Word Perfect: Curious Coinages and Etymological First Aid For Every Day of the Year

Susie Dent is a one-off. She breathes life and fun into words and language Pam Ayres Lexicographer and all-round word expert queen of Countdowns Dictionary Corner for over twenty years; regular columnist for the Independent Radio Times and The Week Susie Dent is a national treasure. Her warm witty tweets reintroducing us to the words that we all need more in our lives from scurryfunge (frantically tidying up by shoving things into a cupboard just before visitors arrive) to apricity (the warmth of the sun on a winters day) are among the internets most shared - now shes turning them into a linguistic almanac. From 1 January to 31 December the reader will discover a curious coinage or a fascinating etymological fact linked that particular day -- from the dramatic true story behind stealing someones thunder to the original Jack the Lad. Word Perfect. gathers all her very best discoveries from the true origin of freelancer which comes from knights who were FREE to use their LANCE for whoever paid most rather than being tied to a single lord. (Also secretaries kept your SECRETS so were SECRETries). Sticks and stones should probably be still avoided but words especially in the hands of Susie Dent will never hurt you. We dont have to choose the negative Word Perfect offers a vivid reminder that you can be gruntled ruthful couth ruly kempt pecunious toward whelmed and full of gorm. And we all need a bit more of that in our lives