fako
n.— «The usual method for working the “fako” is quite ingenious. The “faker” happens to be in front of a person on the street just at the right time to quietly drop the ring and then pick it up in a way that attracts the victim’s attention.» —“The ‘Faker’ Tribe” Chicago Tribune June 20, 1881. (source: Double-Tongued Dictionary)
Further reading
While compiling the Oxford English Dictionary, lexicographer James Murray exchanged hundreds of letters a week with authors, advisors, and volunteer researchers. A new collection online lets you eavesdrop on discussions about which words should be...
The adjective buccal refers to “pertaining to the cheek,” as in a buccal muscle of the face. The Latin word for “cheek” bucca also led to Latin buccula, “the cheek strap of a metal helmet,” then to a...