Test Your Knowledge On Vintage Words That Were Once Part of People's Everyday Vocabulary
Quiz completed!
Here are your results...
🥁You're a star!
Well done!
Good effort!
Not too bad!
Better luck next time!
You scored
out of
Question 1
In Olden Days, What Did the Word “knave” Refer to?
Question 1
What Did the Word “rapscallion” Mean in Historical Usage?
Question 1
What Did It Mean if Someone Was Called a “coxcomb”?
Question 1
The Word “balderdash” Was Once Used to Describe:
Question 1
What Did “bumbershoot” Mean?
Question 1
In Archaic Slang, What Was a “gigglemug”?
Question 1
What Was a “pettifogger”?
Question 1
What Does the Vintage Phrase “make Haste” Mean?
Question 1
What Is a “crinoline”?
Question 1
What Did “spatterdash” Refer to in Old Clothing?
Question 1
What Did the Old Term “fop” Refer to?
Question 1
In Vintage Slang, to “lollygag” Meant What?
Question 1
What Does “quaff” Mean in Old Literature?
Question 1
What Was “ballyhoo” Used to Describe?
Question 1
“Tomfoolery” Referred to What Kind of Behavior?
Question 1
In an Old Tavern, Who Was the “barkeeper”?
Question 1
The Term “hubbub” Once Meant:
Question 1
What Did “mountebank” Describe in Centuries Past?
Question 1
What Did “jibber-Jabber” Mean in Old Slang?
Question 1
What Was a “ragamuffin” Originally?
Question 1
In Classic Literature, What Did a “varlet” Refer to?
Question 1
What Was the Job of a “chandler”?
Question 1
The Term “slubberdegullion” Insulted Someone’s:
Question 1
A “popinjay” Was an Old Word for:
Question 1
What Did “codswallop” Mean in British Slang?
Question 1
What Was a “bowyer” by Trade?
Question 1
“Thou Art Addlepated” Meant Someone Was:
Question 1
What Does “beldam” Refer to in Archaic Usage?
Question 1
What Did the Term “doxy” Mean in Older English?
Question 1
A “quarrelsome Fishwife” Referred to:
Question 1
The Word “bedlam” Originated as a Reference to:
Question 1
What Would Someone Mean by Calling Another a “scalawag”?
Question 1
What Did the Term “crumpet” Sometimes Refer to in British Slang?
Question 1
A “charwoman” Was Known for:
Question 1
“Zounds! ” Was an Exclamation of:
Question 1
What Was a “dandiprat”?
Question 1
What Was “bilge” Used to Describe in Sailor Slang?
Question 1
The Word “gadzooks” Served as:
Question 1
What Did It Mean to Be “addlebrained”?
Question 1
A “scullion” Worked Where?
Question 1
To “foist” Something Meant to:
Question 1
What Did “tatterdemalion” Describe?
Question 1
What Does “curmudgeon” Mean?
Question 1
What Was a “harridan”?
Question 1
The Phrase “with Haste” Suggested:
Question 1
What Did “perchance” Mean in Older Texts?
Question 1
A “lampoon” Was What Kind of Writing?
Question 1
“Bespoke” Referred to Something That Was:
Question 1
A “slugabed” Was Someone Who:
Question 1
What Did the Term “fain” Mean in Middle English?
Question 1
“Bunburying” in Edwardian Slang Referred to:
Question 1
A “ne’er-Do-Well” Was Known for:
Question 1
What Would Someone Be Doing if They Were “taking the Waters”?
Question 1
A “milk Sop” Was:
Question 1
“Jape” Was a Term for:
Question 1
What Does “haply” Mean in Archaic English?
Question 1
A “greenhorn” Referred to:
Question 1
“Lickspittle” Was an Insult Meaning:
Question 1
What Did “yonder” Mean in Olden Usage?
Question 1
“Thrice-Cursed” Meant Someone Was:
Question 1
In Vintage Parlance, What Did “begone” Command Someone to Do?
