Month: December 2023

The longest word in the Oxford English Dictionary is “pneumonoultramicroscopicsilicovolcanoconiosis”, a technical term for a lung disease caused by inhaling very fine silicate or quartz dust. 

A ‘Spoonerism’ occurs when sounds or letters in words are inadvertently switched. This term derives from Reverend William Archibald Spooner, a scholar who was known for making this kind of verbal slip. An example of this phenomenon is saying “Is the bean dizzy?” instead of “Is the dean busy?”.

There is a stunning Arabic word called “ya’aburnee”. It translates to “You bury me”, and expresses the hope that a loved one will outlive you, because of how unbearable it would be to live without them.

“Tarab” is a term used in Arabic culture to describe the profound emotional effect one can have while fully immersed in music. The verb itself translates to ‘a heightened sense of emotion or excitement’. The origins of Tarab trace back to Sufi traditions, Quran recitation, and religious practices. Tarab music is particularly popular in countries such as Egypt, Lebanon and Syria.

The term is not merely a descriptor, it is ingrained in cultural traditions, and reflects a belief that music can connect individuals on a deeper spiritual level.

“Tartle” is a Scottish word that encapsulates the awkward moment when you forget somebody’s name.You might say “look, I’m sorry, I’ve tartled there for a moment” after you have been rummaging around your brain for their name.