Irksome Words Trivia Quiz

Answer: Spilth

Spilth refers to refuse or rubbish that has been spilled or scattered. This word is not commonly used in modern English, but it has its roots in Middle English and was once more prevalent.

Interestingly, the word spilth is also used in the context of oil spills or other environmental disasters, referring to the spilled material as spilth rather than simply waste or garbage.

Answer: Pinnace

A pinnace is a small sailing vessel that was commonly used in the 16th and 17th centuries. It was typically rigged with two or three masts and was used for a variety of purposes, including as a tender for larger ships, for coastal defense, and for exploration. More interestingly, perhaps, pinnaces were also used by pirates and privateers, who favored their speed and maneuverability.

Coincidentally, the term 'pinnace' was also used to describe a type of boat used by Native Americans in the Chesapeake Bay region. These boats were made from hollowed-out logs and were used for fishing and transportation.

Answer: Stentor

Stentor is a term used to describe a person with a loud and powerful voice. The word has its origins in Greek mythology, where Stentor was a herald with a voice as loud as fifty men combined.

The term is often used in a figurative sense to describe someone who speaks with great authority and conviction. In fact, the term 'stentorian' is often used as an adjective to describe a loud and powerful voice (if not the person directly). While the term may not be commonly used in everyday conversation, it is a fascinating example of how language can be influenced by mythology and history.

Answer: Ewer

A pitcher is a container used for holding and pouring liquids, typically made of glass or ceramic. Pitchers can come in a variety of shapes and sizes, from small cream pitchers to large water pitchers. In some cultures, pitchers are also used for ceremonial purposes, such as pouring libations during religious ceremonies.

The word 'ewer' is a less common synonym for pitcher, typically used to describe a decorative or ornamental pitcher, and also having the feature of a wide spout, which not all pitchers may have. While the word may not be commonly used in everyday conversation, it is still a valuable addition to one's vocabulary.

Answer: Forel

The word 'forel' comes from Middle English, meaning sheath, but even before that, it specifically comes from the Middle French words 'forrel' or 'fourrel', which are diminutives of 'fuerre', which also means sheath.

In English, the term is not commonly used, but can interchangeably refer to a slipcase for a book, or for a parchment of poor quality, used in its natural colour, for book covers.

Answer: Hamal

Hamal is a word of Arabic origin that refers to a porter or a person who carries heavy loads on their back. This term is commonly used in Middle Eastern countries and is often associated with the image of a hardworking laborer carrying goods through the bustling streets of a busy market.

Interestingly, the word "hamal" has also been used metaphorically to describe someone who carries a heavy burden or responsibility, such as a leader or a caregiver. In some cultures, the role of a hamal is highly respected and considered an honourable profession.

Answer: Nene

Nene is a type of goose that is native to Hawaii. It is considered to be one of the rarest geese in the world, with only around 2,500 individuals remaining in the wild. The nene was once on the brink of extinction due to hunting and habitat loss, but conservation efforts have helped to increase their population.

Interestingly, the nene was designated the state bird of Hawaii in 1957, and is featured on the Hawaiian quarter.

Answer: Carboy

A carboy is a type of container used for storing liquids, typically made of glass or plastic and often used in laboratory settings. They are designed to be airtight and often have a narrow neck and a handle for easy pouring. Carboys are commonly used for storing and transporting chemicals, as well as for fermenting and aging wine and beer.

The word "carboy" comes from the Persian word 'qarabah', which is a large flagon. While not a commonly used word in everyday conversation, carboys are an important tool in many industries and scientific fields.

Answer: Aqua regia

Aqua regia is a highly corrosive mixture of acids, typically consisting of one part nitric and three to four parts hydrochloric acid. The name 'aqua regia' means 'royal water' in Latin, and it earned this name due to its ability to dissolve noble metals such as gold and platinum.

This powerful acid mixture was famously used by alchemists in their attempts to transmute base metals into gold. Interestingly, aqua regia is so powerful that it can even dissolve some materials that are normally resistant to acid, such as glass and ceramics.

Answer: Vespid

Vespid is a term used to describe a type of wasp, specifically those belonging to the family Vespidae, which includes nearly 5,000 species. These wasps are known for their distinctive black and yellow striped bodies and their ability to sting multiple times.

Interestingly, some species of vespid wasps are social and live in colonies, while others are solitary. Despite their reputation as aggressive insects, vespid wasps play an important role in pollination and pest control.