In Bill Bryson's book "The Mother Tongue: English and How it Got That Way," he introduces a unique term, properispomenon, which refers to a specific phonetic feature in words. This term allows one to indicate that a word has a circumflex accent on its penultimate syllable without directly stating it. The word is an interesting example of the complexities and nuances embedded in the English language.

By using terms like properispomenon, Bryson highlights the richness of linguistic terminology, showcasing how language can often convey intricate details through specialized vocabulary. This contributes to a deeper understanding of English's evolution and the myriad influences that shape its current form.