12 Illustrations of Unusual English Words
James and Michael Fitzgerald are an Irish-based graphic art duo better known as The Project Twins. Together they work in a range of disciplines including art, design and illustration on both personal and commercial projects.
In a personal project entitled A-Z of Unusual Words, The Project Twins use bold graphics and visual wit to interpret and represent a collection of strange and unusual words.
Exhibited during Design Week Dublin in 2011, the project explores the synthesis between form and content and words and images. The series features one word for each letter of the alphabet. Prints are available at their online storefront and you can see the series in its entirety on their official website.
Biblioclasm
The practice of destroying, often ceremoniously, books or other written material and media
Cacodemonomania
The pathological belief that one is inhabited by an evil spirit
Fanfaronade
Swaggering; empty boasting; blustering manner or behavior; ostentatious display
Gorgonize
To have a paralysing or mesmerising effect on: Stupefy or Petrify
Hamartia
The character flaw or error of a tragic hero that leads to his downfall
Jettatura
The casting of an evil eye
Noegenesis
Production of knowledge
Pogonotrophy
The act of cultivating, or growing and grooming, a mustache, beard, sideburns or other facial hair
Tarantism
A disorder characterised by an uncontrollable urge to dance
Ultracrepidarian
A person who gives opinions and advice on matters outside of one’s knowledge
Yonderly
Mentally or emotionally distant; absent-minded
Zugzwang
A position in which any decision or move will result in problems
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