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Foyle's Philavery: A Treasury of Unusual Words
The word 'philavery' was specially invented to describe this book - a collection of words chosen simply on the grounds of their aesthetic appeal. Some of these words appeal because of their aptness, some for their obscurity, some for their euphony, and some for their quirkiness. As a collection they will be a delight to all word lovers.
233 pages, Hardcover
First published January 1, 2007
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About the author
Christopher Foyle
7 books10 followersChristopher Foyle is the chairman of the Foyles bookshop in London. He previously worked in the business in the 60s under his aunt Christina but left after he was allowed little responsibility. He then formed a successful air freight business, but returned to Foyles in 1999 when Christina made him director just before her death.
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Displaying 1 - 15 of 15 reviews
June 9, 2021
A collection of unfamiliar words gathered by Christopher Foyle (of the bookshop) which by definition are obscure, little used, arcane, neglected or have a specialised meaning in connection with some pursuit or other. I wondered how many of these words were going to be useful. On the whole this tome is of mild interest and can be picked over selectively without guilt.
I knew some of the words but most I did not. 'Oubliette' is a secret dungeon with only one access point, usually a hidden trapdoor at the top. Shudder. 'Palimpsest' I did know, it's a manuscript written over more than once, presumably from the time when paper was both more durable and less plentiful. 'Warby' was of local (Australian) interest as I have never heard of the word. It's slang for shabby; decrepit; disreputable. I confirmed this in Sidney J Baker's marvellous The Australian Language: An Examination of the English Language and English Speech as Used in Australia, from Convict Days to the Present: 'warb' is a dirty or untidy person; hence 'warby'. Professor G A Wilkes A Dictionary Of Australian Colloquialisms describes 'warby' as unpresupposing in appearance or disposition. Professor Wilkes also notes a 'warb' as someone one of little acumen or appearance. It looks as though it was a 1940s word, now long gone.
And another little bit of Australiana (sort of). 'Kelpie', is of course is an Australian sheep dog. But what I did not know is that it also refers to a malignant Scottish water spirit, usually in the form of a horse, which tries to drown travellers. Charming.
I knew some of the words but most I did not. 'Oubliette' is a secret dungeon with only one access point, usually a hidden trapdoor at the top. Shudder. 'Palimpsest' I did know, it's a manuscript written over more than once, presumably from the time when paper was both more durable and less plentiful. 'Warby' was of local (Australian) interest as I have never heard of the word. It's slang for shabby; decrepit; disreputable. I confirmed this in Sidney J Baker's marvellous The Australian Language: An Examination of the English Language and English Speech as Used in Australia, from Convict Days to the Present: 'warb' is a dirty or untidy person; hence 'warby'. Professor G A Wilkes A Dictionary Of Australian Colloquialisms describes 'warby' as unpresupposing in appearance or disposition. Professor Wilkes also notes a 'warb' as someone one of little acumen or appearance. It looks as though it was a 1940s word, now long gone.
And another little bit of Australiana (sort of). 'Kelpie', is of course is an Australian sheep dog. But what I did not know is that it also refers to a malignant Scottish water spirit, usually in the form of a horse, which tries to drown travellers. Charming.
July 13, 2020
I read an article that Moira's unique word choices on Schitt's Creek are inspired by this book. Quite interesting. This is a great gift idea for someone that has everything or is just a curious mind.
April 26, 2023
From what I've read, it's a dictionary of unusual words, and many are completely new to me. I read about fifteen pages on Wayback Machine and decided I definitely need to buy this! 5 ⭐
May 29, 2025
Collection of really interesting words: one of only a few books I’ve ever read twice :) here of my favourites:
ailurophobia
noun
an abnormal fear of cats
Amanuensis
a secretary, or more usually a literary assistant, who writes from dictation or copies manuscripts
anthropophagy
noun
the practice of eating human flesh; cannibalism
Aphasia is a medical condition characterized by the loss or impairment of the ability to communicate, typically due to brain damage, especially in areas responsible for language (usually the left hemisphere of the brain).
