11. Bumper
> When this word was first in use: 17th century
Bumper has a number of meanings, including a generous glass of an alcoholic drink. It dates back to the 1600s and was included in Samuel Johnson’s dictionary in 1755. Nobody calls a full glass a bumper now, but they might have a bumper crop.
12. Fandangle
> When this word was first in use: 19th century
Fandangle, a useless or purely ornamental thing, dates back to 1835 and is thought to have originated in the southern United States. It may derive from fandango, the Spanish dance (which also features in the lyrics of Queen’s “Bohemian Rhapsody”).
24/7 Tempo
13. Ye
> When this word was first in use: pre-12th century
Ye is an Old English word for you plural. While it sounds archaic to American ears it is still used in parts of Britain and Ireland.
14. Ambuscade
> When this word was first in use: 16th century
Ambuscade, meaning ambush, derives from Old Italian by way of Middle French. It originally meant forest, a good place for an ambush.
15. Baseborn
> When this word was first in use: 16th century
Baseborn, meaning of low birth or social standing, dates back to the 16th century. It’s probably a good thing that it’s no longer used as it reflects class-consciousness and the stigmatization of illegitimacy that are no longer acceptable.
