Grace Tierney
@wordfoolery.bsky.social
Word history - books, blog, LMFMRadio
Comedyfic - Channillo
Love to read, craft, garden in Ireland
My Books - wordfoolery.wordpress.com/my-books/
Weekly Word Blog - http://www.wordfoolery.wordpress.com/
Newsletter - subscribepage.io/wordfoolerywhispers
Comedyfic - Channillo
Love to read, craft, garden in Ireland
My Books - wordfoolery.wordpress.com/my-books/
Weekly Word Blog - http://www.wordfoolery.wordpress.com/
Newsletter - subscribepage.io/wordfoolerywhispers
Pinned
Grace Tierney
@wordfoolery.bsky.social
· Nov 20
“Words Christmas Gave Us” festive history
“Words the Vikings Gave Us” Norse nouns
“Words the Sea Gave Us” nautical words
"Modern Words with Old Roots" avatar to zarf
“How To Get Your Name In The Dictionary” eponyms
#etymology paperback #Kindle
wordfoolery.wordpress.com/my-books/
“Words the Vikings Gave Us” Norse nouns
“Words the Sea Gave Us” nautical words
"Modern Words with Old Roots" avatar to zarf
“How To Get Your Name In The Dictionary” eponyms
#etymology paperback #Kindle
wordfoolery.wordpress.com/my-books/
#mysteryword Day 16
Collieshangie - a loud commotion.
Scots.
Possibly from collie (dog) and shangie (leash).
#etymology
Collieshangie - a loud commotion.
Scots.
Possibly from collie (dog) and shangie (leash).
#etymology
January 16, 2026 at 10:38 AM
#mysteryword Day 16
Collieshangie - a loud commotion.
Scots.
Possibly from collie (dog) and shangie (leash).
#etymology
Collieshangie - a loud commotion.
Scots.
Possibly from collie (dog) and shangie (leash).
#etymology
Wordfoolery Whispers is out on Fri 16th Jan. Read about Mystery Word Month, Exploring Kilkenny, Blog Highlights, Good Books and histories for uxorious, inspissate, lucifugous, canter, accismus, and chivvy.
Subscribe at subscribepage.io/wordfoolerywhispers & remember to confirm email. #etymology
Subscribe at subscribepage.io/wordfoolerywhispers & remember to confirm email. #etymology
January 15, 2026 at 6:13 PM
Wordfoolery Whispers is out on Fri 16th Jan. Read about Mystery Word Month, Exploring Kilkenny, Blog Highlights, Good Books and histories for uxorious, inspissate, lucifugous, canter, accismus, and chivvy.
Subscribe at subscribepage.io/wordfoolerywhispers & remember to confirm email. #etymology
Subscribe at subscribepage.io/wordfoolerywhispers & remember to confirm email. #etymology
#mysteryword Day 15 - unasinous - united in stupidity. 1650s. From Latin unw (one) and asinus (ass).
#etymology
#etymology
January 15, 2026 at 1:22 PM
#mysteryword Day 15 - unasinous - united in stupidity. 1650s. From Latin unw (one) and asinus (ass).
#etymology
#etymology
“Is Linda behaving herself?”
I raised an eyebrow.
“April Fool’s.”
“Oh right. Nah I think we’ve seen the last of that nonsense. Full truce.”
“Hmm. I hope so.” Boss Lady didn’t look convinced.
#1linewed The Librarian's Secret Diary
I raised an eyebrow.
“April Fool’s.”
“Oh right. Nah I think we’ve seen the last of that nonsense. Full truce.”
“Hmm. I hope so.” Boss Lady didn’t look convinced.
#1linewed The Librarian's Secret Diary
a close up of a vehicle with the words i find that answer vague and unconvincing .
ALT: a close up of a vehicle with the words i find that answer vague and unconvincing .
media.tenor.com
January 14, 2026 at 1:01 PM
“Is Linda behaving herself?”
I raised an eyebrow.
“April Fool’s.”
“Oh right. Nah I think we’ve seen the last of that nonsense. Full truce.”
“Hmm. I hope so.” Boss Lady didn’t look convinced.
#1linewed The Librarian's Secret Diary
I raised an eyebrow.
“April Fool’s.”
“Oh right. Nah I think we’ve seen the last of that nonsense. Full truce.”
“Hmm. I hope so.” Boss Lady didn’t look convinced.
#1linewed The Librarian's Secret Diary
There's a new episode of my #library #serial live on Channillo now for subscribers. It's April Fool's Day in the library and Nina has joined forced with prank-supremo, Linda, to trick the library users. channillo.com/series/the-l...
