Xenolexica is defined as “a grave confusion when faced with unusual words.” Are you gravely confused? It’s okay — the word was even rejected from the dictionary.
Millions of rejected words lie in a secret U.K. vault owned by the Oxford University Press, xenolexica included, according to the Telegraph. Deemed to be “unsuitable” for the Oxford English Dictionary, these words are written on 6×4 in. cards and stored, alphabetically, in filing cabinets. Some words date back to the early 1900s. These “non-words” are not rejected outright, because they could technically be used in future editions of the dictionary. (See if you can spot any new buzzwords on our 25 best blogs.)
A British graphic designer went through a series of bureaucratic hoops to learn more about the vault for a university project. He chose 39 words, then etched them onto metal frames to make paper prints. (Check out another vault — this one for seeds.)
Check out a few choice rejections, and see a longer list at the Telegraph. (And then see the best words politicians make up.)
- Accordionated: Being able to drive and refold a road map at the same time
- Dringle: The watermark left on wood caused by a glass of liquid
- Furgle: To feel in a pocket or bag for a small object such as a coin or key
- Oninate: To overwhelm with post-dining breath
- Wibble: The trembling of the lower lip just shy of actually crying