A review by benjaminemoats
Word Perfect: Etymological Entertainment For Every Day of the Year by Susie Dent

5.0

This was probably the most fun nonfiction book I’ve read. A book entirely about words could seem hit or miss, but this was super interesting. For every day of the year, Susie Dent talks about a related phrase or word and dives into its etymology. For example, “stealing someone’s thunder” refers to a man who quite literally stole a stage effect that sounds like thunder to use in his play. “Turning a blind eye” originated with the partially blind admiral Horatio Nelson being unable to see a ship coming from his side. I also learned lots of fun words like “crambazzled” and “hurkle-durkle”. It probably helps that I have a short attention span and like learning random facts. This book has piqued my interest in etymology.