just laugh?

This is an old-school term for nitpicking, nagging, or otherwise being overly critical and/or overly analytical, especially in instances that don't concern the perpetrator. "Pettifogging" itself can be used as a adjective OR active verb, but this word has a recognized inactive verb (pettifog). You can also say "pettifogger" to describe one who does this act, or "pettifoggery" to talk about the concept at large or in a group. "Pettifogging" is a very old word, dating back to the times of Archaic English, that retained semi-common use until around the late Victorian to Edwardian era, where it finally tapered off in popularity. This word would be best used in a story featuring that era or older, especially amongst older or elderly characters, but you could probably still use it in funny or ironic contexts in a more modern story.


Example sentences:

The singer approached the microphone with steady strides like a feline, majestic yet powerful. As the music played with golden notes befitting her presence, her mellifluous voice, sweet as honey, rang out strong and clear.

Lily opened the creaky old door to the bookstore, and a vintage bell chimed above her. The withered books that lined the dusty shelves, and the dated features of the building, induced a feeling of vellichor that she could not shake.

The man tipped his hat further over his right eye. The left's deep umber hue was normal enough, but he knew the piercing white iris of his other eye was an idiosyncrasy that many in this uptight environment would find unnerving.

That bumbling oaf of a lord used to go around asking all sorts of nonsensical questions and requests, even on matters between specific villagers, or happenings behind closed doors. I say he needs to mind his own business and stop pettifogging with us!

Words of the Week (August 11th - 17th)

1: Cacophony

This word, a near-antonym of last week’s “mellifluous” term, is a noun that describes a sound that is jarring and/or unpleasant in nature. It has been used to describe equally jarring/unpleasant collections of things like colors or smells. However, it is predominately used in the context of sounds. It has a recognized plural (cacophonies) and adjective (cacophonous) form. “Cacophony” is another old word that dates back to the Tudor era, but it retains use today, especially in writing spheres and formal settings. Therefore, it is a very solid word choice for nearly any project you may have!


2: Evanescence

You may recognize this word from the famous band of the same name. This word is a noun that describes a gradual disappearance or fade, and/or a vaporous, misty quality. It does have a recognized adjective (evanescent), as well as active, inactive, and past-tense verb forms (evanesce, evanescing, evanesced). “Evanescence” is a bit newer than other words thus far, only taking off in the mid-1700s. It is still used today, albeit very uncommon. “Evanescence” and all its forms typically appear in dramatic, poetic descriptions—and in some corners of the internet, it’s used to describe paranormal manifestations, and the manner in which phantoms disappear.


3: Tincture

This word has a few meanings, but as a noun, it most commonly refers to a medical concoction, especially one that is made from dissolving plants. As a verb, it means to imbue or infuse something with a property or entity. It has a recognized plural (tinctures) form that applies to the prior definition, and two verb forms (tinctured, tincturing) that apply to the latter definition. “Tincture” is an extremely old word, derived from its close Latin cousin, ‘tinctus,’ but retains its use today. It would fit nicely in pretty much any of your projects, but it is especially common to see in fantasy works, to describe things like potions. Fun fact: you may even spot this word while you’re shopping around, referring to things like essential oil, alternative medicine, and even some culinary ingredients.


Silly Pick: Bumbershoot

Have you watched The Aristocats? Remember that scene where the butler returns to a remote farm to retrieve his lost things from those two dogs? At some point, the wary bloodhound exclaims, “somebody stole my bumbershoot!” Well, that wasn’t another “dinglehopper” situation, that’s a real word, recognized by many dictionaries, that used to be very popular!

“Bumbershoot” is a noun, and it is essentially an English slang term or nickname for an umbrella. It cropped up in the late Victorian era, gradually tapering off in popularity. The term has also cropped up in early American, Canadian, and other Western works, so it was not *exclusively* British—at least not always. This word would fit comfortably in a book set roughly in the 1870s to 1960s, especially if spoken by a character prone to using slang. That said, this one could still be fun to revive in a modern context…


Example Sentences:

Avery was incredibly disgruntled as he sat at the club’s drink counter. The roar of obnoxious house music, cackling laughter, and everyone trying to yell over eachother created a hellish cacophony that practically assaulted his ears.

An air of sorrow descended over Amy as she watched the phantom. The poor woman watched through the cracked window for a long moment, longing and grief souring her expression, until she finally stepped back. The evanescence of her form, reduced to a trail of silvery mist that drifted into the shadows, brought a tear to the onlooker’s eye.

[Noun form:] The apothecary returned with a purple-tinted glass vial, corked with a diamond-shaped ornament. As he removed the cork, the smell of minty herbs and fresh spring water drifted into the air. “This tincture,” he said, “will soothe the pain of your burns.”
[Verb form:] “We have a quest to complete, Sirius!” The mercenary snapped. “Put your enchanting gear away, and you can go back to tincturing with your blade when we get back!”

