In 1886, a lexicographer named Walter Skeat first used the phrase “ghost words” to describe words that he said had “no real existence.” In other words, ghost words are words that weren’t real to begin with—they made it into the dictionary because of an error or misunderstanding.
Category Archives: Words & Wordplay
The 10 Coolest Words We Can’t Believe No One Has Adopted
Since launching our adopt-a-word program back in 2014, hundreds of words have been taken into loving homes. But there are some words we can’t believe are still up for the taking. Here are our 10 most interesting words that are still available for adoption.