Buzz
Many of us discovered early on that the Greek suffix “-logy” translates to “the study of-.” Common examples include Biology, Archaeology, Psychology, and Theology. Most of us would struggle to get through high school without encountering a course that focuses on the “-logy” of something.
In fact, anyone has the ability to create a new “-logy” at any moment. For example, the study of lists could be termed listology. The exploration of foolishness might be called moronology. Combine the two, and you could invent a term for the study of foolish lists. Everyone can surely think of a few dull “-logies”, but the terms on this list are the kind that will impress your friends. Below is a compilation of ten obscure “-logies” – ideal for your next cocktail gathering.
10. Gerontology
“-n. [mass noun] the scientific study of aging, the aging process, and the specific challenges faced by older adults.”
Do you enjoy hard caramels, senior care homes, and revisiting your will? If yes, gerontology could be the right field for you. The Gerontological Society of America defines this discipline as the study of the effects of aging.
9. Kremlinology
“-n. [mass noun] the study and examination of Soviet or Russian governmental policies.”
This discipline emerged during the Cold War when there was a high demand for information regarding Soviet Russia. Although kremlinology may not be as prominent as it once was, the field continues to exist through a handful of eccentric individuals sporting fur hats.
8. Campanology
“-n. [mass noun] the art or practice of ringing bells.”
Victor Hugo’s notorious hunchback, Quasimodo, might be surprised to find that there’s a specific term for his fascination with bells. But why does a field exist dedicated to the ringing of bells? This seemingly straightforward activity is, in fact, quite intricate. With an average church or tower bell weighing several hundred pounds and sometimes up to a ton, it requires considerable strength and coordination to ring a bell properly—these are not your typical school bells.
As you might imagine, campanologists typically pursue careers as bell-ringers—although some go on to teach bell-ringing, passing their expertise to the next generation.
7. Vexillology
“-n. [mass noun] the study of flags.”
If it’s a flag—whether from the Middle East or Middle Earth—a vexillologist will delve into its history and meaning. I can’t help but wonder what the salary is like…
6. Dendrochronology
“-n. [mass noun] the science or technique used to date events, track environmental changes, and analyze archaeological artifacts by examining the unique patterns of annual growth rings in wood and tree trunks.”
Most of us have at least seen images of tree rings. While this phenomenon is intriguing, I doubt many would consider it their true calling. Dendrochronologists are not your average individuals.
Interestingly, this “-logy” holds significant relevance in today’s environmentally-aware society. Trees, much like human beings, can show signs of past injuries or stresses. Dendrochronologists analyze the tree rings to uncover the events that have occurred during the tree’s lifespan—such as a lightning strike or a forest fire.
5. Eschatology
“-n. [mass noun] the branch of theology that deals with death, judgement, and the ultimate fate of the soul and humanity.”
This area of theology aims to answer the question of where we go when we die. Are the gates of heaven waiting for you, or is nirvana your destiny? Or perhaps your afterlife will involve a fiery eternity? If you find yourself frequently pondering what awaits you after death, then eschatology might pique your interest.
4. Narratology
“-n. [mass noun] the discipline that studies the structure and function of narratives, including their themes, symbols, and conventions.”
Have you ever had to sit through a dreadful story? The kind where the narrator's dull delivery makes every second feel like an eternity? Well, there's actually a field dedicated to studying that. If a story doesn't resonate, narratologists want to know why. If the same metaphor keeps popping up, narratologists are curious about what it represents to the narrator or the culture it comes from. Almost anyone who takes a college-level English course will be introduced to narratology through literary analysis. However, not many would willingly devote their lives to deconstructing the same work over and over again. Narratologists, though, wouldn’t hesitate to take on this challenge.
3. Oology
“-n. [mass noun] the study or collection of birds’ eggs.”
Do you find the scent of sulfur intriguing? Are you indifferent to cholesterol concerns? Then this particular “-logy” might just be the one for you. This specialized area within ornithology focuses on bird eggs and the nests that house them. Oologists also explore bird mating behaviors, although their main focus is on the eggs produced rather than the mating rituals themselves. Surprisingly, many museums display curated egg collections, each carefully preserved for public viewing. To pursue a career in this field, a background in ornithology is essential. Typical jobs include roles in museums and zoos. So, what are you waiting for? Those eggs won’t hatch on their own.
2. Thanatology
“-n. [mass noun] the scientific study of death and related practices, including examining the needs of the terminally ill and their families.”
Did you prefer Nancy Drew to Edgar Allan Poe? Sometimes referred to as “the science of death,” thanatology is perfect for those with a dark curiosity. Thanatologists focus on the study of individuals who are approaching death or undergoing the dying process. If you’ve ever wondered, the root of this “-logy” is derived from Thanatos, the personification of death in Greek mythology. This also means that thanatology can encompass areas like gravestone and cemetery research. According to The Center for Thanatology Research and Education, only two universities offer degree programs in this eerie discipline: Hood College and the University of Wisconsin.
1. Pomology
“-n. [mass noun] the science of cultivating fruit.”
Have you ever thought about why time flies like an arrow but fruit flies like a banana? Chances are, a pomologist has. Aspiring students often start by studying horticulture, but for a few, the call of fruit cultivation is too strong to ignore. They soon find themselves diving into the sweet and fragrant world of pomology.
