Buzz
In his forthcoming publication Landmarks, Dr. Robert Macfarlane compiles an informal glossary of terms used to depict the natural world. While some of these words are fading into obscurity, others thrive within specific local communities. As contemporary technical language overshadows these traditional nature terms, the urgency to safeguard their unique charm grows.
After an article in The Guardian, Macfarlane invited contributions of regional expressions from British readers, receiving a flood of postcards. A selection of these, along with excerpts from his book, are showcased here. As you’ll discover, they span from purely practical to whimsical to beautifully lyrical.
1. adnasju
The bigger waves that come after smaller ones.
2. ammil
In Devon, sunlight reflecting on frost-covered surfaces.
3. blatter
In Yorkshire, a small pool of water; in Galloway, a loud and intense rainfall.
4. clag
“Clouds and rain descending on hilltops as a storm draws near.”
5. dumberclash
A short but intense burst of stormy weather.
6. èit
“The tradition of positioning quartz stones in streams to shimmer under moonlight, luring salmon during late summer and autumn.”
7. fèith
Streams of water flowing through the earth.
8. foisty
A musty, subterranean odor.
9. geevy
In Cornwall, a blend of fog and light rain.
10. glister
Stormy and gusty conditions.
11. hummerdrooze
A mysterious sound heard in the atmosphere.
12. jirglin
“Splashing or playing with water.”
13. lightydark
“A term I coined (at age 11) to describe the unique glow at twilight after a crisp, clear day, while walking home through the underappreciated rural landscapes of Lancashire.”
14. lumpenhole
A pit designated for agricultural refuse.
15. moorie-caavie
A fierce and heavy snowstorm.
16. nab
In Sussex, the peak or top of a hill.
17. ootrogue
The hidden current near the shoreline that pulls sand away.
18. pirr
A gentle breeze, “one that creates ripples on the water’s surface.”
19. riggwelter
A sheep that has rolled onto its back and is unable to rise.
20. rionnach maoim
From Gaelic, the patterns of shadows created by fluffy clouds over moorlands “on a sunny and breezy day.”
21. shadowtackle
The shifting designs on a forest floor, created by sunlight filtering through tree branches.
22. smeuse
An opening at the bottom of a hedge.
23. turdstool
A large and noticeable cow dung.
24. wewire
In Essex, the motion of leaves swaying in the breeze.
25. wimpling
The drag or opposition experienced by a bird’s wing due to wind.
