The BFG’s Special Words
One of the great joys of this novel is the BFG’s invented language — called Gobblefunk. He mixes up real words, creates new ones, and communicates with great energy and colour despite his ‘errors’.
| Word/Phrase | Meaning |
|---|
| whizzpopping | The BFG's word for passing wind — a subject of considerable comedy in the novel, especially at the palace. |
| snozzcumber | The revolting vegetable the BFG eats instead of children. It tastes disgusting but is all he can eat with a clear conscience. |
| frobscottle | A fizzy drink the BFG enjoys, where the bubbles go downward instead of up — leading to whizzpopping. |
| scrumdiddlyumptious | Extremely delicious. A classic Dahlian invented superlative that pupils love to use themselves. |
| gobblefunk | The BFG's word for the enjoyment of playing with language and making up new words. |
| gloriumptious | Gloriously wonderful — a blend of 'glorious' and something more. A typical BFG-style positive superlative. |
| human beans | The BFG's term for human beings — a sweet mishearing that makes humans sound somehow edible. |
| nightmare | A bad dream. The BFG collects nightmares as well as good dreams, labelling and cataloguing them. |
Standard Vocabulary
| Word | Meaning |
|---|
| luminous | Giving off or reflecting light; bright and glowing. |
| transparent | Allowing light to pass through so that objects behind can be seen. |
| enormous | Very large; huge. Used constantly to describe the BFG and the world of Giant Country. |
| desolate | Empty and bleak; without people or life. Giant Country is described as desolate. |
| bewildered | Completely puzzled or confused — Sophie feels this often at first. |
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