Juggins and fizgig! Words we have lost

A LIST of more than 600 “endangered” words has been compiled in a bid to save them before they become extinct from the English language.

Many have their origins in the era of Charles Dickens, while other unflattering Victorian terms would be frowned upon in today’s society.

The words feature in Edward Allhusen’s book Betrumped which celebrates the English language.

The former publisher, 70, from Devon, reveals how a hangover was once known as a bout of “crapulence”.

To “defenestrate” was the act of throwing someone out of the window. A “caterwaul” was a burst of inconsiderate high-pitched screaming, to “condiddle” was to steal and an “amanuensis” was a literary assistant who took dictation.

Other words identified by Mr Allhusen which are more common but on their way out include a “juggins” to describe a gullible person.

A grovelling servant was a “lickspittle”, a bossy woman was a “harridan” and one prone to flirtation was a “fizgig”.

Mr Allhusen said: “Due to lack of care by us, the users, many of these words have slipped away into obscurity.”