15 Antiquated Words for 'Happy' We Should Bring Back

Happiness is such a wonderful feeling, why should we only use one word to describe it? In honor of today's International Day of Happiness, why not open up that vocabulary and let the good times roll.

1. CHIRKY

From the late 19th century, meaning “cheerful.”

2. IN HIGH SNUFF

An expression for “good mood,” used from the late 17th century until the 1930s.

3. OVER THE MOON

Before humans literally went beyond the moon, this popular phrase from the 1930s means “overjoyed.”

4. GASSED

Started out meaning “intoxicated,” but by the 1950s it just meant happy.

5. TICKLED

As in “tickled pink.”

6. MERRY-PIN

Also started as a reference to tipsiness, this referred to a general good ol’ time in the 19th century.

7. RICOCHET

In the 19th century, this bouncy term also meant “splendid.”

8. ALL CALLAO

This 19th century sailor’s slang either referred to the Peruvian port of Callo or acted as a play on the word alcohol. Or both.

9. GAUDEAMUS

From the Latin for “let us rejoice,” this oldie refers to a merry jamboree.

10. KVELLING

From the Yiddish for “so happy and proud my heart is overflowing.”

11. CHUFFED

This current slang in the UK certainly needs to make a trip across the pond.

12. DELIRA AND EXCIRA

A term the Irish use to mean “delirious and excited.” We need to borrow this one, too.

13. GLADSOME

This classic from the 14th century doesn’t get used enough anymore.

14. TO LICK THE EYE

This confusing 19th century gem was used to describe someone who was extremely pleased.

15. COCK-A-HOOP

From the phrase “to set the cock on the hoop,” meaning open the tap and let the good times flow.