The Librarian's Secret Diary
<p>Nina is the new librarian on the block. She’s learning the shelves with her buzzword-spouting boss and the senior librarian who hates reading and can’t wait to retire. She records the crazy reader ...
channillo.com
January 14, 2026 at 12:58 PM
There's a new episode of my #library #serial live on Channillo now for subscribers. It's April Fool's Day in the library and Nina has joined forced with prank-supremo, Linda, to trick the library users. channillo.com/series/the-l...
#mysteryword Day 14 - to arsle - to go backwards. Dialect, from arse (oers in Old English).
#etymology
#etymology
January 14, 2026 at 11:58 AM
#mysteryword Day 14 - to arsle - to go backwards. Dialect, from arse (oers in Old English).
#etymology
#etymology
#mysteryword Day 13 - to conjobble - to discuss.
1700s slang from con (together) and jobbernol (head).
#etymology #wordnerd
1700s slang from con (together) and jobbernol (head).
#etymology #wordnerd
January 13, 2026 at 10:59 AM
#mysteryword Day 13 - to conjobble - to discuss.
1700s slang from con (together) and jobbernol (head).
#etymology #wordnerd
1700s slang from con (together) and jobbernol (head).
#etymology #wordnerd
#mysteryword Day 12 - accismus - the urge to refuse something you really want. 1500s. From Greek akkismos (shyness).
This one goes back to a Greek play 2400 years ago - read all about it in this week's blog - wordfoolery.wordpress.com/2026/01/12/t...
This one goes back to a Greek play 2400 years ago - read all about it in this week's blog - wordfoolery.wordpress.com/2026/01/12/t...
The Greek Comedy Roots of Accismus
Hello, This week’s word, accismus, is rarely used in modern written English and hence is one of my Mystery Words this month. See #mysteryword on Bluesky, Twitter, and Facebook to collect them throu…
wordfoolery.wordpress.com
January 12, 2026 at 12:15 PM
#mysteryword Day 12 - accismus - the urge to refuse something you really want. 1500s. From Greek akkismos (shyness).
This one goes back to a Greek play 2400 years ago - read all about it in this week's blog - wordfoolery.wordpress.com/2026/01/12/t...
This one goes back to a Greek play 2400 years ago - read all about it in this week's blog - wordfoolery.wordpress.com/2026/01/12/t...
#mysteryword Day 11 - mubble fubbles
The sense of dread on a Sunday evening, or at the end of a holiday.
1600s. Origin unknown.
The sense of dread on a Sunday evening, or at the end of a holiday.
1600s. Origin unknown.
January 11, 2026 at 9:50 AM
#mysteryword Day 11 - mubble fubbles
The sense of dread on a Sunday evening, or at the end of a holiday.
1600s. Origin unknown.
The sense of dread on a Sunday evening, or at the end of a holiday.
1600s. Origin unknown.
#mysteryword Day 10 - antipelargy
The love between child and parents.
From Greek pelargos (stork) because it was famed for love and loyalty. #etymology
The love between child and parents.
From Greek pelargos (stork) because it was famed for love and loyalty. #etymology
January 10, 2026 at 4:41 PM
#mysteryword Day 10 - antipelargy
The love between child and parents.
From Greek pelargos (stork) because it was famed for love and loyalty. #etymology
The love between child and parents.
From Greek pelargos (stork) because it was famed for love and loyalty. #etymology
Happy #NationalWordNerdDay to my #etymology friends and word enthusiasts everywhere. I hope you enjoy dictionaries, puns, and obscure definitions today!
If you need more wordy fun try my books (see bio), blog (wordfoolery.wordpress.com), or follow #mysteryword each day this month.
If you need more wordy fun try my books (see bio), blog (wordfoolery.wordpress.com), or follow #mysteryword each day this month.
January 9, 2026 at 9:26 AM
Happy #NationalWordNerdDay to my #etymology friends and word enthusiasts everywhere. I hope you enjoy dictionaries, puns, and obscure definitions today!
If you need more wordy fun try my books (see bio), blog (wordfoolery.wordpress.com), or follow #mysteryword each day this month.
If you need more wordy fun try my books (see bio), blog (wordfoolery.wordpress.com), or follow #mysteryword each day this month.
#mysteryword Day 9 - circumforaneous - wandering from house to house. From Latin. #etymology
Handy for Halloween, carol-singers, posties (mailmen), and those people who try to get you to change utility provider.
Handy for Halloween, carol-singers, posties (mailmen), and those people who try to get you to change utility provider.
January 9, 2026 at 9:16 AM
#mysteryword Day 9 - circumforaneous - wandering from house to house. From Latin. #etymology
Handy for Halloween, carol-singers, posties (mailmen), and those people who try to get you to change utility provider.
