A supplemental reference provides an offbeat source of unusual, obscure, and very legitimate English language terms, clearly and whimsically defined for the benefit of those needing "just the right word."
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Book Description
Editorial Reviews
Amazon.com Review
First it must be known that all 6000 weird words lovingly compiled by Mrs. Byrne are "real" English words, legitimized by at least one major dictionary. That said, the inclusions are delightfully ludicrous, unfailingly obscure and often sadly missing from common parlance. The English language seems the poorer without "furfuraceous" (covered with dandruff), "omphaloskepsis" (meditation while gazing at one's navel) or "blabagogy" (a criminal environment). It's the most addictively interesting dictionary imaginable.
--This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.
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Customer Reviews
Most Helpful Customer Reviews
13 of 13 people found the following review helpful
By M. E. Volmar
Format:Hardcover
This informative, well-researched, very interesting, unique reference presents the meaning of 6000 of the most outlandish, eccentric, and strange legitimate words that are part of our English language. Each word's definition is clearly and fully explained, complete with its pronunciation and sometimes even a reference to its language of origin.
This comprehensive volume is a wonderful resource for trivia enthusiasts and people who just love words, language and slang, and it's perfect for offhanded browsing.
So, if you want to know if you've ever jargogled, marmarized or edulcolated anything, if anyone you know is psittaceous, valgus or a gobemouche, or what a diplasiasmus, a krobylos or lares and penates are, then this is the book for you.
Although most of the words contained in this volume are not fit for use in everyday conversations, this is still a fun way to discover new words with precise, astonishing and even outrageous meanings.
Overall, this book is a delightful, entertaining source of curious words and intriguing terms just waiting to be found.
--Reviewed by M. E. Volmar
This comprehensive volume is a wonderful resource for trivia enthusiasts and people who just love words, language and slang, and it's perfect for offhanded browsing.
So, if you want to know if you've ever jargogled, marmarized or edulcolated anything, if anyone you know is psittaceous, valgus or a gobemouche, or what a diplasiasmus, a krobylos or lares and penates are, then this is the book for you.
Although most of the words contained in this volume are not fit for use in everyday conversations, this is still a fun way to discover new words with precise, astonishing and even outrageous meanings.
Overall, this book is a delightful, entertaining source of curious words and intriguing terms just waiting to be found.
--Reviewed by M. E. Volmar
10 of 10 people found the following review helpful
By A Customer
Format:Paperback
My copy of Mrs. Byrne's Dictionary is, by far, the most dilapidated, dog-eared, written-upon and coffee-stained book now in my possession.
It is not because I hate the book that I have so thoroughly destroyed it. It is, rather, the fact that I refer to it all the time, and take copious notes -- which wind up all over its pages.
If you love words, this is the book I would recommend. You will find an inexhaustible supply of some of the most arcane and ludibund words in our language within these pages.
A great gift for the rantallion in us all!
Dave Beckwith
Founder/President
Charlotte Internet Society
It is not because I hate the book that I have so thoroughly destroyed it. It is, rather, the fact that I refer to it all the time, and take copious notes -- which wind up all over its pages.
If you love words, this is the book I would recommend. You will find an inexhaustible supply of some of the most arcane and ludibund words in our language within these pages.
A great gift for the rantallion in us all!
Dave Beckwith
Founder/President
Charlotte Internet Society
10 of 11 people found the following review helpful
By John Parsons
Format:Paperback
A wonderful resource for logophiles who have already searched through a standard unabridged dictionary. If you love words, you will love this book.
Most Recent Customer Reviews
2.0 out of 5 stars
"Valuable Vocabulary with a Didactic Miscalculation"
Mrs. Byrne's dictionary is indeed rich with useful and uncommon terms. In a quick at random browsing through the dictionary I checked and compared Byrane's headwords to other... Read more
Published 8 months ago by R.G.
5.0 out of 5 stars
Can we have this book on the Kindle app for the world please?
This book is being discussed on the radio, and whilst there are others, I think this would sell as an eBook, as it sounds such a delight.
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Published 12 months ago by Dawn Oz
5.0 out of 5 stars
The MUST HAVE book of the 18th Century
I love this book. Every writer should own a copy. It's fun to read, fun to play with. Mrs. B takes you into the land of forgotten words. How many of us know what gamophobia means? Read more
Published 18 months ago by EddieIturbi
5.0 out of 5 stars
An Entertaining, Wonderful Source of Little-Known but Interesting...
Whether you are a sectary compiler of sesquipedelian logisms or simply wish to eschew obfuscation, here is an entertaining collection of words of the English language you are... Read more
Published on December 26, 2009 by Daniel L. Berek
3.0 out of 5 stars
Fun with Words!
I have always loved words and the stranger the better. Mrs. Byrnes Dictionary is a delight for any language aficionado. Read more
Published on November 12, 2009 by Diane L. Cass
5.0 out of 5 stars
Cecil's recommendation
Slightly worn but in great shape considering it's age. Learned of this text from straightdope.com and worth every penny.
Published on July 19, 2008 by David Allen Zeigler
5.0 out of 5 stars
If you see it, buy it!!!! A must-have for word lovers.
Etymology is a guilty pleasure of mine-- and this book is the guiltiest of them all! Deliciously obscure words all at my fingertips...what more could i ask for. Read more
Published on February 11, 2008 by Jessica Swan
5.0 out of 5 stars
The most fun you can have with a book which isn't about sex!
I was given an earlier printing of this book when I first learned to read, and I think it has something to do with my childhood nickname of "Dictionary Breath. Read more
Published on August 29, 2007 by Peter A. List
5.0 out of 5 stars
Terrific Book - Buy one if you can!
I own two worn-out copies, because I enjoy this book too much to be without. Before buying my first copy of Mrs. Read more
Published on August 9, 2007 by Jackson Arthur
5.0 out of 5 stars
More Than Advertised
The book, which I love, was in excellent condition. I was surprised by the speed of delivery. Thanx.
Published on July 3, 2007 by Chuck A. Boyer
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