Have you heard of Mary Poppins? The perfect-in-every-way nanny that is distinctly recognized by her gliding bumbershoot and magic floral bag? Her movie is a timeless classic!

Words of the Week (August 18th - 24th)

Brace for a…VOCAB-BOMB DAY!! And this week’s theme is simple yet sweet, and a very handy reminder for aspiring writers: dialogue tags.

We all know our default dialogue tags: he said, she asked, they replied, etcetera. And these do work! Especially for the flat, offhanded remarks that don’t have a lot of meaning. But when your characters are in the moment, and you want to bring out their tone or emotion—or if you just want to diversify your language, how about replacing said/asked with one of these:

(Casual / neutral tones:)

Remarked
Explained
Continued
Added
Agreed
Rambled
Asserted
Objected
Proclaimed
Stated
Answered
Declared
Insisted
Responded
Alleged
Recited
Pronounced

(Inquisitive tones:)

Speculated
Inquired
Questioned
Pressed
Interrogated
Suggested
Divulged

(Angry / annoyed tones:)

Snarled
Scoffed
Hissed
Spat
Scolded
Growled
Groaned
Protested
Roared

(Fearful / shocked tones:)

Screamed
Stammered
Stuttered
Gasped
Yelped
Begged
Pleaded
Wheezed
Panted

(Playful tones:)

Taunted
Exclaimed
Blurted
Joked
Jested
Quipped
Buzzed

(Sad tones:)

Sighed
Moaned
Implored
Croaked
Cried
Sobbed
Whined
Whimpered

(Quiet tones:)

Whispered
Muttered
Grumbled
Uttered
Murmured
Mumbled
Breathed

And there are more than this even! Likewise, remember these handy tips:

1: Adverbs make a nice neutral. If you’re not finding the right tone in one word, you can always go with a ”he spoke wistfully” or a ”she spoke firmly”. The way I learned (meaning this has and can be contested!), I would use these sorts of tags in moderation, but again—they're a great resort for when you can't land on just one word to describe a character's delivery.

2: Dialogue tags can be substituted with actions, to create some interesting and diverse formats. For example, Lydia set down the candle and turned toward the speaker. “And who are you, exactly?” You can tell who's speaking here, and you can tell from the casual body language that she is speaking with a neutral tone. No dialogue tag necessary!

Do you have any other tips you’d like to share, or some personal favorite dialogue tags that didn’t show up in this explosion? Are you curious about what contexts some of these more unique tags would apply best to? Feel free to add on in a response, if so!

Words of the Week (September 8th - 14th)

1: Vitriol

This word is a noun that describes a very bitter, harsh, and/or angry demeanor, especially when delivered in the form of criticism. It has a recognized adjective form in the use of “vitriolic” as well. “Vitriol” is another very old word, dating back to the 14th century, and is derived from similar Anglo-French and Medieval Latin terms. However, despite that impressive age, the word is still commonly used today! It is a great word to use in any writing, for when you need to describe that sense of venomous verbal abuse that a word like “bitter” just won’t cover!

2: Reminiscence

“Reminiscence” is a noun that describes the state of recalling a past experience, especially one that was repressed or forgotten. It has a recognized active, inactive, and past-tense verb form to describe this as an action (reminiscing, reminisce, reminisced). “Reminiscence” evolved from the late 1500s, and while not often used in lieu of its more recognizable synonyms (memory, recollection, remembrance, etc), it is still a highly recognizable word, especially good in dramatic or poetic contexts.

3: Scion

Another noun, “Scion” is essentially another word for descendant, child, or offspring, particularly of powerful families. Where “heir” is a more appropriate word to describe someone who would inherit a throne, or control of a business empire, or anything of the like, “Scion” is a better word to describe the children who are still entitled to rights and privileges within the family, but may not be the primary successor. There are no recognized alternative forms of this word except for its plural form (scions). The word is extremely old, dating back to some of the earliest forms of English, where it still resembled its cousins in the Franconian and High German languages rather than the long-Romanized version we recognize. By extension, “Scion” is very archaically coded, something you might expect to hear in a Medieval time period, Shakespearean at the latest. And while “Scion” fits very well there, it’s not a forgotten word in the modern era by any means. It’s still used to describe beneficiaries of powerful families, just instead of Medieval noblemen, it applies to the Obamas, the Trumps, the Soroses, the English Royal Family, even the Kardashians...sorta...(okay maybe the tone wouldn't fit the Hollywood ones quite as well XD)

Silly Pick: Scuppernongs

If you ever read the classic book, “To Kill A Mockingbird,” you may have spotted this word amid the earlier chapters and wondered what the heck it was referring to. Or, if you’re me, you just giggled at it because it sounds funny to say!

