Buzz
You’re likely aware that numismatists focus on coins and currency, and philatelists are the experts on stamps. But other types of collectors also have their own specialized terms, which are often less known. Here are a few terms to impress the next collector you meet.
1. Sucrologists
Sucrologists are collectors of the small sugar packets commonly found in restaurants.
2. Deltiologists
Deltiologists are enthusiasts who focus on studying and collecting postcards. The term originates from the Greek word deltion, a diminutive form of deltos, which means 'writing tablet.'
3. Phillumenists
Phillumenists specialize in collecting matchbooks and related items. In 2011, phillumenist Steven Smith earned a spot in the Guinness World Records for amassing 1,054,221 matchbox labels from over 130 countries.
4. Pannapictagraphists
Pannapictagraphists might want to consider simplifying the name for their hobby: collecting comic books.
5. Vexillophiles
Vexillophiles are individuals who collect and showcase flags.
6. Plangonologist
Do you remember George Costanza's ill-fated fiancée, Susan, from Seinfeld? She was a plangonologist, meaning a collector of dolls.
7. Velologists
Velologists focus on collecting and studying expired tax discs, which British vehicles have been required to display since 1921.
8. Arenophiles
Arenophiles are collectors of sand samples from various locations around the globe.
9 and 10. Tegestologists and Labeorphilists
Tegestologists have the perfect reason to frequent bars, as they specialize in collecting coasters or beermats. They might want to collaborate with labeorphilists, who focus on collecting beer bottles.
11. Falerists
Falerists or phalerists study and collect military and civilian awards, such as medals, badges, and pins, along with other decorations.
12. Scutelliphiles
Scutelliphiles are a lot like falerists, but they focus on collecting souvenir patches and badges instead of medals and awards.
13. Lotologists
Lotologists are collectors of lottery tickets, whether used or unused. In 2006, it was reported that retired U.S. Navy diver Dennis Morse boasted one of the largest lotology collections in the world, including over 250,000 losing scratch-off tickets.
14. Arctophiles
Arctophiles have some of the sweetest collections—they gather and hoard teddy bears.
15. Galanthophiles
Galanthophiles are passionate about collecting snowdrops, the delicate white-flowered plants that bloom in early spring.
16. Tyrosemiophiles
Tyrosemiophiles specialize in collecting labels from Camembert cheese.
17. Fusilatelists
In the UK, fusilatelists collect phone cards that are issued by telecom companies.
18. Helixophiles
Helixophiles are likely the life of the party—they specialize in collecting corkscrews.
19. Brandophilists
Brandophilists are collectors of cigar bands.
20. Entredentolignumologists
Entredentolignumologists might be a fictional term, but some books and numerous websites use it to refer to collectors of toothpick boxes.
