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Try this 12-word vocabulary quiz: choose an answer before opening each explanation. Some words are useful in informal conversation; others are rare, literary or technical. The usage notes help you tell the difference.
For pronunciation, follow each dictionary link and listen to the audio rather than relying on an approximate spelling.
1. Spoonerism
Part of speech: noun. What does it mean?
- A swap of sounds between words
- An affectionate nickname
- A kind of pudding
- A type of hat
Show the answer and explanation
Answer: A. A spoonerism switches sounds, often the initial sounds of two words. It can be accidental or deliberate. The name comes from William Archibald Spooner.
Example: “Belly jeans” instead of “jelly beans” is a spoonerism.
Usage: Use it when discussing speech mistakes or wordplay.
2. Flapdoodle
Part of speech: uncountable noun. What does it mean?
- Tree bark
- A dog breed
- Nonsense
- A breakfast dish
Show the answer and explanation
Answer: C. Flapdoodle means nonsense. It names the speech or writing, not the person producing it.
Example: That explanation is complete flapdoodle.
Usage: A humorous, old-fashioned alternative to “nonsense.”
3. Bamboozle
Part of speech: verb. What does it mean?
- To trick or thoroughly confuse someone
- To make a drink
- To take a nap
- To walk slowly
Show the answer and explanation
Answer: A. To bamboozle someone is to deceive them or leave them thoroughly confused.
Example: The complicated instructions completely bamboozled me.
Usage: Informal; use “bamboozled” for the past tense.
4. Kerfuffle
Part of speech: noun. What does it mean?
- A breakfast food
- A fuss or commotion
- An old-fashioned hat
- A mountain slope
Show the answer and explanation
Answer: B. A kerfuffle is a fuss, disturbance or commotion. A disagreement may cause it, but is not required.
Example: There was a kerfuffle over the seating plan.
Usage: Informal, often with a light or humorous tone.
5. Rakehell
Part of speech: noun. What does it mean?
- A dissolute person
- A gardener
- A pile of leaves
- A house party
Show the answer and explanation
Answer: A. A rakehell is someone known for an immoral, pleasure-seeking way of life. It is more specific than simply “a criminal.”
Example: The novel describes its wealthy hero as a rakehell.
Usage: Old-fashioned or literary, and disapproving. Recognize it in books rather than treating it as an everyday description.
6. Scaramouch
Part of speech: noun. What does it mean?
- A loud noise
- A weather event
- A cowardly buffoon or rascal
- A radio station
Show the answer and explanation
Answer: C. Scaramouch, also spelled scaramouche, can mean a cowardly buffoon or rascal. Scaramouch is also the name of a boastful, cowardly character in Italian comm