“Scuppernongs,” in simplified terms, is another word for “grapes.” A particular species of grape, more commonly known as a “scuplin” broadly speaking, it’s like a larger, rounder cousin of the common white grape, with a sweeter plum-like flavor. It carries many other odd slang-like terms historically used throughout the Deep South, including scufalum, scupadine, and scuppernine. The term was derived from the Scuppernong River in North Carolina, where explorers noted the big, white grapes that grew abundantly in the region. By the early 1800s, the grapes themselves simply picked up the name “Scuppernongs” due to their relation with the region. They’re a pretty uncommon word today, but could fit if you have really Southern characters, in any time period between 1820-1970.


Example Sentences:

Whereas Harry stood his ground, Ron seemed to shrink under the weight of Malfoy’s merciless vitriol, mocking his obnoxious red hair and hand-me-down robes as if they were omens of him becoming an inferior wizard.

Kris sank deep into the folds of her couch, letting out a stifled breath. The old photo in her dead aunt’s box had unlocked some deep, disturbing memories in her mind, trapping her in a hellish reminiscence of everything time and trauma had forced her to forget.

Though his divine blood was diluted, distant from the radiant source that was Queen Marika the Eternal, Lord Godrick still benefited as a scion of her Golden Order. He took a crucial rune from the shattered Elden Ring for himself and hid behind the walls of Stormveil, where the remains of his demigod predecessor still festered under the grounds.

”This ‘ere wine is so much sweeter than the type you get from the Winn-Dixie!” Randy praised, glass in hand. “Shoot, ‘course it is,” Daisy replied, “The secret is as simple as home-grown scuppernongs and some South’rn elbow grease!”

Words of the Week (September 15th - 21th)

1: Vale

Classic! Vale is a noun, and is simply a more poetic word for valley. However, with flexible application, it’s also been used to describe any generally open-air region, or even a name for places, in the same way you would call towns or parks “Something Valley” or “Valley of the Something.” Aside from the plural “vales,” this word has no alternate forms. Like “Scion” from last week, “Vale” is a very old word, from the 14th century, with Anglo-French and Latin roots. Because of that, “Vale” seems to pop up predominately in older works, anywhere from Shakespearean to Edwardian ages. But not only could it fit comfortably in a modernized work, particularly for poetic or description purposes, but it also fits very nicely in the genre of fantasy.

2: Pithecanthropic

It’s a big and interesting word, not commonly seen! “Pithecanthropic” is an adjective, that describes anything of, resembling, or related to the sasquatch or other “missing link” type creatures, between man and ape. This word has some alternate forms, including the nouns Pithecanthropus / Pithercanthropi (refers to the sasquatch / sasquatches themselves). This is a very old word, derived from Latin, and it hasn’t undergone much change over the centuries. “Pithecanthropic” pops up rarely in classic works, and in modern contexts, it’s very scientifically-coded and may not be the best go-to choice. However, it would be a great way to describe not just a sasquatch-type monster, especially from a “geeky” smart character, but it could be used as a sneakily unflattering way to describe a character that may have excessive body hair, lumbers around, etc.

3: Florescence

“Florescence” is a noun that describes a state or time of flourishing, especially used in the context of nature. So this word could feasibly be used to describe a flourishing garden overwhelmed by green and flowers, just as it could be used to describe something like a town or business flourishing. This word also has an adjective (florescent) form to describe something more specific going through this state. It’s a word that cropped up in the late Georgian to Early Victorian time period, and while not too common in modern works, it is still something that can be understood by a majority of readers, especially in context. It’d make a lovely addition to something like a poem, or a beautiful description!

Silly Pick: Gobbledygook

This is definitely a word that has been memed to heck and back XD

“Gobbledygook” is a noun, and exactly what it sounds like; nonsense! It describes that type of dialogue where you’re hearing a lot of words, and little (if any) substance behind them. It’s a word that cropped up in 1944, coined by Texans. It’s definitely an “old-fashioned” word, something you might expect to hear from a boomer-age character, give or take a generation. But most people, especially Americans, will get the meaning if you choose to use it!

Example Sentences:

After falling down the rabbit hole to Wonderland again, Alice was devastated by the state of her beautiful valley. The Vale of Tears, once lush and filled with childhood wonder, had been turned into an unforgiving Vale of Doom, corrupted by the spreading sickness.

”Look at the size of that footprint! There’s no way that came from one of our teammates, no—I am ninety-nine percent positive that it came from a pithecanthropic creature, maybe the legendary sasquatch or “Bigfoot” himself!”

After all the work she had put into during Early Spring, planting bulbs and seeds with Dickon, Mary was finally able to see the fruits of her labor. The florescence that engulfed the garden, enchanting her with countless blooms, was worth every bit of the effort.

