Where Did the Word Confusticate Come from?

To confuse, confound or perplex. No one really knows where this word comes from, but it belongs to an exclusive class of words referred to as American English, coined and very popular in the mid-19th century, perhaps originating in a minstrel comedy show.

Is Confusticate a real word?

verb (used with object), con·fus·ti·cat·ed, con·fus·ti·cat·ing. Slang. to confuse or perplex; bewilder.

What is the origin of the word there?

Old English þær "in or at that place, so far as, provided that, in that respect," from Proto-Germanic *thær (source also of Old Saxon thar, Old Frisian ther, Middle Low German dar, Middle Dutch daer, Dutch daar, Old High German dar, German da, Gothic þar, Old Norse þar), from PIE *tar- "there" (source also of Sanskrit ...

Chloe Bennett

Chloe Bennett

Culture, Media & Entertainment Columnist

Chloe Bennett explores the intersection of pop culture, streaming entertainment, digital trends, and contemporary lifestyle. Her weekly commentary reaches thousands of culture enthusiasts.