Unusual Words and their Meanings - No. 2 Quiz

Answer: A radioactive element

A Francium is a radioactive element of the alkali metal group. It was first identified in France!

Answer: To forewarn

To portend is to foreshadow as an omen, or give warning of.

Answer: A small bowl

A Porringer is a small bowl, often with a handle, for soup, stew etc!

Answer: The measuring of a load of coal

A Metage is the official measuring of a load of coal etc, or the duty paid for this.

Answer: An igneous rock

Kimberlite is a rare igneous blue-tinged rock, sometimes containing diamonds found in South Africa and Siberia. It is also called 'blue ground'.

Answer: A rough silk fabric

Dupion is a rough silk fabric woven from the threads of double coccoons.

Answer: To be discontented

To repine is to fret or be discontented.

Answer: A game involving sleight of hand

Thimblerig is a game often involving sleight of hand in which three inverted thimbles or cups are moved about, contestants having to spot which is the one with a pea or other object underneath.

Answer: A dance from the 1960s

The Watusi was an energetic, popular dance of the 1960s which was named after the Watusi Tribe. This African tribe built their lives and their music around cattle, their main form of livelihood. There were songs in praise of cattle, songs for drawing water for the cattle, songs for taking cattle home in the evening, and songs for milking them in the morning. Also there were even special children's songs in praise of the king's cattle or songs that told of how cattle were used during certain historical events.

Answer: A shark

A Hammerhead is any shark with a flattened head and eyes in the lateral extensions of that head (thereby resembling a double-headed hammer). Interestingly, Hammerhead was a song performed by James Reyne, after he had left Australian Crawl.