One of the things that I love to do with my horror fiction is play on old meanings of words with unique spellings, or try to hint about a character’s true nature by describing them carefully. Here’s where word etymology comes in.

Take the word “demon” for example. In this word etymology dictionary, for example, the definition of the word “demon” is derived from the spelling “daemon” or “spirit.” In this Westegg Etymology Dictionary, “demon” is derived from the greek word “daimon” which means “a non-human power somewhere between people and gods, without any negative connotations.” So, if I’m using the true definition of the word “demon” I might use the initial spelling or simply learn more about occult history through word etymology to look beyond 17 century superstitions which have carried through to the present.

Another reason why I love word etymology is because you can find some interesting, existing words to describe ordinary things. World Wide Words has a fantastic reference section for phrases and what they call “weird” words. So go put on your galligaskins with a jocund smile on your face, drink your smouch whilom I suggest you play chuck-farthing and forget this bafflegab.