Aporia is a rich and multifaceted term used in philosophy, rhetoric, and literature, often referring to a state of puzzlement, doubt, or logical impasse.
Aposiopesis is a rhetorical device in which a sentence is deliberately broken off and left unfinished, allowing the listener or reader to fill in the gap — often for dramatic, emotional, or suggestive effect.
Aprosexia is a rare medical and psychological term that refers to a complete inability to focus attention. It is often associated with certain neurological or psychiatric conditions.
Arcifinious is an extremely rare and archaic English word that describes a territory bounded by natural features such as mountains, rivers, or forests — especially in contrast to territories defined by artificial or political boundaries.
Autochthon is a term with roots in mythology, anthropology, and geology, and it refers to someone or something that is indigenous, native, or originating from the very land itself.
Axiopisty is an extremely rare and archaic term that refers to something that is worthy of belief or deserving of trust.
Badinage (noun): Light, humorous, and often teasing conversation or playful repartee.
Bathetic is an adjective describing something that is overly sentimental or ridiculously anticlimactic, especially when an attempt at seriousness or grandeur ends up seeming trivial, silly, or disappointing.
Battology is a term that refers to the excessive repetition of words or phrases, often leading to redundancy or tediousness in speech or writing.
Bavardage (noun): Light, informal, sometimes aimless or prolonged talking; chatter or babble.
Bellibone (noun): A foppish or dandyish man — someone excessively concerned with their appearance, fashion, and manners; a man who is vain or affected in dress and behavior.
Bellwether is a term with both literal and figurative meanings, often used to describe a leading indicator or someone/something that predicts or leads a trend or movement.
Bouleversement (noun): A profound disruption or disorder; a sudden and radical change that turns things upside down — whether socially, politically, or personally.
Bovarism (noun): The tendency to live in a fantasy world of romantic illusions and unrealistic expectations, leading to dissatisfaction with reality.
Brimborion (noun): Foolish or empty talk; nonsense; trivial or insignificant matters.
Cacoepy (noun): The incorrect or faulty pronunciation of a word or phrase.
Canard: A canard is a false or misleading story, rumor, or piece of information — basically, a hoax or a fabricated report.
Carnaptious is an archaic and somewhat rare adjective used to describe someone who is quarrelsome, irritable, or bad-tempered—essentially, a person who is prone to argue or be difficult.
Casuistry is a term referring to the use of clever but sometimes misleading reasoning, especially in moral or ethical debates. It often implies specious or overly subtle argumentation designed to rationalize questionable actions.
Chiliaism (noun): The doctrine or belief in the millennium—a future thousand-year period of peace and righteousness during which Christ will reign on earth.
Claque is a French-origin word used in English to describe a group of people hired to applaud or support a performer, speaker, or event, often artificially boosting enthusiasm.
Commensal: A commensal is an organism that lives on or with another organism (the host) in a relationship where one benefits while the other is neither harmed nor helped significantly. This is called commensalism.
Contumely (noun):
Rude or insolent language or behavior; humiliating abuse; contemptuous insult.
Defalcation is a financial/legal term referring to the misappropriation or embezzlement of funds by someone trusted to manage them, especially by an official or employee.
Dismemberment is the act of cutting off or removing the limbs or parts of a body, often used literally or metaphorically.
demophil : “lover of the people” or someone who has an affinity or fondness for the people or populace.
Deontic (adjective):
Concerning duty, obligation, permission, or prohibition—basically, normative concepts about what is morally or legally required, allowed, or forbidden.
Deracinate is a verb meaning to pull up by the roots or more figuratively, to uproot or remove someone from their natural environment or cultural background.
Derobement (noun):
The act of hiding, secreting oneself, or a secret withdrawal from view or presence.
Dissavage (verb):
To render savage, wild, or untamed; to make rough or uncivilized.
Dolosity (noun):
The state or quality of being deceitful, dishonest, or fraudulent; deception.
Dyslogy (noun):
The act of expressing negative opinions or criticism, often harsh or abusive; disparagement.