”Bah, all this talk of aliens and Rosswell! It just sounds like a bunch of tinfoil-wearing gobbledeygook! Leave that stuff in whatever X-Files episode it came from and read up on what’s really happening!”

Words of the Week (September 29th - Oct 5th)

1: Preternatural

This is a fancy adjective—a long word, but easy to understand! “Preternatural” describes anything that exists outside, or in defiance, of natural or regular law. In other words, something extraordinary, or even cosmic. This word has a recognized adverb (preternaturally) and noun (preternaturalness) form. “Preternatural” is a very old word from the late 1500s, derived from the Latin phrase “praeter naturam” or “beyond nature.” For that reason, “Preternatural” feels like a word you would read predominantly in older works—and true, it is more common in the classics! Especially Gothic Literature, to describe beasts like Lovecraft’s infamous eldritch beings. However, it can still fit well into modern works, as a powerful descriptor for a being almost (or totally!) beyond human comprehension!


2: Zenosyne

This is a fascinating word that many official dictionaries still don’t recognize! “Zenosyne” is a noun that describes the concept of time speeding up as one grows older. It carries very sorrowful and somewhat nostalgic undertones, and is overall an incredibly poetic idea. The word was coined in the mid-2000s by American author and neologist John Koenig in his work, The Dictionary Of Obscure Sorrows, which sought to create new words for obscure emotions. The word was formed from “Zeno” in reference to Zeno of Elea (a Greek philosopher), and “Syne” from “Mnemosyne,” the Greek personification of memory. As fascinating as it is, unfortunately, ”Zenosyne” is not a commonly recognized word and would not fit practically in most works. However, it could make for some gorgeous poetry, as Koenig is said to have made these words with poetry in mind!


3: Gossamer

This is a great word for spooky writers and Halloween fanatics! “Gossamer” is a noun that describes the sensation of spiderwebs against your skin. It can also be used as a way of describing something as fine, delicate, and light as spider silk, whether in poetic terms (a fleeting feeling like joy) or literal terms (a light veil), though any way, it typically carries some Gothic or macabre undertones. The word is very old, from the 14th Century, and though generally recognizable today, you most often find it being used in spooky or Halloween contexts.


Silly Pick: Snollygoster

I know it sounds like one of the giants from The BFG, but it is an actual word! Well, technically, it’s more like English slang. However, it is recognized by many dictionaries!

A “snollygoster” is a rude, shrewd, and unprincipled person. So think of it as the Victorian manner of calling someone a “Karen” or “Ken” (is “Ken” still the male equivalent of Karen??)! The word was coined in 1845, and it is predominantly English, but has appeared in American and Canadian dialogue in the same era. This word would probably not be the best one to use in modern contexts, but if you’re writing for any Victorian or Victorian-adjacent setting, you could sneak this in here for a little historically-accurate humor!


Example Sentences:

The hideous creature that crawled from the depths of the ocean was preternatural, beyond any comprehension. Something so alien that it seems to defy every natural law that has reigned on Earth since ancient times, yet the evidence was clear, this creature had been locked in this world’s core for longer than any of us.

In youth, the reigning emotion is hope and anticipation, and no one can wait to grow up. Yet as time ticks on, the erosion grows more obvious, the innocent laughter of a child turns into the tears of a desperate elder, and gloom and zenosyne take over. The feeling that doom is around the corner, and no moment is long enough.

As the Ancient One chanted her cryptic incantation, and mystical blue smoke poured from her engraved skull, I exhaled heavily and closed my eyes. I could feel the gossamer of her spell settling over me, like a kindly spider weaving a delicate veil of silk across my skin.

”I dare say, sir! Bringing such slander and mockery into our manor, before the Earl himself—you are a loathsome snollygoster, if ever there was one!”

Words of the Week (October 13th - Oct 19th)

This week is a…VOCAB-BOMB WEEK!! And this week’s theme is incredibly handy if you’re someone who loves powerful, vivid descriptions. Colors!

Naturally, we all know our colors and shades, but sometimes you need a word for that specific shade, and rather wouldn’t describe it as something like “a pale-grayish, cool-toned gold.” Honestly, a great reference list already exists in the Big Book of YWS Codes, but let’s explore some more specific and rare color descriptors! They may just come in handy…

Reds

Coral (a paler shade that can straddle orange, or even pink)
Cinnabar (a very vibrant, orange-hued shade)
Sanguine (for shades that are more...bl**dy)
Carmine (a very vibrant, almost fluorescent hue)
Burgundy (a very dark shade, usually with pink or purpley tint)
Garnet (a deeeep jewel tone, great to describe something with sheen or sparkle)
Vermillion (very vibrant hue, but more natural than carmine)


Oranges

Titian (a soft and red-tinted hue, best applied to hair)
Russet (a hue that straddles the line of brown and orange)
Copper (a strong metallic hue, best applied to textures with sheen)
Apricot (a very soft, natural orange hue)
Peach (a shade of orange, pale to medium, with a strong pink tint)

