We asked people in positions of leadership which archaic word they would love to bring back into common use. Here is what 5 thought leaders have to say.

Revive Eudemonia for Living Well

Eudemonia is a Greek word meaning ‘the state of good spirit.’ This past year, I attended a health and wellness conference by this name, where it was translated into the ‘art of living well.’

Not only do I think this is beautiful, but it is also timely and reflects a wider trend of consumers starting to think critically about their lives, goals, and health. Living well truly is an art that we must discover for ourselves through trial and error.

Olivia Chiavegato, Founder, CMO, Head Writer, The Vitallist

Bring Back the Word Nifty

My favorite word that I want to use in my content writing, and then I keep striking it out because it doesn’t read well to the modern audience, is nifty. Nifty is a fun word, it manages to convey a unique quality about an object that is both useful and a little whimsical. I want to use it in product descriptions all the time but don’t out of fear of sounding archaic!

Hopefully it will come back into popular use at some point.

Dan Brown, CEO & Founder, Textun

Emphasize Craftsmanship with Scrivenery

As an attorney specializing in intellectual property and working closely with writers’ collaborations, the archaic word I’d love to revive is “scrivenery.” This term once referred to the craft and workshop of writers or scribes, evoking the artistry and craftsmanship involved in writing. In my legal practice, I’ve seen how the digital age has transformed publishing agreements and joint ventures, yet there’s an enduring charm in emphasizing traditional skills and creative processes.

In negotiations for publishing contracts, stressing the quality and uniqueness of a writer’s scrivenery can be a powerful tool. It reminds publishers of the value of craftsmanship in an era often focused solely on digital metrics. I’ve seen how highlighting a writer’s distinct style and dedication to their scrivenery can lead to favorable contract terms, as it aligns with market demands for authentic and original content.

This concept also plays into corporate governance, where companies are increasingly valuing the art of storytelling in branding. Scrivenery becomes more than just writing; it’s a strategic asset. Companies can improve their narratives by embracing the creative and artisanal facets of content creation, which is something I consistently encourage in my work with businesses seeking to humanize their brand in a competitive market.

Giselle Ayala, Owner, G.A.M. LAW OFFICE P.C.

Rediscover the Concept of Sonder

One archaic word I’d love to bring back is “sonder.” It means the realization that each passerby has a life as vivid and complex as your own, with their own experiences, feelings, and stories. It’s such a beautiful and thoughtful concept that we often overlook in our busy lives. Imagine using it in a conversation: “I had a moment of sonder today while walking through the park, thinking about all the stories everyone around me was carrying.” It would remind us to pause and reflect on the richness of others’ lives.

Adnan Jiwani, Assistant Manager Digital Marketing, Ivacy VPN

Modern Apothecary in Affiliate Marketing

The term “apothecary,” traditionally a seller of medicines, could be revitalized in affiliate marketing to describe a provider of valuable solutions, akin to a strategic consultant. For instance, in the wellness niche, a company like “HealthMaven” could create an affiliate program to help content creators and bloggers promote its products, functioning as a modern apothecary by offering resources that facilitate business growth.

Mohammed Kamal, Business Development Manager, Olavivo

Now it is your turn

What archaic word would you bring back?