Question 1
What Was a “wain”?
Question 1
What Did “visage” Refer to in Older Texts?
Question 1
A “blackguard” Was Considered:
Question 1
What Was a “doxy” in Elizabethan English?
Question 1
What Does “yonder Hill” Imply About the Hill’s Location?
Question 1
If Someone Was “besmirched,” What Had Happened to Them?
Question 1
What’s an Old-Time “sawbones”?
Question 1
“Nary a Soul” Would Best Be Interpreted as:
Question 1
A “catamite” in Ancient Usage Was:
Question 1
What Did “sennight” Refer to in Older Calendars?
Question 1
To “gallivant” Around Town Meant:
Question 1
“Forsooth! ” Is an Archaic Way of Saying:
Question 1
“Malarkey” Was Used to Describe:
Question 1
A “wastrel” Is Best Defined as:
Question 1
“Hark! ” Was Used to Mean:
Question 1
The Word “knavery” Describes:
Question 1
What Does “thither” Mean in Archaic Speech?
Question 1
A “prig” in Older British Slang Was:
Question 1
“Trumpery” Referred to Things That Were:
Question 1
“Gramercy! ” Was Exclaimed to Show:
Question 1
What Was a “coxswain” Aboard a Ship?
Question 1
The Phrase “by My Troth” Was a Way of:
Question 1
“Rakehell” Described a Man Who Was:
Question 1
“Ninny” Was a Light Insult Meaning:
Question 1
What Did the Word “betimes” Mean?
Question 1
A “skedaddle” Meant to:
Question 1
What’s the Meaning of “clodpole”?
Question 1
“Fopdoodle” Was an Insult Meaning:
Question 1
“Wherefore Art Thou” Actually Means:
1
A farmer
2
A musician
3
A servant or dishonest man
4
A type of coin
“Knave” originally referred to a male servant or a dishonest man, later evolving to mean a deceitful scoundrel.
1
A mischievous person
2
A traveling merchant
3
A type of soup
4
A hat feather
“Rapscallion” was a playful old-fashioned term used to describe a mischievous or dishonest person, often humorously so.
1
A merchant sailor
2
A coward
3
A scholar
4
A fool or vain man
A “coxcomb” was a derogatory term for a vain, conceited man who was overly concerned with his appearance.
1
A formal agreement
2
A type of hat
3
Nonsense
4
A dance move
“Balderdash” was originally used to describe a jumbled mix of liquids before evolving to mean nonsensical talk.
1
A spy
2
An umbrella
3
A type of dessert
4
A dance
“Bumbershoot” was a whimsical, old-fashioned slang term for an umbrella, popular in early 20th-century America.
1
A broken mirror
2
A jester’s cup
3
Someone who smiled constantly
4
A type of bonnet
A “gigglemug” was a cheerful person who was always smiling or grinning, often to a comical degree.
1
An actor
2
A dishonest lawyer
3
A spice merchant
4
A horse thief
A “pettifogger” was a shifty or unethical lawyer, especially one who quibbled over trivial or petty matters.
1
Hurry up
2
Run away
3
Eat quickly
4
Take a shortcut
The vintage phrase “make haste” simply meant to hurry or move quickly, often used in urgent situations.
1
A type of carriage
2
A street performer
3
An undergarment for shaping skirts
4
A farming tool
A “crinoline” was a stiff, structured petticoat worn under skirts to make them appear fuller and more voluminous.
1
A collar
2
A belt
3
A glove
4
A shoe covering
“Spatterdash” referred to a protective leg covering worn over shoes and lower trousers to keep mud and dirt off.
1
A shoe brand
2
An animal trap
3
A historical game
4
A man overly concerned with appearance
A “fop” was a man overly concerned with his appearance and fashion, often seen as vain or pretentious.
1
To dawdle or waste time
2
To gossip
3
To knit
4
To cry
To “lollygag” meant to dawdle or waste time, often by goofing off or being unnecessarily slow.
