Exploring Ghost Words: Spooky Tales from the Dictionary

The video explores the concept of ghost words, which are words that mistakenly entered dictionaries. It discusses historical examples, such as those found in Samuel Johnson's dictionary, and explains how some ghost words, like 'gravy' and 'tweed', became part of modern language. The video also covers intentional ghost words used for copyright protection, like 'esquivalians'.

What are ghost words?

• Words that are used in scientific contexts.

• Words that are commonly used in everyday language.

• Words that are only found in ancient texts.

• Words that have been mistakenly included in dictionaries.

Which dictionary contained the ghost word 'foop'?

• Webster's Dictionary

• Cambridge Dictionary

• Oxford English Dictionary

• Samuel Johnson's Dictionary

Who coined the term 'ghost word'?

• Alexander Pope

• Samuel Johnson

• Richard Paul Jodrell

• Walter William Skeet

What was the mistake that led to the creation of the ghost word 'Dord'?

• A typographical error in a dictionary.

• A translation error from another language.

• A deliberate inclusion by a dictionary maker.

• A misreading of a handwritten manuscript.

Which ghost word was mistakenly thought to be related to a Scottish river?

• Gravy

• Tweed

• Syllabus

• Phantom Nation

How did the word 'gravy' originate?

• As a regional dialect term.

• From a Latin word meaning 'sauce'.

• As a deliberate invention by a chef.

• From a misreading of a French word.

What was the original meaning of the word 'syllabus'?

• A label or title slip in a book.

• A type of book cover.

• A summary of a lecture.

• A list of academic courses.

What was the mistake that led to the creation of the word 'tweed'?

• A mispronunciation by English speakers.

• A translation error from French.

• A misreading of a Scottish word.

• A deliberate invention by a fashion designer.

What is the purpose of intentional ghost words in dictionaries?

• To confuse readers.

• To protect intellectual property.

• To add humor to the dictionary.

• To test the knowledge of linguists.

Which word was identified as a fake in the New Oxford American Dictionary?

• Electro fish

• Phantom Nation

• Euro creep

• Esquivalians