10 Old English Words We Should Bring Back

TLDRRediscover forgotten words from Old English that describe human conditions and experiences, including friendship, haste with words, solving mysteries, skilled craftsmanship, joy of drinking with friends, and morning worries.

Key insights

👥The Anglo-Saxons had various words to describe different types of friendship, such as 'winetreow' for friend-faith and 'gūþwine' for war friend.

💬The Old English term 'hrædwyrde' was used to describe someone who speaks without thinking, while 'rūncræftig' referred to someone skilled at solving mysteries.

🔧The word 'wundorsmiþ' was used to describe a wonder-smith or someone who makes wonderful things, while 'medu-dreám' represented the joy of drinking with friends.

🌅The term 'uhtceare' captures the feeling of dawn sorrow or worry that surfaces when lying in bed before sunrise.

😴Old English had words for various dawn activities, including a word for the noise of a battle in the morning and a word for a night-time thief.

Q&A

What are some examples of Old English words for friendship?

Some examples include 'winetreow' for friend-faith and 'gūþwine' for war friend.

What is the meaning of 'medu-dreám'?

'Medu-dreám' is the Old English term for the joy of drinking with friends.

What does 'uhtceare' represent?

'Uhtceare' describes the feeling of dawn sorrow or worry that surfaces when lying in bed before sunrise.

Did Old English have words for dawn activities?

Yes, Old English had words for various dawn activities, including a word for the noise of a battle in the morning and a word for a night-time thief.

What is the meaning of 'wundorsmiþ'?

'Wundorsmiþ' referred to a wonder-smith or someone who makes wonderful things.

Timestamped Summary

00:00Introduction to the lost words of Old English and their relevance today.

03:35Exploration of friendship words, including 'winetreow' and 'gūþwine'.

08:18Discussion of words for haste with words and solving mysteries, such as 'hrædwyrde' and 'rūncræftig'.

11:35Explanation of words for skilled craftsmanship and joy of drinking with friends, like 'wundorsmiþ' and 'medu-dreám'.

15:34Description of the word 'uhtceare' and its meaning of dawn sorrow or worry.

18:29Overview of Old English words for various dawn activities, such as battles and thieves.