1
To drink heartily
2
To skip
3
To whisper
4
To cough
In old literature, “quaff” means to drink something—especially alcohol—heartily or with great enjoyment.
1
Sensational advertising or fuss
2
A royal decree
3
A shoemaker’s tool
4
A boat race
“Ballyhoo” was used to describe sensational or exaggerated publicity or fuss, often to attract attention.
1
A type of fruit
2
A punishment
3
Silly or foolish behavior
4
A carnival
“Tomfoolery” referred to silly, foolish, or clownish behavior, usually done in a playful or lighthearted way.
1
A woodcutter
2
A librarian
3
A tavern owner
4
A judge
The “barkeeper” was the person responsible for serving drinks and managing the bar in a tavern.
1
A dessert
2
A scarf
3
A loud noise or uproar
4
A musical instrument
The term “hubbub” once meant a loud, chaotic noise or uproar, often caused by a crowd or commotion.
1
A monk
2
A soldier
3
A merchant ship
4
A charlatan or flamboyant fraud
A “mountebank” was a flamboyant trickster or quack who deceived people, often while selling fake medicines in public.
1
Shouting orders
2
Repairing clothes
3
Dancing
4
Rapid, meaningless talk
In old slang, “jibber-jabber” meant fast, foolish, or meaningless talk—essentially chattering without saying anything important.
1
A stray dog
2
A poorly dressed child
3
A kitchen maid
4
A beggar’s tool
A “ragamuffin” originally referred to a poorly dressed, often mischievous child who looked scruffy or tattered.
1
A singing minstrel
2
A servant or rogue
3
A type of coin
4
A heroic knight
In classic literature, a “varlet” referred to a dishonest or unprincipled man, originally meaning a servant or attendant.
1
A seamstress
2
A cobbler
3
A ship captain
4
A candlemaker
A “chandler” was originally a maker or seller of candles, later expanding to supply ships with provisions and goods.
1
Intelligence
2
Voice
3
Wealth
4
Cleanliness
The term “slubberdegullion” insulted someone’s personal hygiene or appearance, referring to a filthy, slovenly, or worthless person.
1
A circus performer
2
A vain or conceited person
3
A hand puppet
4
A parrot
A “popinjay” was an old word for a vain, boastful person—often one who dressed flamboyantly and talked too much.
1
Apology
2
Gossip
3
Nonsense
4
An alcoholic drink
In British slang, “codswallop” meant nonsense or rubbish—something untrue, ridiculous, or not to be taken seriously.
1
A weaver
2
A butcher
3
A maker of shoes
4
A builder of bows
A “bowyer” was a craftsman who specialized in making bows for archery, both for hunting and warfare.
1
Jealous
2
Deep in thought
3
Scatterbrained
4
Melancholy
“Thou art addlepated” meant someone was confused, scatterbrained, or foolish—essentially not thinking clearly or sensibly.
1
A ghost
2
An old woman, often unattractive
3
A female priest
4
A street dancer
In archaic usage, “beldam” referred to an old woman, often used pejoratively to imply she was unpleasant or witch-like.
1
A drink
2
A lover or mistress
3
A herbalist
4
A flower seller
In older English, the term “doxy” referred to a woman of questionable morals, often implying she was a mistress or prostitute.
1
A gossipy neighbor
2
A loud, argumentative woman
3
A sea witch
4
A woman who sells fish
A “quarrelsome fishwife” referred to a loud, argumentative woman, often associated with coarse language and public scolding.
1
A noisy kitchen
2
A haunted house
3
A madhouse or chaotic place
4
A type of bread
The word “bedlam” originated as a reference to the infamous Bethlehem Hospital in London, known for its chaotic asylum conditions.
1
A fisherman
2
A poet
3
A thief
4
A troublemaker or rascal
Calling someone a “scalawag” meant they were a troublemaker or rogue, often mischievous but not necessarily harmful.