Handy for Halloween, carol-singers, posties (mailmen), and those people who try to get you to change utility provider.
"How to Get Your Name in the Dictionary"
“A delightful romp through the origins of eponyms like limerick, aphrodisiac, Murphy’s Law, and groggy.”
Review by Rick Ellrod, author
#Kindle #FunFacts #etymology #eponyms paperback #Kindle #Kobo
wordfoolery.wordpress.com/my-books/
“A delightful romp through the origins of eponyms like limerick, aphrodisiac, Murphy’s Law, and groggy.”
Review by Rick Ellrod, author
#Kindle #FunFacts #etymology #eponyms paperback #Kindle #Kobo
wordfoolery.wordpress.com/my-books/
January 8, 2026 at 6:16 PM
"How to Get Your Name in the Dictionary"
“A delightful romp through the origins of eponyms like limerick, aphrodisiac, Murphy’s Law, and groggy.”
Review by Rick Ellrod, author
#Kindle #FunFacts #etymology #eponyms paperback #Kindle #Kobo
wordfoolery.wordpress.com/my-books/
“A delightful romp through the origins of eponyms like limerick, aphrodisiac, Murphy’s Law, and groggy.”
Review by Rick Ellrod, author
#Kindle #FunFacts #etymology #eponyms paperback #Kindle #Kobo
wordfoolery.wordpress.com/my-books/
#mysteryword Day 8
bumbaleerie - backside. Scots, jocular slang.
#etymology
I love this one, waiting to slip it casually into conversation.
bumbaleerie - backside. Scots, jocular slang.
#etymology
I love this one, waiting to slip it casually into conversation.
January 8, 2026 at 2:48 PM
#mysteryword Day 8
bumbaleerie - backside. Scots, jocular slang.
#etymology
I love this one, waiting to slip it casually into conversation.
bumbaleerie - backside. Scots, jocular slang.
#etymology
I love this one, waiting to slip it casually into conversation.
Beth connected us with a new yoga teacher who was willing to do a free trial class. Our budget for workshops is so close to zero you wouldn’t be able to see it without a microscope, and reading glasses.
#1linewed The Librarian's Secret Diary
#1linewed The Librarian's Secret Diary
a cartoon character is holding a purse in his hand
ALT: a cartoon character is holding a purse in his hand
media.tenor.com
January 7, 2026 at 4:48 PM
Beth connected us with a new yoga teacher who was willing to do a free trial class. Our budget for workshops is so close to zero you wouldn’t be able to see it without a microscope, and reading glasses.
#1linewed The Librarian's Secret Diary
#1linewed The Librarian's Secret Diary
The latest episode of "The Librarian's Secret Diary" is now live for subscribers at Channillo - this week Nina and her Senior Librarian get drawn into a yoga workshop that helps both young and old. channillo.com/series/the-l... #serial #irishfiction #librarylife
The Librarian's Secret Diary
<p>Nina is the new librarian on the block. She’s learning the shelves with her buzzword-spouting boss and the senior librarian who hates reading and can’t wait to retire. She records the crazy reader ...
channillo.com
January 7, 2026 at 4:43 PM
The latest episode of "The Librarian's Secret Diary" is now live for subscribers at Channillo - this week Nina and her Senior Librarian get drawn into a yoga workshop that helps both young and old. channillo.com/series/the-l... #serial #irishfiction #librarylife
#mysteryword day 7 - rogitate
To make frequent requests. From Latin rogare (to ask).
A word for parents of toddlers. #etymology
To make frequent requests. From Latin rogare (to ask).
A word for parents of toddlers. #etymology
January 7, 2026 at 2:54 PM
#mysteryword day 7 - rogitate
To make frequent requests. From Latin rogare (to ask).
A word for parents of toddlers. #etymology
To make frequent requests. From Latin rogare (to ask).
A word for parents of toddlers. #etymology
#mysteryword day 6 - agelast - a person who never laughs. 1600s. From Greek a (without) and gelastos (laughter).
#etymology
Also happy #NollaignamBan (Irish Women's Christmas) to you all!
#etymology
Also happy #NollaignamBan (Irish Women's Christmas) to you all!
January 6, 2026 at 3:02 PM
#mysteryword day 6 - agelast - a person who never laughs. 1600s. From Greek a (without) and gelastos (laughter).
#etymology
Also happy #NollaignamBan (Irish Women's Christmas) to you all!
#etymology
Also happy #NollaignamBan (Irish Women's Christmas) to you all!
