Jane Solomon is an American lexicographer and she has compiled the most wonderful collection of strange and beguiling words. I love this book! It has words in it for all ages. I’m a cat lover but I didn’t realise that makes me an ‘ailurophile’.
There are words for our times: “kakistocracy” = government ruled by the worst people…
Words that will become instant favourites: “lollapalooza” a person or thing that is highly impressive…
Words to reserve for a special put-down” “ultracrepidarian” someone who has big opinions about things they know nothing about…
There are no very rude words and a commendable avoidance of patronising gutter humour.
“Vomitorium” is simply described as what it is, a passageway to a Roman amphitheatre.
It is splendidly designed and illustrated. One of the best non-fiction books of 2019. Do yourself a favour and hunt it out.
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