Historical Fiction Terminology

verb to move closer or approach someone or something

adverb in a manner that indicates moving closer or approaching

• Please come hither so we can discuss the details of the project.
• Hey, come hither and check out this cool video I found.
• Yo, come hither and peep this new track I just dropped.
• The idea of success seems to beckon and say, 'come hither'.

adjective showing a lack of respect in a scornful or insulting manner

• The contumelious remarks made by the speaker were met with disapproval from the audience.
• He couldn't help but make contumelious comments about her outfit.
• She's always throwing contumelious shade at everyone.
• The storm unleashed its contumelious fury upon the small town.

noun a British nobleman ranking above a viscount and below a marquess

• The earl was known for his impeccable manners and sense of duty.
• I heard the earl is throwing a lavish party next weekend.
• That earl dude is always dressed to impress.
• She was the earl of the office, always in charge and respected by all.

adverb indeed; in truth; certainly

interjection used to express surprise or disbelief

• Forsooth, thou art the most honorable knight in all the land.
• Forsooth, I can't believe you actually won that game.
• Forsooth, that party was lit last night.
• Forsooth, the truth shall set you free.

noun a person of the lowest social status, often used as a derogatory term

• The guttersnipe was seen rummaging through the trash cans in the alley.
• That guttersnipe is always causing trouble in the neighborhood.
• I can't believe that guttersnipe stole my bike!
• His behavior at the party was that of a social guttersnipe.

noun a member of a class of serfs in ancient Sparta, intermediate in status between slaves and citizens

• In ancient Sparta, helots were a class of enslaved people who worked the land for the Spartan citizens.
• The helots were responsible for tending to the crops and livestock in Sparta.
• The helots had to do all the dirty work while the Spartans enjoyed their leisure time.
• In modern society, some people feel like helots to their jobs, constantly working without much reward.

adverb to or toward this place

• Please come hither and join us for the meeting.
• Hey, come hither and check out this cool new gadget.
• Yo, hither over here and let me show you something.
• The solution to the problem lies hither, in this section of the report.

noun a derogatory term for a girl or young woman, often implying promiscuity or low social status

• The wench served the guests with grace and poise at the banquet.
• Hey wench, can you pass me the remote?
• That wench over there is always causing drama.
• The ocean waves crashed against the rocks like a wild wench in a storm.

adverb before long; soon

• The project will be completed erelong, as scheduled.
• I'll finish my homework erelong, don't worry.
• I'll be there erelong, just chill.
• The sun will set erelong, signaling the end of the day.