Unusual And Obscure English Words You Never Heard! Trivia Quiz

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| By Grace Tierney
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Grace Tierney
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Quizzes Created: 1 | Total Attempts: 772
| Attempts: 776
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  • 1/10 Questions

    Which famous military leader gave us the expression "turn a blind eye"?

    • Nelson
    • Wellington
    • Rommel
    • Cardigan
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About This 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.

Unusual And Obscure English Words You Never Heard! Trivia Quiz - Quiz

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  • 2. 

    Boscaresque means

    • A set of boxes stacking inside each other

    • Traveling by railroad

    • A scenic grove of trees

    • An ugly sea creature

    Correct Answer
    A. A scenic grove of trees
    Explanation
    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".

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  • 3. 

    A xylophile loves

    • Words

    • Wood

    • Women

    • Wine

    Correct Answer
    A. Wood
    Explanation
    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.

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  • 4. 

    A scurryfunge is

    • A rare tree fungus

    • A last minute tidy up before the arrival of guests

    • A small mouse-like mammal from New Zealand

    • A medieval kitchen implement for whisking eggs

    Correct Answer
    A. A last minute tidy up before the arrival of guests
    Explanation
    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.

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  • 5. 

    Bombilate is a verb meaning to

    • Explode

    • Buzz or hum

    • Vary in altitude

    • Be round in shape

    Correct Answer
    A. Buzz or hum
    Explanation
    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".

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  • 6. 

    Bumptious is another word for

    • Clumsy

    • Aggresive

    • Sleepy

    • Arrogant

    Correct Answer
    A. Arrogant
    Explanation
    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.

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  • 7. 

    The chess term checkmate came from which language?

    • Norse

    • Persian

    • Russian

    • German

    Correct Answer
    A. Persian
    Explanation
    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.

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  • 8. 

    Ullage is

    • A form of crop rotation

    • A medieval measurement of wool

    • The empty portion of a container, especially a wine bottle

    • To vomit

    Correct Answer
    A. The empty portion of a container, especially a wine bottle
    Explanation
    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.

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  • 9. 

    Gadzookery is

    • Comical displays of magic

    • The deliberate use of old-fashioned language

    • An invented word from the 1930s

    • A type of jazz music

    Correct Answer
    A. The deliberate use of old-fashioned language
    Explanation
    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.

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  • 10. 

    A zwodder is a

    • Dyke / irrigation system

    • Drowsy state

    • Clog

    • Flooded pasture

    Correct Answer
    A. Drowsy state
    Explanation
    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.

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  • Current Version
  • Mar 20, 2023
    Quiz Edited by
    ProProfs Editorial Team
  • Mar 10, 2019
    Quiz Created by
    Grace Tierney
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