Egregious (adjective):
Conspicuously or remarkably bad, offensive, or wrong.
Elusion (noun):
The act of eluding; evasion, especially by cunning or quickness.
Enantiodromia is a fascinating concept from philosophy and psychology that refers to the phenomenon where something turns into its opposite, especially when pushed to an extreme.
Entropy is a rich and multi-layered concept used in physics, information theory, and even philosophy. At its core, it refers to disorder, randomness, or the tendency of systems to move toward chaos.
Exauctorate is a rare and archaic verb meaning to remove someone from office, authority, or command—essentially, to dismiss, depose, or deprive of power, especially in a formal or ceremonial sense.
Expugnation (noun):
The act of capturing or overcoming something by assault or force, particularly a fortress, city, or stronghold.
Exsibiliate (verb):
To hiss down or drive off by hissing—as an expression of contempt or disapproval.
Facinorous (adjective):
Utterly wicked, infamous, or heinously criminal in nature.
Famelic (adjective):
Very hungry; famished or starving.
Flagitious (adjective):
Extremely wicked, notorious, or criminal in a very obvious and outrageous way.
Flubdub (noun):
Nonsense, trivial or pretentious talk; foolish or silly ideas.
Galimatias is a noun that means nonsense, gibberish, or confused and unintelligible speech or writing.
Grame (noun):
A feeling of resentment, displeasure, or grievance towards someone.
Grapholagnia (noun):
A paraphilia involving sexual arousal from writing, handwriting, or written words.
Groak (verb):
To stare silently at someone while they are eating, hoping they will offer you some food.
Halalkhor (noun):
A person who survives by taking others’ generosity or resources without contributing or working.
Hebetate is a verb meaning to make dull, blunt, or less effective, especially in terms of mental sharpness or senses.
Horswoggle (verb):
To trick, dupe, or cheat someone, usually by persuasion or cleverness.
Huffsnuff (noun):
A brief, usually childish, fit of irritation or sulking.
Imago: In Psychology and Literature:
An idealized image or mental representation of a person, often formed in childhood, that influences how someone perceives others or themselves.
Inanition (noun):
A state of extreme weakness or exhaustion, usually due to starvation, lack of food, or severe malnutrition.
Inchoate (adjective):
Not fully formed or developed; rudimentary, incipient, or in an initial stage.
Indefesse (adjective):
Persistently hardworking; not giving up; unwearied.
Ineffable (adjective):
Incapable of being described or expressed adequately in words; beyond expression.
Ineluctable (adjective):
Unavoidable; certain to happen; impossible to evade.
Irredentist (noun):
A person who supports the recovery of territory that they believe rightfully belongs to their country, typically based on historical or ethnic grounds.
Irenic (adjective):
Intended to promote peace, calm disputes, or foster harmony.
Jobation (noun):
A lengthy, often tedious, lecture or rebuke, usually given in a critical or nagging tone.
Kakistocracy (noun):
A form of government where the worst, least competent, or most unscrupulous individuals hold power; rule by the worst.
Kalopsia (noun):
A mental state or illusion where one perceives something as more beautiful or perfect than it objectively is.
Malversation (noun):
Corruption or dishonest behavior, particularly in office or position of trust; embezzlement, bribery, or abuse of power.
Macrology (noun):
1. The use of unnecessarily long, complex, or verbose words and expressions; wordiness.
Mendaciloquent (adjective):
Given to speaking falsely; lying or deceptive in speech.
Obloquy (noun):
Harsh or abusive language aimed at someone; public disgrace or strong condemnation.
Phallocrat (noun):
Someone who advocates or exercises male supremacy or patriarchal authority.
Podiacide – shooting oneself in the foot
Prestidigitation (noun):
The art or skill of performing magic tricks or illusions, especially those involving quick hand movements.
Scunner
As a noun:
A feeling of disgust or strong dislike.
Sicarian is an adjective and noun relating to the Sicarii, a group of Jewish zealots in the 1st century CE known for using concealed daggers to assassinate Romans and their collaborators.