Reposted by Grace Tierney
#OTD in 1905, Baroness Orczy's 𝘛𝘩𝘦 𝘚𝘤𝘢𝘳𝘭𝘦𝘵 𝘗𝘪𝘮𝘱𝘦𝘳𝘯𝘦𝘭 opened in London's West End (novel published later in 1905). Origin of the #superhero trope--creating the archetype of the "hero with a secret identity," a concept central to modern superhero fiction. A precursor to Zorro, Batman & more. #booksky
January 5, 2026 at 7:32 PM
#OTD in 1905, Baroness Orczy's 𝘛𝘩𝘦 𝘚𝘤𝘢𝘳𝘭𝘦𝘵 𝘗𝘪𝘮𝘱𝘦𝘳𝘯𝘦𝘭 opened in London's West End (novel published later in 1905). Origin of the #superhero trope--creating the archetype of the "hero with a secret identity," a concept central to modern superhero fiction. A precursor to Zorro, Batman & more. #booksky
My annual review of my favourite books (2025 edition) is now live wordfoolery.wordpress.com/2026/01/05/w... - ten books, all recommended - crime, hist-fic, etymology, fantasy, classics. #amreading #booksky 📚💙
Wordfoolery’s Favourite Books of 2025
Hello, I love reading as much as I love unusual words. I have an annual tradition to look back at my reading (59 books during 2025) with help from my Goodreads account. Here are ten of my favourite…
wordfoolery.wordpress.com
January 5, 2026 at 2:59 PM
My annual review of my favourite books (2025 edition) is now live wordfoolery.wordpress.com/2026/01/05/w... - ten books, all recommended - crime, hist-fic, etymology, fantasy, classics. #amreading #booksky 📚💙
#mysteryword Day 5
Caddis - fluff, especially the fluff that lurks under your bed. Northeastern Scots.
(plenty in my house!)
Caddis - fluff, especially the fluff that lurks under your bed. Northeastern Scots.
(plenty in my house!)
January 5, 2026 at 11:51 AM
#mysteryword Day 5
Caddis - fluff, especially the fluff that lurks under your bed. Northeastern Scots.
(plenty in my house!)
Caddis - fluff, especially the fluff that lurks under your bed. Northeastern Scots.
(plenty in my house!)
#mysteryword Days 3 & 4 (offline yesterday) #etymology
Baffies - slippers (Scots), and Goozlins - intestines, 1800s.
Wouldn't want to get those two mixed up.
Baffies - slippers (Scots), and Goozlins - intestines, 1800s.
Wouldn't want to get those two mixed up.
January 4, 2026 at 5:48 PM
#mysteryword Days 3 & 4 (offline yesterday) #etymology
Baffies - slippers (Scots), and Goozlins - intestines, 1800s.
Wouldn't want to get those two mixed up.
Baffies - slippers (Scots), and Goozlins - intestines, 1800s.
Wouldn't want to get those two mixed up.
#mysteryword Day2 - the perfect put-down, which makes me look at the Romans in a different light. #etymology
January 2, 2026 at 10:47 AM
#mysteryword Day2 - the perfect put-down, which makes me look at the Romans in a different light. #etymology
#mysteryword Day 1 #etymology
Altiloquence - pompous language. 1700s. From Latin altus (high) and loquor (to speak)
Hopefully my month of mystery words won't be too pompous.
Altiloquence - pompous language. 1700s. From Latin altus (high) and loquor (to speak)
Hopefully my month of mystery words won't be too pompous.
January 1, 2026 at 2:36 PM
#mysteryword Day 1 #etymology
Altiloquence - pompous language. 1700s. From Latin altus (high) and loquor (to speak)
Hopefully my month of mystery words won't be too pompous.
Altiloquence - pompous language. 1700s. From Latin altus (high) and loquor (to speak)
Hopefully my month of mystery words won't be too pompous.
If you like history (especially global history, not just the Tudors and WWII, again) and enjoy comedy - this podcast is for you. Highly recommended.
Exciting news!!!
YOU’RE DEAD TO ME returns tomorrow for series 11
We launch with an episode about Emperor Nero, with the stellar cast of @wmarybeard.bsky.social & @pattonoswalt.bsky.social
It’ll only be available in the UK on BBC SOUNDS for the first month, then globally on other apps after
YOU’RE DEAD TO ME returns tomorrow for series 11
We launch with an episode about Emperor Nero, with the stellar cast of @wmarybeard.bsky.social & @pattonoswalt.bsky.social
It’ll only be available in the UK on BBC SOUNDS for the first month, then globally on other apps after
January 1, 2026 at 11:38 AM
If you like history (especially global history, not just the Tudors and WWII, again) and enjoy comedy - this podcast is for you. Highly recommended.