An Emotional Dictionary

Description

Whether it’s the frustration of a bad haircut (AGE-OTORI), the envy of someone else’s meal (GROAKING), or the delight in another’s happiness (CONFELICITY), there’s a word for every feeling—and Susie Dent, beloved lexicographer and star of Countdown’s Dictionary Corner, is here to help you find it.

In this charming and enlightening book, Dent introduces readers to 1001 unique and expressive words from across languages and centuries. These words capture the full spectrum of human emotion and experience—from the shock of jumping into icy water (CURGLAFF) to the comfort of the perfect hug (CWTCH), and the cathartic relief of swearing (LALOCHEZIA).

But this is more than just a dictionary. It’s a celebration of language’s power to connect, heal, and surprise. With fascinating etymologies, quirky anecdotes, and unexpected origins (like how a stork gave us the word for parental love, or the story behind the first MAVERICK), Dent invites readers to rediscover the lost positives of language and embrace the joy of words.

Whether you’re a language lover, a trivia enthusiast, or someone seeking the right word to express a feeling you’ve never quite been able to name, this book is a treasure trove of linguistic delight. It’s a reminder that words matter—and that the right one can make all the difference