Sobornost (noun):
A concept referring to unity, collective spiritual harmony, and communal togetherness — especially in the context of Orthodox Christian communities or Russian society. It emphasizes voluntary cooperation, mutual love, and unity of purpose without sacrificing individuality.
Tergiversate is a verb meaning to evade straightforward action or clear-cut statements; to equivocate or to change sides or loyalties.
Thersitical (adjective):
Marked by abusive, scurrilous, or contemptuous speech; sarcastic and insulting.
Thole
• As a verb:
To endure, tolerate, or suffer patiently.
Traduce
Traduce (verb):
To tell lies or harmful things about someone in order to damage their reputation; to slander or malign.
Ubiation – the act of occupying a new place
Xenogenous is an adjective meaning originating from an external source or foreign origin.
ailurophobia
noun
an abnormal fear of cats
Amanuensis
a secretary, or more usually a literary assistant, who writes from dictation or copies manuscripts
anthropophagy
noun
the practice of eating human flesh; cannibalism
Aphasia is a medical condition characterized by the loss or impairment of the ability to communicate, typically due to brain damage, especially in areas responsible for language (usually the left hemisphere of the brain).
Aporia is a rich and multifaceted term used in philosophy, rhetoric, and literature, often referring to a state of puzzlement, doubt, or logical impasse.
Aposiopesis is a rhetorical device in which a sentence is deliberately broken off and left unfinished, allowing the listener or reader to fill in the gap — often for dramatic, emotional, or suggestive effect.
Aprosexia is a rare medical and psychological term that refers to a complete inability to focus attention. It is often associated with certain neurological or psychiatric conditions.
Arcifinious is an extremely rare and archaic English word that describes a territory bounded by natural features such as mountains, rivers, or forests — especially in contrast to territories defined by artificial or political boundaries.
Autochthon is a term with roots in mythology, anthropology, and geology, and it refers to someone or something that is indigenous, native, or originating from the very land itself.
Axiopisty is an extremely rare and archaic term that refers to something that is worthy of belief or deserving of trust.
Badinage (noun): Light, humorous, and often teasing conversation or playful repartee.
Bathetic is an adjective describing something that is overly sentimental or ridiculously anticlimactic, especially when an attempt at seriousness or grandeur ends up seeming trivial, silly, or disappointing.
Battology is a term that refers to the excessive repetition of words or phrases, often leading to redundancy or tediousness in speech or writing.
Bavardage (noun): Light, informal, sometimes aimless or prolonged talking; chatter or babble.
Bellibone (noun): A foppish or dandyish man — someone excessively concerned with their appearance, fashion, and manners; a man who is vain or affected in dress and behavior.
Bellwether is a term with both literal and figurative meanings, often used to describe a leading indicator or someone/something that predicts or leads a trend or movement.
Bouleversement (noun): A profound disruption or disorder; a sudden and radical change that turns things upside down — whether socially, politically, or personally.
Bovarism (noun): The tendency to live in a fantasy world of romantic illusions and unrealistic expectations, leading to dissatisfaction with reality.
Brimborion (noun): Foolish or empty talk; nonsense; trivial or insignificant matters.
Cacoepy (noun): The incorrect or faulty pronunciation of a word or phrase.
Canard: A canard is a false or misleading story, rumor, or piece of information — basically, a hoax or a fabricated report.
Carnaptious is an archaic and somewhat rare adjective used to describe someone who is quarrelsome, irritable, or bad-tempered—essentially, a person who is prone to argue or be difficult.
Casuistry is a term referring to the use of clever but sometimes misleading reasoning, especially in moral or ethical debates. It often implies specious or overly subtle argumentation designed to rationalize questionable actions.
Chiliaism (noun): The doctrine or belief in the millennium—a future thousand-year period of peace and righteousness during which Christ will reign on earth.
Claque is a French-origin word used in English to describe a group of people hired to applaud or support a performer, speaker, or event, often artificially boosting enthusiasm.
