More intriguing words:
Booby: The word has two different meanings. The first is a seabird in the genus Sula, part of the family Sulidae. The second is an awkward foolish person, a dope. Its origin, according to Merriam-Webster, is the Spanish bobo, from Latin balbus—stammering—probably of imitative origin.
Next, wench. According to Oxford Languages, “wench” is a girl or young woman. The term also means a lewd woman or prostitute. It’s origin is Middle English wenche, short for wenchel meaning child, from Old English wencel; akin to Old High German wankōn,to totter, waver and probably to Old High German winchan, to stagger.
Dope: The word has a variety of meanings. Primary among them are a thick sticky material (as one used to make pipe joints tight); an illegal, habit-forming, or narcotic drug; a stupid person; and information. Merriam-Webster says that the etymology of dope is Dutch doop, sauce, from dopen, to dip; akin to Old English dyppan, to dip.
Palpable: capable of being touched or felt. The word originated in late Middle English and is still with us. It derives from late Latin palpabilis, from Latin palpare, to feel, to touch gently.
Mug: Once again, here is a word with multiple definitions. As a noun, it means a cylindrical drinking cup, the face or mouth of a person, fool or blockhead, a punk or thug, or a person easily deceived. As a verb, it means to pose or make faces, especially to attract attention or for a camera; or to assault usually with intent to rob. The word has been with us since the early 16th century. It originated in Scotland and northern England, denoting an earthenware bowl. It is apparently related to Dutch mok, Low German muck, mukke, Swedish mugg, and to Norwegian mugge, meaning to open can or jug.
More when the spirit moves me.
Tom Glenn, Writer 