Unusual And Obscure English Words You Never Heard! Trivia Quiz
This trivia quiz is perfect for teaching you some of the unusual and obscure English words you never heard! The English word is made up of numerous words and sayings that have an underlying meaning most people don’t know or confuse. By taking the quiz, you will not only learn most of them but will get to see how knowledgeable you are of the language.
- 1.
Which famous military leader gave us the expression "turn a blind eye"?
- A.
Nelson
- B.
Wellington
- C.
Rommel
- D.
Cardigan
Correct Answer
A. NelsonExplanation
Nelson is the correct answer because the expression "turn a blind eye" is attributed to Admiral Horatio Nelson. It is said that during the Battle of Copenhagen in 1801, Nelson was ordered to stop his attack, but he allegedly turned his telescope to his blind eye and continued the assault, disregarding the command. This act has since been associated with the phrase "turn a blind eye" meaning to deliberately ignore or overlook something.Rate this question:
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- 2.
A scurryfunge is
- A.
A rare tree fungus
- B.
A last minute tidy up before the arrival of guests
- C.
A small mouse-like mammal from New Zealand
- D.
A medieval kitchen implement for whisking eggs
Correct Answer
B. A last minute tidy up before the arrival of guestsExplanation
A scurryfunge refers to a last minute tidy up before the arrival of guests. This term is often used to describe the act of quickly cleaning and organizing a space in order to make it presentable and welcoming for visitors. It implies a sense of hurriedness and urgency in getting the cleaning done in a short amount of time.Rate this question:
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- 3.
Boscaresque means
- A.
A set of boxes stacking inside each other
- B.
Traveling by railroad
- C.
A scenic grove of trees
- D.
An ugly sea creature
Correct Answer
C. A scenic grove of treesExplanation
Boscaresque means a scenic grove of trees. It is derived from the combination of the words "bosque" meaning forest or grove, and "picturesque" meaning visually attractive or scenic. Therefore, the correct answer is "A scenic grove of trees".Rate this question:
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- 4.
Ullage is
- A.
A form of crop rotation
- B.
A medieval measurement of wool
- C.
The empty portion of a container, especially a wine bottle
- D.
To vomit
Correct Answer
C. The empty portion of a container, especially a wine bottleExplanation
Ullage refers to the empty portion of a container, particularly a wine bottle. It is commonly used to describe the space between the top of the liquid and the top of the container. This term is often used in the wine industry to determine the quality and age of the wine. The ullage in a wine bottle can provide important information about the storage conditions and potential oxidation of the wine.Rate this question:
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- 5.
Bombilate is a verb meaning to
- A.
Explode
- B.
Buzz or hum
- C.
Vary in altitude
- D.
Be round in shape
Correct Answer
B. Buzz or humExplanation
Bombilate is a verb that means to buzz or hum. It does not mean to explode, vary in altitude, or be round in shape. Therefore, the correct answer is "buzz or hum".Rate this question:
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- 6.
The chess term checkmate came from which language?
- A.
Norse
- B.
Persian
- C.
Russian
- D.
German
Correct Answer
B. PersianExplanation
The correct answer is Persian. The term "checkmate" in chess originated from the Persian phrase "shāh māt," which means "the king is helpless" or "the king is defeated." This phrase was used in ancient Persia to announce the capture of an opponent's king, and it eventually became the term used universally in chess to signify the end of a game.Rate this question:
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- 7.
Gadzookery is
- A.
Comical displays of magic
- B.
The deliberate use of old-fashioned language
- C.
An invented word from the 1930s
- D.
A type of jazz music
Correct Answer
B. The deliberate use of old-fashioned languageExplanation
Gadzookery refers to the intentional use of old-fashioned language. This means that someone is purposely using outdated or archaic words and phrases to create a certain effect or evoke a sense of nostalgia. It is a form of linguistic playfulness where individuals choose to communicate in a more traditional or antiquated manner, often for comedic or stylistic purposes. Gadzookery can be observed in literature, theater, and even in everyday conversations where individuals adopt a more formal or outdated language style for humorous or dramatic effect.Rate this question:
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- 8.
A xylophile loves
- A.
Words
- B.
Wood
- C.
Women
- D.
Wine
Correct Answer
B. WoodExplanation
A xylophile is someone who loves wood. This is evident from the given options where all the other options (words, women, and wine) do not relate to wood. Therefore, the correct answer is wood.Rate this question:
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- 9.
A zwodder is a
- A.
Dyke / irrigation system
- B.
Drowsy state
- C.
Clog
- D.
Flooded pasture
Correct Answer
B. Drowsy stateExplanation
A zwodder refers to a drowsy state. It is a condition where a person feels extremely sleepy or lethargic. This term is often used to describe a state of tiredness or sleepiness that is difficult to shake off. It can be characterized by a lack of energy, difficulty in staying awake, and a strong desire to sleep.Rate this question:
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- 10.
Bumptious is another word for
- A.
Clumsy
- B.
Aggresive
- C.
Sleepy
- D.
Arrogant
Correct Answer
D. ArrogantExplanation
Bumptious is a synonym for arrogant. It refers to someone who is excessively self-assertive or conceited, often displaying an attitude of superiority and disregard for others. This word implies a sense of overconfidence and a tendency to boast or show off. Therefore, the correct answer is arrogant.Rate this question:
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Current Version
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Mar 20, 2023Quiz Edited by
ProProfs Editorial Team -
Mar 10, 2019Quiz Created by
Grace Tierney
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