Yellows

Flaxen (a light, desaturated, natural shade of yellow)
Brass (a typically-metallic, medium-yellow hue)
Khaki (a natural shade of yellow with a beige or mild greenish tint)
Champagne / Champagne-Gold (a very pale hue of gold, sometimes with a pinkish tint)
Chiffon (a pale rosy yellow, great for describing flowy fabrics or vintage color pallets)
Auric (auric is like a fancier, more luminescent descriptor for "gold")
Ochre (a dark yellow hue, almost golden-brown)

Greens

Olive (a desaturated hue, with yellow or brown tints)
Chartreuse (an extremely vibrant yellow-hued green)
Malachite (a dark, teal-hued jewel tone)
Verdant (a very natural shade of vibrant green, typically used in the context of nature and leaves)
Viridian (a medium-to-dark, blue-tinted hue of green)
Sage (a very soft, natural hue of pale-to-medium green)
Peacock (sometimes applies to a vibrant shade of blue, but also a dark, vibrant shade of green)
Sea / Seafoam (soft, blue-tinted hues of green, the former typically applying to medium hues, while the latter applies best to paler hues)

Blues

Beryl (a green-tinted shade of blue)
Aegean (a soft yet deep hue of blue, very aquatic)
Ultramarine (a very strong, very vibrant blue)
Verdigris (a green-tinted hue associated with oxidized copper, like the Statue of Liberty)
Sapphire (a deep, rich blue jewel tone)
Cerulean (a softer, medium-to-pale blue)
Cobalt (a vibrant medium-to-dark hue, straddling the line of purple)
Powder / Powder-Blue (a very pale, soft blue)
Periwinkle (a softer purpley-blue hue)

Violets

Indigo (a vibrant, typically dark hue that straddles purple and blue)
Ultraviolet (an intense, vibrant shade of purple)
Tyrian (a dark, vibrant shade of purple with pinkish undertones)
Lilac (a soft, pale-to-medium hue with pinkish shades)
Blackberry (a very dark, magenta-like purple)
Plum (a very dark hue of purple, sometimes with a reddish tint)

Pinks

Amaranth / Amaranthine (a vibrant medium-to-dark hue of pink, with strong red undertones)
Mauve (a more gray-to-brown hue of pink)
Puce (a natural medium-pink hue, with desaturated or gray tint)
Fuchsia (a very vibrant medium pink, sometimes leaning into purple territory)
Blush (a pale, very soft hue of pink)
Mulberry (a dark hue of pink, straddling purple or red)

Browns

Tawny (a very orangey or yellowy shade of brown)
Bronze (a strong medium-brown metallic hue)
Ecru (a pale, yellowy shade of brown)
Fawn (a very soft, light brown)
Mocha (a soft, more neutral or medium-hued brown)
Sepia (a darker brown, often associated with vintage pictures and that color of old-west leather)
Sienna (a medium-to-dark shade of brown, with a red or purpley tint)
Mahogany (a very rich wood tone, dark and vibrant)
Umber (a medium-to-dark, grayish hue of brown)

Whites

Alabaster (a soft, neutral white with a slight beige tint)
Porcelain (a stark, sometimes blue-tinted shade of white)
Ivory (a more yellowy off-white shade)
Achromic (a good neutral term that simply means "without color," good for imagining a hue that has zero color tint)
Eggshell (another softer and slightly yellow shade, typically imagined with a slightly speckled texture)

Grays

Heather (a neutral shade of gray that typically comes with a flecked or dappled appearance)
Sable (a shade of gray sometimes mixed with brown or black, used to describe the color of pelts, like wolf or weasel)
Dove-Gray (a pale, soft gray hue)
Ash / Ashen (a light-to-medium shade. "Ashen" is also good for describing things like "ashen-black" or "ashen-white," to give the impression of a gray tint)
Taupe (a hue that straddles the line of gray and brown—this color text is not a good example)
Iron (a dark, sometimes near-black hue of gray)
Pewter (a darker, more neutral shade of gray)
Slate (a light-to-dark shade of grey with a strong blue-tint)
Pepper / Peppered (a dark shade of gray that gives the impression of, well, pepper—it often has flecks or variations of lighter and darker hues)

Blacks

Gunmetal (a metallic shade, with a grayish-brown tint)
Smoky (a more neutral grayish-brown shade)
Jet (a pitch black color, no tint)
Obsidian (a dark shade of black, sometimes imagined with a blue or purple tint, best when applied to textures with sheen)
Raven (a soft shade of black, often imagined with a faint bluish, purplish, or greenish tint or sheen)
Midnight (a dark black shade with strong blue tints)
Espresso (a very, very dark shade of brown that straddles black)

Multi!

