Ghastly words: suggesting sickness with language

I’m a bit of a word nerd. Maybe it comes with being an avid reader and nascent novelist. While writing A Scarlet Fever, it was a great opportunity to put that to use. I kept a running list of my favourite sickly, icky words that hinted at death and disease.

Now I share those disgusting words with you – I’m generous like that. Enjoy!

(Okay I actually think those little fungi are cute, despite their moist, viscous, oozing slime).

Phlegm

Respiratory mucus (mucus makes the list too).

Why is phleg...