1
An elegant dessert
2
A kind gesture
3
A flirtatious, attractive woman
4
A cat
In British slang, the term “crumpet” sometimes referred to an attractive woman, often used in a cheeky or objectifying way.
1
Sewing clothing
2
Tending gardens
3
Delivering babies
4
Cleaning houses
A “charwoman” was known for doing domestic cleaning work, often employed by the day to tidy homes or offices.
1
Agreement
2
Confusion
3
Surprise or anger
4
Gratitude
“Zounds!” was an old exclamation of surprise or anger, originally a shortened form of “God’s wounds” from medieval times.
1
A songbird
2
An insignificant or foolish person
3
A tiny coin
4
A street juggler
A “dandiprat” was a term for a small or insignificant person, often a young child or a foolish youngster.
1
Good fortune
2
Rations
3
Nonsense or rubbish
4
Wind patterns
In sailor slang, “bilge” referred to the dirty water that collected in a ship’s lowest part—or nonsense talk.
1
A mild oath or expression of surprise
2
A sailor’s chant
3
A formal greeting
4
A game
The word “gadzooks” served as an old-fashioned exclamation of surprise or shock, derived from “God’s hooks,” a mild oath.
1
Rich and boastful
2
Spiritually wise
3
Very sleepy
4
Confused or stupid
To be “addlebrained” meant to be scatterbrained or confused, often acting foolishly or without clear thought.
1
In a kitchen
2
On a battlefield
3
At a market stall
4
In a hospital
A “scullion” worked in a kitchen, typically performing the most menial and dirty tasks like washing dishes or scrubbing floors.
1
Fix it hastily
2
Throw it away
3
Force it onto someone
4
Sing loudly
To “foist” something meant to force or impose it on someone, often through deceit or trickery.
1
A rare gemstone
2
A knight’s squire
3
A person in ragged clothing
4
A pirate ship
“Tatterdemalion” described a person dressed in ragged, tattered clothing—often appearing poor, scruffy, or disheveled.
1
A noble warrior
2
A grumpy or ill-tempered person
3
A wandering monk
4
A thief
A “curmudgeon” is a bad-tempered, cranky old person—usually someone who’s grumpy, stubborn, and hard to please.
1
A nanny
2
A loud, bossy older woman
3
A storyteller
4
A midwife
A “harridan” was a scolding, vicious old woman—often portrayed as bad-tempered, bossy, and unpleasant in demeanor.
1
Kindness
2
Pain
3
Silence
4
Urgency or speed
The phrase “with haste” suggested doing something quickly or urgently, often without delay or careful consideration.
1
Always
2
Perhaps
3
Absolutely
4
Never
In older texts, “perchance” meant “perhaps” or “possibly,” often used to express uncertainty or a slight possibility.
1
A satirical or mocking piece
2
A flattering biography
3
A legal document
4
A religious sermon
A “lampoon” was a sharp, often humorous piece of writing that mocked or ridiculed someone or something publicly.
1
Inherited
2
Expired
3
Broken
4
Custom-made
“Bespoke” referred to something that was custom-made or tailored specifically to an individual’s order or specifications.
1
Fled from danger
2
Worked with metal
3
Slept in lazily
4
Snuck into taverns
A “slugabed” was someone who stayed in bed lazily long after it was time to get up.
1
Willingly or gladly
2
Joyfully
3
Reluctantly
4
Unexpectedly
In Middle English, the term “fain” meant gladly or willingly, often expressing someone’s eager desire or readiness to do something.
1
Feeding stray dogs
2
Practicing etiquette
3
Attending a ball
4
Lying to get out of social duties
“Bunburying” in Edwardian slang referred to inventing a fictitious person or excuse to escape social obligations.
1
Inventiveness
2
Laziness and worthlessness
3
Generosity
4
Mischief
A “ne’er-do-well” was known for being irresponsible, lazy, or unsuccessful—someone who never seemed to do anything worthwhile.
