Weird words

For learners in Switzerland, this approach is especially useful because English often sits next to German, French, and Italian in daily life. You may need English for work in Zurich or Basel, for international meetings in Geneva, for travel, or simply for speaking with people from many countries.

Why Weird words Make Your English More Precise

Strange-looking vocabulary is not only “fun.” It often fills a gap that common words cannot cover. One strong reason to study weird words is that they help you express ideas with fewer sentences. For example, a single word can describe a feeling, an action, or a social situation that otherwise needs a long explanation.

Another reason is reading comprehension. Books often use uncommon terms for mood, scenery, and character personality. When you understand them, you stop guessing and start reading smoothly. This matters for B1–B2 learners who want more speed, and for C1 learners who want more nuance and style.

To keep your learning focused, treat weird words as “high-value extras.” You do not need thousands of them. You need a small set that you truly understand, can pronounce, and can recognise quickly.

Here is a simple list that is special because it shows what makes an unusual word worth learning, not just “interesting”:

• It appears more than once across chapters or across different books

• It describes a clear idea that you cannot say easily with basic vocabulary

• It fits topics you actually read about (work, travel, history, relationships)

• You can find a clean example sentence in your book

• You can imagine using it in writing, even if you do not say it every day

How To Find Unusual Vocabulary While Reading (Without Slowing Down)

The biggest mistake is stopping every minute. Instead, use a two-pass method. First, read for the story. Second, scan for useful words. This keeps reading enjoyable and still gives you real progress.

During your scan, look for clues. Uncommon words often appear with a short explanation, a synonym, or a strong context that “teaches” the word inside the text. This is one reason books are powerful for learners: they give context for free.

To make the process even easier, use a quick tagging system in your notes. This list matters because it turns “random words” into a clear learning plan:

• Tag A: Words you understand from context but cannot explain

• Tag B: Words that feel important for the plot or argument

• Tag C: Words that look hard to pronounce or spell

• Tag D: Words you want to reuse in your own writing

If you like learning tools, you can also save items in a flashcard style. Some learners search for weird words in english lists online, but books give you something better: context, emotion, and repetition in a natural setting.

Weird Words Practice With Books: A Simple System For B1, B2, And C1

A good strategy for B1+ learners is to combine reading with short “output” tasks. That means you do not only recognise words; you also use them. This is where progress becomes visible.

Use this weekly routine for four weeks, then adjust. This list is valuable because it balances grammar, vocabulary, and pronunciation without turning reading into homework:

• Read 20–30 minutes, 4–5 days per week

• Collect 8–12 new items per week from your book

• Write 5 short sentences using your new words

• Say 5 sentences aloud to practise rhythm and stress

• Review your notes once at the end of the week

Now add level targets. These are practical benchmarks, not strict rules. Many B1 learners feel ready for B2 when they can read faster, understand most dialogue, and write clear paragraphs with fewer grammar breaks. A useful vocabulary target is around +1,000 to +1,500 new usable words and phrases for B1 → B2, then another +1,000 to +1,500 for B2 → C1, focused on collocations and topic language.

Time depends on schedule. With 30–45 minutes on most days, many learners feel a strong jump from B1 to B2 in 3–6 months. B2 to C1 often takes 4–8 months or longer, because advanced accuracy and style need more repetition and feedback.

If you want speed, you might search for how to learn english fast, but the real “fast” path is consistency plus smart review. The question how long does it take to learn english has many answers, yet your daily routine is the part you control.

To keep your learning realistic, focus on three pillars:

• Grammar: Question forms, verb tenses in narration, reported speech, and linking words

• Vocabulary: Collocations, phrasal verbs, and a small set of unusual words you truly own

• Pronunciation: Stress, vowel clarity, and sentence rhythm for confident reading aloud

Some people ask how hard is english to learn. For B1+ learners, the difficulty is usually not basic grammar anymore. It is speed, accuracy under pressure, and natural phrasing.

A Quick Table Of Weird, Useful Words You Can Actually Meet In Books

The value of this table is that it gives you “book-friendly” vocabulary with plain meanings and a pronunciation tip, so you can learn faster and avoid guessing.

Use the table like this: pick two words, find them (or similar words) in your book, then write one sentence that matches the tone of the story.

Pronunciation And Spelling: The Part Most Learners Ignore

Weird-looking words often feel difficult because spelling does not match sound. The key is to learn them as “sound + meaning,” not as letters first. Read the word aloud from the sentence, then repeat it in your own sentence.

This list is useful because it shows simple ways to make pronunciation practice painless:

• Read one page aloud every day, slowly, with clear stress

• Mark the stressed syllable in new words (CAPS or underline)

• Notice silent letters and common patterns (kn-, -tion, -ough, -e at the end)

• Record one minute of yourself and listen once, without judgement

• Copy the rhythm of dialogue, not only the words

For Swiss learners, this can be a big advantage: if you already switch between languages, your ear is trained. Use that skill to notice stress and melody in English, especially in questions and emotional dialogue.

Turning Reading Into A Real Level-Up Plan (B1 To C1)

If your goal is B2, your reading task is clarity and speed. If your goal is C1, your task is style and precision. Either way, your plan should include output.

Here is a structured approach that works well for advanced learners without feeling heavy. This list stands out because it separates goals by level, so you always know what to focus on:

• B1 → B2: Build clean sentence structure, stronger verbs, and stable tenses

• B2 → C1: Build collocations, register control (formal vs casual), and better connectors

• C1: Build tone, humour, irony, and subtle meaning through context

You can also use a vocabulary “budget.” For example, learn 10–12 words per week, but only keep 6 that you can use naturally. This avoids the problem of collecting weird words in the english dictionary without real ownership.

If you want a digital support tool, some learners use Lingua app as a helper for short practice sessions. The important part is not the tool itself, but the habit: read, notice, reuse, and review.