Iridescent (a color or texture that refracts different colors, and the most prominent color depends heavily on lighting)
Opaline / Opalescent (same idea, but applies better to stone or stoney textures, and the colors are often jewel tones)
Prismatic (invokes a more diverse and stronger color gradient, but with more glassy textures)
Pearlescent (same idea as iridescent, but more matte in texture, and on its own invokes pearly colors like purple, yellow, or blue)

Do feel free to share some of your favorite, specific shades of colors, or your favorite descriptors for them!

I love malachite and Aegean!!! Such pretty shades, definitely my fav

Words of the Week (October 20th - Oct 26th)

1: Gloam

This is an old-fashioned noun with a simple meaning—a synonym for twilight. It has one known alternative form, which is gloaming, and though it is technically a noun as well, it’s used more as a verb, referring to the ongoing act of a setting sun. “Gloam” is a very Archaic word, and is rarely—if ever—used in lieu of more common phrases. However, if you’re someone who likes to revive Archaic words, or you’re aiming to write something with a medieval manner of speech, this would be a peak word choice! Would also be great for some spell or weapon names, or maybe that’s just me…

2: Monachopsis

This is another unofficial word from The Dictionary Of Obscure Sorrows, because I love this concept! “Monachopsis” is a noun that describes the persistent, lurking feeling of being out of place and maladapted to your environment. The word was formed from the Ancient Greek words for “single / solitary” and “vision.” There are no alternative forms, and this is not a word that is widely recognized or documented in go-to dictionaries, but it definitely gives poetic justice to a very real feeling, which is what I love about these words!

3: Eldritch

This is an adjective that describes anything that is strange, mysterious, and/or unnatural, especially in a manner that inspires fear. There are no alternative forms of this word. This word is very old, dating back to the 16th century, and is believed to come from the Middle English term “elfriche,” which roughly translates to “elf kingdom” or even “fairyland.” In case you couldn’t guess from that hint, “eldritch” originally applies most to whimsical creatures from folklore, including the elves and fae. Over time though, especially during the Gothic Renaissance, the word became more associated with cryptids, monsters, and other more fearsome supernatural entities.


Silly Pick: Zounds!

You may have picked this one up in a funny old-fashioned skit! You can imagine “zounds” as the Medieval equivalent of exclaiming “jeez!” or even “what the —?!” In other words, a general explanation of surprise, just from the perspective of a knight or page. It’s believed to be a botched euphemism for “God’s wounds!” in reference to the wounds of Christ. The word lingered in use until about the 17th century, where it tapered off.


Example Sentences:

The scene was indeed beauteous at this hour, with the shaded yet vibrant hues of a gloam sky instilling a tranquil disposition.

Despite spending years of her life here, the “new” girl still felt like she was exactly that—a stranger, an outsider, forever plagued by a sense of monachopsis and unable to mesh into her so-called home.

The Dark Souls series is known for its grim atmospheres, dark storytelling, and eldritch creatures that defy all common monster tropes.

”Zounds! That wretched squire lad gave me a fright, skulking about in such a manner!”

Words of the Week (Nov 10th - Nov 16th)

1: Bereave

This is an old-fashioned verb that means to take away or deprive. It has a recognizable past-tense form (bereft). It also has a noun form, bereaved, which can describe someone who has suffered a loss, especially of a loved one. “Bereave” is a very old word that stems from some of the earliest forms of English, and has appeared in works as old as Shakespeare, or even the first few translations of the Bible! It’s a less common choice of wording nowadays, but it’s not forgotten either! It could fit comfortably if you’re writing something dramatic or old-fashioned!

2: Epitaph

This is a noun that refers to the writing on or near a tombstone, memorial, or other site of remembrance, commemorating the deceased person. There are some recognized adjective forms in the form of epitaphic or epitaphial, that can describe the nature of an epitaph, or something acting as one. It is a very old word that stems from similar Anglo-French and Latin roots, and though not incredibly common, it’s still used today! Especially in professional spaces.

3: Abyssal

This is an interesting adjective that describes something from, of, or relating to the darkest, deepest trenches of the world, especially when it comes to ocean trenches. Like its close cousins “abyss” or “abysmal,” the word is derived from the Greek word “abyssos,” which means “bottomless”! Like Number 2, it’s not an incredibly common word today, but it is still well in use! It’s especially common to see in fantasy works, or in medieval or Gothic settings, to describe places or beings that seem darker and / or deeper than should even be fathomable!


Silly Pick: Scobberlotcher

I’ll bet most of you out there haven’t heard this one in any context! This is an old-fashioned insult that is used to describe a lazy person, or someone who avoids hard work! Nobody really knows where it came from, but it is likely derived from the Middle English term “scopperloit,” which means a vacation or hiatus from work. Because it’s such a rare word, it’s hard to figure out exactly what time period it would be used in, but likely sometime in the past, Edwardian era at the latest!