1
Bathing in a sacred river
2
Drinking or bathing in mineral springs for health
3
Boiling herbs for tea
4
Preparing to sail
If someone was “taking the waters,” they were visiting a spa or hot spring to drink or bathe for health benefits.
1
A weak or timid man
2
A soggy biscuit
3
A servant’s soup
4
A cowardly knight
A “milksop” was a weak or timid person, often a man seen as lacking courage, strength, or assertiveness.
1
A short sword
2
A prank or joke
3
A road marker
4
A walking stick
“Jape” was a term for a joke or trick, often involving playful mischief or mockery.
1
In fear
2
Secretly
3
Without cause
4
By chance
In archaic English, “haply” meant “perhaps” or “by chance,” expressing something that might happen accidentally or unexpectedly.
1
A horse thief
2
A hunter
3
A skilled archer
4
A naive or inexperienced person
A “greenhorn” referred to an inexperienced or naive person, often someone new to a job, place, or situation.
1
Brown-noser or sycophant
2
Old drunk
3
Coward
4
Glutton
“Lickspittle” was an insult meaning a fawning flatterer or sycophant—someone who excessively sucks up to authority figures.
1
Within the walls
2
At a distance
3
Nearby
4
Beneath the earth
In olden usage, “yonder” meant “over there,” referring to something at a distance but still within sight.
1
Divinely blessed
2
Unstoppable
3
Born of royalty
4
Extremely unlucky or hated
“Thrice-cursed” meant someone was profoundly or extremely cursed, often implying intense misfortune or deep disdain.
1
Sit quietly
2
Apologize
3
Bring food
4
Leave immediately
In vintage parlance, “begone” was a stern command telling someone to leave immediately or go away at once.
1
A wooden cart or wagon
2
A bell ringer
3
A storm cloud
4
A writing tablet
A “wain” was an old term for a large wagon or cart, typically used for carrying heavy loads or harvests.
1
A person’s face or appearance
2
A law
3
A spiritual guide
4
A haunted place
In older texts, “visage” referred to a person’s face or facial expression, often used in poetic or dramatic contexts.
1
A stage actor
2
A royal knight
3
A scoundrel or lowlife
4
A mute
A “blackguard” was considered a dishonorable or contemptible person, often someone rude, untrustworthy, or of low character.
1
A dancer
2
A healer
3
A priestess
4
A mistress or lover
In Elizabethan English, a “doxy” was a woman of questionable morals, often referring to a mistress.
1
It is nearby
2
It is behind you
3
It is visible but far off
4
It is to the east
“Yonder hill” implies that the hill is at some distance but still visible or within pointing range.
1
They were gifted
2
They were married
3
They were made dirty or shamed
4
They were honored
If someone was “besmirched,” their reputation or character had been stained or tarnished by criticism, scandal, or accusation.
1
A surgeon
2
A butcher
3
A thief
4
A stableboy
An old-time “sawbones” was a slang term for a surgeon or doctor, especially one who performed rough battlefield surgeries.
1
Nobody at all
2
Nearly everyone
3
A secret visitor
4
A good man
“Nary a soul” would best be interpreted as “not a single person,” emphasizing complete absence or emptiness.
1
A young male companion
2
A type of torch
3
A battle cry
4
A ship’s lookout
A “catamite” in ancient usage referred to a boy or young man in a sexual relationship with an older man, often in Roman or Greek contexts.
1
A seven-day period or a week
2
A harvest
3
A moon cycle
4
A two-week span
“Sennight” referred to a period of seven nights or one week in older English calendars and speech.
1
To rob shops
2
To gossip
3
To flirt or roam aimlessly
4
To paint buildings
To “gallivant” around town meant to roam or wander about for pleasure, often in a carefree or flirtatious way.
1
What a pity!
2
Farewell
3
Truly or indeed
4
No way!
“Forsooth!” is an archaic way of saying “indeed” or “truly,” often used to express surprise, emphasis, or sarcasm.
