Blatherskite

Blatherskite is a Scottish word that refers to a silly talkative person or to foolish, nonsensical talk.

I have to admit that this word was not my first choice. Balderdash caught my eye at first, making me think of Mr. Lear and his splendid limericks. Then I got distracted by things routinely described as life and another, less distracted Vocalite published her own take on balderdash first (https://vocal.media/poets/balderdash). So, off I went to have another peek at the list of unusual words (here), which was mightily educational. For example, has it ever struck you how many words meaning "nonsense" (or something similar) begin with a "b"? I loved them all but my favourite was "bambosh" (deceptive nonsense). The reason for this love at first sight was that the same word exists in my native tongue (Polish). The spelling is a tad different but the word sounds basically the same. Only the Polish "bambosz" means a slipper. Yes, I mean footwear. Now you know that Polish people use deceptive nonsense to keep their feet warm at home. How cool is that!

To make a long story short, I had a great time going through the word list and looking for new ways to describe all things blague, blarney, baloney or bilge. And what do you call a talkative person who likes nonsense and silliness? You guessed it, a blatherskite! So, there you go:

*

There was a gal in the north

Who lived by the firth called The Forth.

She would often just stare

And then promptly declare

That “this city could use some more warmth”.

*

Some locals whose tongues liked to bite

Talked of her as one bold blatherskite

‘Cause everyone knows

That the time when it snows

Is the season to swim in the strait.

*

On her head she would keep a pet owl

And put biscuits for it in a bowl.

When the owl sang Ho-Hoo

Neighbours sighed: ballyhoo!

One’s head is no place for the fowl!

*

That gal knew some weird baragouin

And could cook outlandish cuisine

The locals who tasted

Her meal often praised it

And scurried to find a latrine.

*

(122 words, I had a few more stanzas but the word limit is harsh!)

And here is the link to Penny Fuller's extraordinary challenge: https://vocal.media/writers/part-b-the-a-z-of-unusual-words