Echoes of Lexicography
Imagine flipping through the pages of a dictionary, encountering words that seem to shimmer with historical intrigue and linguistic mystery. Among these, ghost words lurk—a peculiar breed of lexical phantoms that defy conventional definitions and yet find their way into the annals of lexicography. From misprints that masquerade as legitimate entries to intentional fabrications designed to safeguard intellectual property, ghost words tantalize with their ephemeral existence, leaving behind a trail of curiosity and wonderment. They remind us that even in the structured world of language, there's room for delightful oddities and unexpected tales that whisper from the pages of dictionaries past.
SPEAK UP!
Samidha Bajpai
7/2/20242 min read
Welcome to the inaugural "Speak Up" article where I help you speak like a pro.
Today, we embark on a journey through the mysterious world of ghost words—words that haunt the pages of dictionaries but have never truly existed in spoken or written language.
What are Ghost Words?
Ghost words are phantom entries in dictionaries, born from errors, misinterpretations, or deliberate fabrications. Coined by philologist Walter William Skeat in 1886, these words illustrate lexicography's curious and sometimes humorous side. Often the result of typographical mishaps or linguistic misunderstandings, ghost words offer a peek into language's evolution and occasional eccentricities.
A Historical Perspective
The history of ghost words dates back centuries, often intertwined with early dictionary entries and literary mishaps. One notable example is "dord," which famously appeared in Webster’s New International Dictionary in 1934. Originally meant to abbreviate "density" as "D or d, cont./density," a typographical error turned it into a non-existent word. Despite its brief stint, "dord" serves as a quintessential example of a ghost word—captivatingly unreal yet housed in a reputable dictionary for years.
Examples of Ghost Words
1. Abacot: Initially appearing in Holinshed’s Chronicles in 1587, "abacot" was later discovered to be a misprint of "bycoket," a type of headwear worn in medieval times.
2. Morse: Misinterpreted from "nurse," Sir Walter Scott's use of "morse" in his novels led to confusion over its meaning, highlighting how ghost words can arise from literary contexts.
3. Phantomnation: Found in Webster’s 1864 American Dictionary, it was intended to mean "appearance of a phantom" but was a misprint of "phantom-nation," a term used by scholar Richard Paul Jodrell.
4. Esquivalience: Coined intentionally as a protection measure in the New Oxford American Dictionary, "esquivalience" means "the willful avoidance of one's official responsibilities," demonstrating how ghost words can be fabricated for specific purposes.
5. Adventine: Originating from a printer’s error in Samuel Johnson’s dictionary, "adventine" was meant to be "adventive," illustrating how typographical mistakes can immortalize non-existent words.
Intentional and Unintentional Ghost Words
While some ghost words, like "dord" and "abacot," emerge from accidental typographical errors, others, such as "esquivalience," are deliberately inserted into dictionaries to catch copyright violators—a practice known as nihilartikel. These intentionally false entries add an intriguing layer to the study of lexicography, blurring the line between genuine words and linguistic phantoms.
Conclusion
In conclusion, ghost words offer a captivating glimpse into the idiosyncrasies of language and the meticulous yet occasionally fallible world of dictionary compilation. From unintentional misprints to deliberate fabrications, these linguistic anomalies remind us that even in the structured realm of dictionaries, there's room for errors, creativity, and the occasional ghostly apparition of words that never were.
Stay tuned for more linguistic adventures in "Speak Up," where we unravel more fascinating aspects of language that will empower you to speak like a pro. Join us next time as we explore another facet of linguistic intrigue, guiding you through the labyrinth of words and their intriguing histories.
Remember, while ghost words may not haunt our conversations, their stories linger as curious testaments to the ever-evolving nature of language.