Example Sentences:

Moving to an entire new country bereaved Angie of all her past comforts and familiarity.

The tombstone for the lovely young man was cold and rough, the epitaph telling his short-lived story acting as a harsh reminder of his premature absence.

The creature was darker than the blackest of blacks, its body composed in ways impossible to any known anatomy. An abyssal alien or eldritch demon, which crawled from the deepest pits of Hell.

”My my, look at this scobberlotcher! Fiddling about with sticks and paper, thinking he’s some sort of advisor, while the rest of us are forced to roll the boulders!”

Words of the Week (Dec 1st - Dec 7th)

1: Nepenthe

This is a pretty interesting one, used typically in more poetic or dramatic contexts! “Nepenthe” is a noun that refers to something capable of removing or inducing forgetfulness, of grief, sorrow, or suffering. It has an alternative form as an adjective, which would be Nepenthean, to describe something with that same effect! “Nepenthe” comes from the Odyssey, where its original form was a potion with the effect described above, and the word itself comes from Ancient Greek etymology for “removing grief.” It’s definitely a rare word that you don’t see much anymore, but you still can find it used here and there, especially in Gothic classics!

2: Edifice

“Edifice” is a noun that has a simple meaning—a large building or structure, especially one that is complex or abstract in nature. The word has no direct alternate forms, and is derived from similar Anglo-French terms, around the 15th century, making it a very old word. Despite its age, it’s still commonly used today! Albeit a more “mature” or advanced sort of term, it would fit great in any young adult or adult book!

3: Fervor
“Fervor” is a noun that is applied to a swell or overcoming of intense emotion, positive or negative. It can also be applied to a sudden swell of heat. There is an alternate British-English spelling, fervour, as well as fervorous (adjective for experiencing fervor), fervid (adjective for someone prone to fervor), fervidly (adverb for something done in a fervid manner), and fervidness (noun to describe one’s habit of becoming fervorous). The word comes from a blend of very early Latin and French words, with roots that mean “heated” or “fever.” While not something you read every day, it’s still a pretty common word, and could fit comfortably in any work where you need to describe an emotional moment or character!


Silly Pick: Rigmarole
You’ve probably heard this one thrown around! Likely by an older relative, or here and there in an older show, right? It is a funny word, and it has its place in the dictionary nowadays, so what does it mean?

”Rigmarole”, or sometimes Rigamarole in more slang-like use, describes a typically-unnecessarily long, tedious, and complicated process. Originally, “rigmarole” cropped up in the 18th century to describe confused, meaningless, or foolish statements, slowly coming to take on the prior meaning over time. Obviously, it’s not something you would hear a lot of today, but some people do still use it regularly! It would also fit nicely in any late 1700s to early 1900s time period, with its main use and meaning.


Example Sentences:

Lillian poured herself another glass of wine, hoping this bittersweet nepenthe would allow her to forget the long day that still weighed so heavily on her mind.

The Space Needle in Seattle is truly a marvel to behold in person, an underappreciated edifice in famous American landmarks.

The strategic swell of music in videogame soundtracks, tied to so many specific moments and audio cues from major bosses, is a subtle way to induce a heated fervor in the player—to incite panic, and disrupt strategies.

“For crying out loud, I’ve been waiting at the DMV for hours, trying to go through all fifty steps of their ridiculous rigmarole to get a single piece of paper!”


**shoutout to @MothNBone, her charrie was direct inspo for the first example sentence XD

Words of the Week (Dec 22st - Dec 28th)

It’s a…VOCAB-BOMB DAY!! The theme for this week is…clothing and accessories!

Let’s say you have an intricate character design, but lack a good word to describe some of that design. Or maybe you have some characters to design, and you’d like ideas to construct a good, unique look. Or you’re just fond of fashion and design, and would like to pick up some more terms! Well, if you’re someone who often finds yourself in these situations, you might want to bookmark this post! Keeping a few of these terms on hand will help you lots!

Roquelaure (a knee-length cloak from the 18th and 19th centuries, often made with luxurious fabrics and adorned with embroidery, fur, and other indicators of nobility. If you’d like a reference, Ezio Auditore’s iconic cloak is VERY similar, which you can see here)

Shrug / Bolero (a very short jacket—a shrug fits more casually, like a cardigan, while a bolero is more tailored. For a reference, Weiss Schnee wears one in all three of her main designs, which you can see here)

Dirndl (a Germanic folk dress featuring a close-fitting bodice, a low neckline, and a high-waisted apron and skirt. For a reference, Square Enix has dirndl skins for some Final Fantasy characters, which you can see here: here)

Kaftan / Caftan (a cotton or silk ankle-length robe with long sleeves, traditionally worn throughout the Middle East and North Africa. For a reference, Elizabeth Taylor really popularized this look in America, the ‘60s and ‘70s, which you can see in a dedicated Pinterest page, here)

Chain Belt (a typically dainty accessory, akin to necklaces or bracelets, worn around the waist. For a reference, Raven from the DC universe often rocks one of these, which you can see here)

Cincher (a corset-style garment that cinches the waist, but unlike a corset, only covers the stomach and does not cover the bust. For a reference, this is a popular style choice in Genshin Impact, seen on characters like Amber, Clorinde, Emilie, Jean, and more—all of which you can find here!)