Commensal: A commensal is an organism that lives on or with another organism (the host) in a relationship where one benefits while the other is neither harmed nor helped significantly. This is called commensalism.
Contumely (noun):
Rude or insolent language or behavior; humiliating abuse; contemptuous insult.
Defalcation is a financial/legal term referring to the misappropriation or embezzlement of funds by someone trusted to manage them, especially by an official or employee.
Dismemberment is the act of cutting off or removing the limbs or parts of a body, often used literally or metaphorically.
demophil : “lover of the people” or someone who has an affinity or fondness for the people or populace.
Deontic (adjective):
Concerning duty, obligation, permission, or prohibition—basically, normative concepts about what is morally or legally required, allowed, or forbidden.
Deracinate is a verb meaning to pull up by the roots or more figuratively, to uproot or remove someone from their natural environment or cultural background.
Derobement (noun):
The act of hiding, secreting oneself, or a secret withdrawal from view or presence.
Dissavage (verb):
To render savage, wild, or untamed; to make rough or uncivilized.
Dolosity (noun):
The state or quality of being deceitful, dishonest, or fraudulent; deception.
Dyslogy (noun):
The act of expressing negative opinions or criticism, often harsh or abusive; disparagement.
Egregious (adjective):
Conspicuously or remarkably bad, offensive, or wrong.
Elusion (noun):
The act of eluding; evasion, especially by cunning or quickness.
Enantiodromia is a fascinating concept from philosophy and psychology that refers to the phenomenon where something turns into its opposite, especially when pushed to an extreme.
Entropy is a rich and multi-layered concept used in physics, information theory, and even philosophy. At its core, it refers to disorder, randomness, or the tendency of systems to move toward chaos.
Exauctorate is a rare and archaic verb meaning to remove someone from office, authority, or command—essentially, to dismiss, depose, or deprive of power, especially in a formal or ceremonial sense.
Expugnation (noun):
The act of capturing or overcoming something by assault or force, particularly a fortress, city, or stronghold.
Exsibiliate (verb):
To hiss down or drive off by hissing—as an expression of contempt or disapproval.
Facinorous (adjective):
Utterly wicked, infamous, or heinously criminal in nature.
Famelic (adjective):
Very hungry; famished or starving.
Flagitious (adjective):
Extremely wicked, notorious, or criminal in a very obvious and outrageous way.
Flubdub (noun):
Nonsense, trivial or pretentious talk; foolish or silly ideas.
Galimatias is a noun that means nonsense, gibberish, or confused and unintelligible speech or writing.
Grame (noun):
A feeling of resentment, displeasure, or grievance towards someone.
Grapholagnia (noun):
A paraphilia involving sexual arousal from writing, handwriting, or written words.
Groak (verb):
To stare silently at someone while they are eating, hoping they will offer you some food.
Halalkhor (noun):
A person who survives by taking others’ generosity or resources without contributing or working.
Hebetate is a verb meaning to make dull, blunt, or less effective, especially in terms of mental sharpness or senses.
Horswoggle (verb):
To trick, dupe, or cheat someone, usually by persuasion or cleverness.
Huffsnuff (noun):
A brief, usually childish, fit of irritation or sulking.
Imago: In Psychology and Literature:
An idealized image or mental representation of a person, often formed in childhood, that influences how someone perceives others or themselves.
Inanition (noun):
A state of extreme weakness or exhaustion, usually due to starvation, lack of food, or severe malnutrition.
Inchoate (adjective):
Not fully formed or developed; rudimentary, incipient, or in an initial stage.
Indefesse (adjective):
Persistently hardworking; not giving up; unwearied.
Ineffable (adjective):
Incapable of being described or expressed adequately in words; beyond expression.
Ineluctable (adjective):
Unavoidable; certain to happen; impossible to evade.
Irredentist (noun):
A person who supports the recovery of territory that they believe rightfully belongs to their country, typically based on historical or ethnic grounds.
Irenic (adjective):
Intended to promote peace, calm disputes, or foster harmony.
Jobation (noun):
A lengthy, often tedious, lecture or rebuke, usually given in a critical or nagging tone.
