Medieval slang that Brits don't use anymore

Medieval slang, used throughout the Middle Ages (roughly 5th to late 15th century), was shaped by a time of knights, monks, feasts, and folklore. The language of the time was earthy, expressive, and full of character - reflecting the mood, manners, and mischief of medieval society.

While much of the medieval vocabulary has faded into the archives, some of these long-lost slang terms still offer insight into how people thought, socialised, and even insulted one another. It spanned everything from feelings and food to foolish behaviour and self-image - with colourful terms for every occasion. Here are some of the most memorable medieval slang words Brits no longer use today.

'Bobolyne': A fool or simpleton-a genuine medieval insult coined by John Skelton around 1540 and used in Tudor-era writings.

'Belly-timber' (also belly-tember): A humorous term for food or provisions, recorded from the early 17th century in everyday and literary contexts .

'Cumberworld': Literally someone who just takes up space-a "useless person." This term appears in Tudor-era lists of insults.

'Fustilugs': Describes a large, clumsy, or gross person; a medieval insult documented in historical glossaries.

'Coxcomb': A vain, narcissistic person-its original sense pointed to a dandy or fool-found in medieval and early modern sources.

'Churl': A coarse, peasant-like person. Deriving from Old English ceorl, it denoted someone of low birth or manners.

Slang during the medieval period wasn't just about humour - it was also a way to communicate social standing, group identity, and even political stance.

Many of these terms were rooted in oral tradition, influenced by Old English, Norse, Latin, and early French dialects. They evolved regionally, carried in manuscripts, court records, and street speech.

Studying these old terms not only adds colour to our understanding of medieval Britain, but also reminds us that the British love for a clever insult or a quirky expression has deep historical roots. Next time someone turns up being pompous, lazy or foolish - why not call them a coxcomb, fustilugs, or cumberworld?