1
Sacred chants
2
Nonsense or foolish talk
3
Expensive goods
4
Royal commands
“Malarkey” was used to describe nonsense, foolish talk, or exaggerated, insincere statements not meant to be taken seriously.
1
A wealthy benefactor
2
A spice trader
3
A horse groomer
4
A wasteful or lazy person
A “wastrel” is best defined as a wasteful or irresponsible person, especially someone who squanders money or opportunities.
1
Run away
2
Stop running
3
Listen closely
4
Hide quickly
“Hark!” was used to mean “listen!” or “pay attention!”—a call to hear something important or approaching.
1
Trickery or deceit
2
Foolishness
3
Bravery
4
Baking skills
The word “knavery” describes dishonest or mischievous behavior, often involving trickery, deceit, or roguish conduct.
1
Toward that place
2
Over the hill
3
Between doors
4
From long ago
In archaic speech, “thither” means “to that place,” indicating movement toward a specific location away from the speaker.
1
A candle snuffer
2
A thief
3
A blacksmith
4
A serious or self-righteous person
A “prig” in older British slang was a self-righteous, overly proper person who smugly imposed their moral standards on others.
1
Highly sought after
2
Dangerous
3
Fancy but worthless
4
Holy
“Trumpery” referred to things that were showy but worthless—cheap, gaudy objects or deceitful nonsense lacking real value.
1
Admiration
2
Confusion
3
Anger
4
Gratitude or thanks
“Gramercy!” was exclaimed to show thanks or gratitude, derived from the Old French phrase meaning “great thanks.”
1
A cook
2
A ship’s pilot or helmsman
3
A drummer
4
A navigator
A “coxswain” aboard a ship was the crew member in charge of steering and navigating a smaller boat or launch.
1
Calling a witness
2
Ending a duel
3
Asking for forgiveness
4
Declaring a promise or oath
The phrase “by my troth” was a way of swearing truthfully or making a sincere vow, meaning “by my truth.”
1
Always broke
2
Quiet and devout
3
A fighter
4
Wildly immoral or dissolute
“Rakehell” described a man who was morally unrestrained, often leading a wild, debauched, or scandalous lifestyle.
1
A fool or simpleton
2
A witch
3
A child
4
A loudmouth
“Ninny” was a light insult meaning a simpleton or fool—someone seen as silly, gullible, or lacking common sense.
1
Twice a day
2
Rarely
3
At night
4
Early or promptly
The word “betimes” meant early or promptly, often suggesting something done ahead of time or without delay.
1
Cook something
2
Run away quickly
3
Begin a party
4
Fall asleep
To “skedaddle” meant to leave quickly or run away in a hurry, often to escape trouble or danger.
1
A farmer’s tool
2
A type of sheep
3
A dull or stupid person
4
A hunting horn
“Clodpole” was an old insult meaning a dull or stupid person, often implying someone slow-witted or unsophisticated.
1
A spoiled child
2
A fool or insignificant person
3
A stray cat
4
A tiny puppet
“Fopdoodle” was an insult meaning a foolish or insignificant person—someone regarded as silly, vain, or contemptible.
1
When are you coming?
2
What are you doing?
3
Where are you?
4
Why are you?
“Wherefore art thou” actually means “why are you,” not “where are you,” famously questioning the reason for someone's identity or actions.
1 / 90
Players who played this quiz:
+
Faster than you:
Wow! You're faster than % of players
Smarter than you:
Amazing! You're smarter than % of players
Think you’re fluent in forgotten English? This quiz will test your knowledge of vintage words that once colored everyday conversations. From odd insults to elegant phrases, see how many of these old-timey terms you truly understand!
About us
At Fixya, we offer an engaging and interactive way to challenge your knowledge across pop culture, entertainment, history, sports, and more.
Our trivia quizzes are crafted to entertain and educate, providing a fun learning experience that's accessible from anywhere.
With a diverse selection of topics, you're bound to discover something that sparks your interest.