Mental Floss

SLANG

Have these terms on hand the next time you toot.

Over the course of history, the human race has come up with many delightfully creative ways to describe the act of breaking wind.

Erin McCarthy


Don't save this list for a dreich day.

English might be Scotland’s official language, but the country also has distinct dialects and regional nuances. And understanding Scottish slang? That’s a whole other ballgame.

Louise Slyth


Quisby is just one insult from this list that you might want to start using.

Next time you need to win an argument, try dropping one of these old-fashioned English insults.

Paul Anthony Jones




Let's make moves and go to the National Aquarium!

Charm City’s namesake charm could partially be due to the locals’ broad vocabulary of slang. Here are some terms you should know if you ever plan on visiting.

Bethel Afful
'Clatterfart' and 'twattle-basket' are way more entertaining than 'chatterbox.'

We all know someone who never seems to stop talking. They’re a yammerer, a babbler, a chatterbox—but they’re also a blatherskite, a clatterfart, and a twattle-basket.

Paul Anthony Jones








Have you ever ridden one of Pittsburgh’s inclines?

Pittsburgh residents may seem like they speak a different language. And in a way, they do: Residents call their distinct dialect Pittsburghese. Here are some slang terms to know so you don’t look too much like a tourist.

Vince Guerrieri






Whether you're enjoying a bout of sunshine, enduring a sudden downpour, or suffering through a drought, the obscure corners of English have the word for you.

Paul Anthony Jones


Hey, which high school did you go to?

From purposeful mispronunciations and secret shorthand to one very oddball question, these are the slang terms you should know before setting foot in the STL.

Kate Schweitzer