Kakistocracy (noun):
A form of government where the worst, least competent, or most unscrupulous individuals hold power; rule by the worst.
Kalopsia (noun):
A mental state or illusion where one perceives something as more beautiful or perfect than it objectively is.
Malversation (noun):
Corruption or dishonest behavior, particularly in office or position of trust; embezzlement, bribery, or abuse of power.
Macrology (noun):
1. The use of unnecessarily long, complex, or verbose words and expressions; wordiness.
Mendaciloquent (adjective):
Given to speaking falsely; lying or deceptive in speech.
Obloquy (noun):
Harsh or abusive language aimed at someone; public disgrace or strong condemnation.
Phallocrat (noun):
Someone who advocates or exercises male supremacy or patriarchal authority.
Podiacide – shooting oneself in the foot
Prestidigitation (noun):
The art or skill of performing magic tricks or illusions, especially those involving quick hand movements.
Scunner
As a noun:
A feeling of disgust or strong dislike.
Sicarian is an adjective and noun relating to the Sicarii, a group of Jewish zealots in the 1st century CE known for using concealed daggers to assassinate Romans and their collaborators.
Sobornost (noun):
A concept referring to unity, collective spiritual harmony, and communal togetherness — especially in the context of Orthodox Christian communities or Russian society. It emphasizes voluntary cooperation, mutual love, and unity of purpose without sacrificing individuality.
Tergiversate is a verb meaning to evade straightforward action or clear-cut statements; to equivocate or to change sides or loyalties.
Thersitical (adjective):
Marked by abusive, scurrilous, or contemptuous speech; sarcastic and insulting.
Thole
• As a verb:
To endure, tolerate, or suffer patiently.
Traduce
Traduce (verb):
To tell lies or harmful things about someone in order to damage their reputation; to slander or malign.
Ubiation – the act of occupying a new place
Xenogenous is an adjective meaning originating from an external source or foreign origin.
January 9, 2008
An excellent reference book. As a writer, I find there is something delicious in finding a curious word, and this book does not disappoint.
Philavery n. an idiosyncratic collection of uncommon and pleasing words.
Philavery n. an idiosyncratic collection of uncommon and pleasing words.
February 18, 2014
Described as a treasury of unusual words, this is an absolute necessity for a writer's bookshelf. You don't actually "finish" a book like this. You read it for ever.
April 28, 2021
I was lucky enough come across an affordable copy of Foyle's. It is a curiosity and a delight to peruse for avid readers and linguistics enthusiasts.
January 23, 2024
I haven't read a dictionary in a long time. I saw a Schitt's Creek thread on reddit asking where Moira got her vocabulary. One answer was that Catherine O'Hara had a word-a-day calendar but someone else said she had a copy of this book (no mention of the second, which is where I think she got some of the words). And yet another someone else posted about how much the two books cost, I had to go looking. Yeah, pricey. More's the pity because I'd really like to keep this on hand, Fortunately, Open Library on the Internet Archive had one to borrow. I'll keep my eye out for a copy for my own.
April 3, 2025
I came here to study what I thought would help me describe my fever dreams in more accurate prose, a thesaurus for the absurd. I now have no desire to isolate and confuse the common man. Highly entertaining, like my favorite David Sedaris book.
December 19, 2021
Ecdysis transformed me, as Foyle transports you to the world of word play and playful words, shed the skin of all you knew before it
July 6, 2024
Just skimmed this collection of obscure words.
February 13, 2016
A very interesting collection of words, which makes this a book to dip into (but an entertaining one at that). Plenty of quirky bits and bobs - I particularly like 'abacinate', and it appears that Slayer like this word too.
May 8, 2010
For word lovers - A book to dip into on occasion; expand your word power.
September 7, 2013
Excellently useful!
December 7, 2013
Absolutely love devouring this book when I want some new words to try using. Such an interesting compilation of words which would otherwise slip away unused. A real treasure for dictionary geeks!!
Displaying 1 - 15 of 15 reviews