Pea Coat (a stylish overcoat characterized by its two rows of buttons and big lapels, worn closed or open. One character wearing a pea coat (or a very similar coat) is Benedict Cumberbatch’s Sherlock, which you can see here)

Cravat (an old-fashioned necktie, especially popular in English clothing, characterized as a hanging cloth, tucked into a waistcoat. here’s a reference photo!)

Jabot (similar to a cravat, but not tucked, and characterized by its often-layered ruffles or lacey appearance, and almost always having a brooch or pin at the collar. It’s popular in Victorian and Steampunk designs, and a reference photo is here)

Pinafore (a sleeveless dress that is typically worn as an apron, over another dress or undershirt. A great reference would be Dorothy Gale, with her blue checker pinafore, which you can see here)

Cummerbund (a band, typically satin or another shiny material, worn around the waist, usually in a tux. here is a reference photo!)

Caligae (the traditional sandals or boots worn predominantly across the ancient Mediterranean region, featuring multiple strings of leather and nail-like metal bumps on the soles for traction. For a reference, here is a pic!)

Tassets (the pretty-much-universal term for a piece of armor, leather or metal, that hangs at the waist, providing cover for the hip and sometimes thigh region. For a reference, Fire Emblem often uses tassets in their armor designs, with really cool ones for Rosado and Veronica!)

Obi (belt) (a traditional Japanese sash worn around the waist, like a belt. Obis can vary in size and fashion, some being a simple one-color sash you might see tying off a gi, while others can carry elaborate patterns, ornaments, and be as long as 4 meters. Yuna from FFX wears a cute one, which you can see here)

Bandolier (a leather belt typically worn across the chest, that can holster a rifle to the back, and usually carrying ammo across the front. Popularized by cowboys and Western movies!)

Baldric (very similar to a bandolier—a belt across the chest—only more medieval, often holstering a sword or similar melee weapon. It's also used a an accessory / fashion piece for a lot of characters now! I actually use baldrics for both of those reasons a lot, so Scorch, Leiytning, and Timbur—here—would make a good reference!)

Tabard (a medieval short coat, with no sleeves, open sides, and often a cord or belt at the waist. One infamous, impossible boss that wears a tabard is Rick, Soldier of God, which you can see here)

Wimple (a light cloth worn over the head, most commonly used by married women, from BC times up to about the Georgian era. here is a reference pic!)

Armlet / Wristlet / Leglet / Anklet (all banded accessories, which can be dainty and metallic or brutish and leather, that are worn at the upper-arm, wrist, thigh, and ankle respectively. They typically go with old-fashioned designs.)

Petticoat (a girl or woman’s skirt, typically worn under an overlaying dress, skirt, or coat to add layers, especially with its lace or ruffled trim, and make the look more dramatic. Here is a cute reference picture!)

Regalia (this is actually a word referring to indicators of royalty, traditionally a crown and scepter. This word could be extended to cover whatever fantasy equivalents you have too!)

Catsuit / Bodysuit (a skin-tight suit, typically made from a material like latex or leather, that covers the whole body, from neck to feet, often including attached shoes or gloves. The most iconic lady to rock a catsuit would be Catwoman form the DC universe, but to switch it up, I’ll also direct you to Blake Belladonna, who wears a sleeveless catsuit with some zipper and kneepad embellishments, here!)

Tactical (this is actually an adjective, but a VERY useful one to keep in mind for describing styles! The “tactical” style typically goes hand-in-hand with hunter or military-esque looks, with designs featuring lots of belts, pockets, camouflage colors, packs loaded with gear, and /or polymer accents.)

Lolita (this descriptor is a little closer to slang, but “lolita” is a good way to describe designs that are very frilly and doll-like, with stockings, bows, and LOTS of ruffles. It comes from the Japanese fashion culture, inspired by Victorian fashion.)

Cybernetic (another descriptor, this is great if you’re into sci-fi! “Cybernetic” is a great way to describe cyberpunk designs. It draws to mind futuristic shapes, shiny materials, steely accessories, maybe some glowing hardlight accents. And of course, some techy upgrades!)

Do you know any other obscure garments that could be handy for character designing, or some very handy style descriptors? Please share in a reply!