From codswallop to gobsmacked: Brits want old-school lingo back

Brits are calling for a revival of some of the nation’s most beloved old-fashioned words, with terms like flabbergasted, chuffed and gobsmacked topping the list of phrases people would love to see make a comeback.

A poll of 2,000 adults found that nostalgic expressions such as bamboozled, codswallop and kerfuffle are now rarely used, despite their enduring charm. In fact, just six per cent of respondents said they regularly use the word balderdash. However, enthusiasm for the forgotten vocabulary remains strong, with 81 per cent agreeing there are “wonderful words” that deserve a return to everyday conversation.

The research was commissioned by Tesco Mobile, which has partnered with Olympic diver and broadcaster Tom Daley and writer Gyles Brandreth to launch the Essential Words of the Year — a list celebrating the traditional words Brits most want to resurrect. The initiative supports the brand’s Essentials pay-as-you-go tariff, aimed at cutting through unnecessary fuss and offering customers greater flexibility and control over their mobile bills.

Tom Daley, who recently reacted with surprise to Kate Garraway’s expressive language on Celebrity Traitors, said language has the power to make communication more engaging. “While I am personally shook that flabbergasted is set to make a comeback, there is real power in using new, or sometimes time-old, phrases,” he said. “They’re a great way to make conversations more interesting, especially when so many of us are communicating through texts or calls. I love to chat and feel inspired to broaden my word repertoire.”

The study also revealed that 42 per cent believe these lost phrases could make a comeback if given a modern twist, such as shortening codswallop to simply talking “cods”. Meanwhile, 31 per cent felt adapting the words could help bridge generational gaps in language use.

Interestingly, 62 per cent of respondents said the older words are often clearer than modern alternatives, despite being more flamboyant. Nearly three-quarters (73 per cent) agreed that reviving traditional vocabulary would make conversations more interesting, rising to 81 per cent among those aged 25 to 34.

Gyles Brandreth welcomed the findings, saying: “I love that Brits are wanting to expand their vocabulary. We should celebrate these lost phrases and keep them alive — and who knows, putting a modern twist on some may help bridge the gap between the generations.”

The research also found that more than three-quarters (77 per cent) believe mobile communication should feel personal and expressive, highlighting a growing appetite for richer, more characterful language in everyday life.

The full Top 20 includes favourites such as blimey, malarkey, tomfoolery and poppycock — words many hope are ready for a well-timed comeback.

Here's the list, according to The Irish Sun.