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rackncheese's review against another edition
5.0
As a Linguist and life-long lover of language, this book was like cold water in a desert. But, this is also a book I would recommend to the layperson, non-linguist. It's perfect for experts and novices alike. It was hilarious, informative, and totally a joy to read.
kimball_hansen's review against another edition
3.0
3.5 stars. Jana I'm surprised you haven't read this one. This book is kind of like a parable where much of it is going to go over many people's heads and select few are going to understand its fullest potential. Every word makes its way into the dictionary through constant use. But she doesn't say it like that.
These people who write dictionaries have a much harder job than I thought.
Notes:
I actually like the word irregardless and prefer it over regardless.
Still wished she had finished that anecdote of ugly Pelosi and one of Hugh Heffner's rabbits.
These people who write dictionaries have a much harder job than I thought.
Notes:
I actually like the word irregardless and prefer it over regardless.
Still wished she had finished that anecdote of ugly Pelosi and one of Hugh Heffner's rabbits.
cpopaham's review against another edition
funny
informative
inspiring
lighthearted
reflective
medium-paced
5.0
shirlee2024's review against another edition
5.0
I loved this book, but it isn't for everyone. If you also subscribe to Merriam Webster Unabridged online without company reimbursement, you'll probably love it too. Stamper's sense of humor and way with words make this book a real page-turner.
cooknick's review against another edition
3.0
Recommended for anyone in love with words, words, words.
Originally Posted on Shot Glass Literature: https://shotglasslit.wordpress.com/
Weirdly enough, this is not the first book I’ve read about writing a dictionary. If that fact makes you sad for me, just know that I’m very happy here with my books and my cat, thank you. Word by Word is an ode to the word nerds. Don’t kid yourself – this is a very niche book. You have to have some preexisting interest in lexicography to really appreciate it. But if you do, Merriam-Webster’s Kory Stamper provides humorous and informative insights into dictionary writing and the quirks of English language. From addressing the tremendous task of defining commonplace words (like “take”) to dealing with our emotional connections to words like “bitch” and “marriage,” Stamper shows how society shapes English and English shapes society. Some passages drag as Stamper describes the unglamorous life of a lexicographer – and I still prefer reading words to reading about them – but if you read this book, you’ll never take your dictionary for granted again.
Originally Posted on Shot Glass Literature: https://shotglasslit.wordpress.com/
Weirdly enough, this is not the first book I’ve read about writing a dictionary. If that fact makes you sad for me, just know that I’m very happy here with my books and my cat, thank you. Word by Word is an ode to the word nerds. Don’t kid yourself – this is a very niche book. You have to have some preexisting interest in lexicography to really appreciate it. But if you do, Merriam-Webster’s Kory Stamper provides humorous and informative insights into dictionary writing and the quirks of English language. From addressing the tremendous task of defining commonplace words (like “take”) to dealing with our emotional connections to words like “bitch” and “marriage,” Stamper shows how society shapes English and English shapes society. Some passages drag as Stamper describes the unglamorous life of a lexicographer – and I still prefer reading words to reading about them – but if you read this book, you’ll never take your dictionary for granted again.