Did you know that “acersecomic” is the proper term for a person whose hair has never been cut? Or that “tarantism” is a disorder that makes you want to dance like crazy? Apparently “jettatura” is another way of saying giving the evil eye, and we won’t even speak of what “infandous” means. Spotted by Maria Popova at Brain Pickings, A-Z of Unusual Words by James and Michael Fitzgerald (an Irish design and illustration duo better known as The Project Twins) will make the word nerd in your life totally geek out. Click through to preview a handful of their witty, eye-catching illustrations, and if you like what you see, consider picking up a pretty print from their online shop.
ACERSECOMIC. A person whose hair has never been cut. Image credit: The Project Twins
BIBLIOCLASM. The practice of destroying, often ceremoniously, books or other written material and media. Image credit: The Project Twins
CACODEMONOMANIA. The pathological belief that one is inhabited by an evil spirit.Image credit: The Project Twins
DACTYLION. An anatomical landmark located at the tip of the middle finger. Image credit: The Project Twins
ENANTIODROMIA. The conversion of something into its opposite. Image credit: The Project Twins
See the rest of the series over at Brain Pickings.