About the book
“We think of English as a fortress to be defended, but a better analogy is to think of English as a child. We love and nurture it into being, and once it gains gross motor skills, it starts going exactly where we don’t want it to go: it heads right for the goddamned electrical sockets.”
With wit and irreverence, lexicographer Kory Stamper cracks open the obsessive world of dictionary writing, from the agonizing decisions about what to define and how to do it to the knotty questions of ever-changing word usage.
Filled with fun facts—for example, the first documented usage of “OMG” was in a letter to Winston Churchill—and Stamper’s own stories from the linguistic front lines (including how she became America’s foremost “irregardless” apologist, despite loathing the word), Word by Word is an endlessly entertaining look at the wonderful complexities and eccentricities of the English language.
Editions of Word by Word
- Hardcover
- ISBN 9781101870945
- Paperback
- ISBN 9781101970263
- EBook
- ISBN 9781101870952
- AudioStreaming
- ISBN 9781524776152
- AudioStreaming
- ISBN 9781524776169
Read an Excerpt
“We think of English as a fortress to be defended, but a better analogy is to think of English as a child. We love and nurture it into being, and once it gains gross motor skills, it starts going exactly where we don’t want it to go: it heads right for the goddamned electrical sockets.”
With wit and irreverence, lexicographer Kory Stamper cracks open the obsessive world of dictionary writing, from the agonizing decisions about what to define and how to do it to the knotty questions of ever-changing word usage.
Filled with fun facts—for example, the first documented usage of “OMG” was in a letter to Winston Churchill—and Stamper’s own stories from the linguistic front lines (including how she became America’s foremost “irregardless” apologist, despite loathing the word), Word by Word is an endlessly entertaining look at the wonderful complexities and eccentricities of the English language.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Word by Word about?
“We think of English as a fortress to be defended, but a better analogy is to think of English as a child. We love and nurture it into being, and once it gains gross motor skills, it starts going exactly where we don’t want it to go: it heads right for the goddamned electrical sockets.”
With wit and irreverence, lexicographer Kory Stamper cracks open the obsessive world of dictionary writing, from the agonizing decisions about what to define and how to do it to the knotty questions of ever-changing word usage.
Filled with fun facts—for example, the first documented usage of “OMG” was in a letter to Winston Churchill—and Stamper’s own stories from the linguistic front lines (including how she became America’s foremost “irregardless” apologist, despite loathing the word), Word by Word is an endlessly entertaining look at the wonderful complexities and eccentricities of the English language.
What core themes, tropes, or subjects are explored in Word by Word?
Economics, Finance, Business and Management > Industry and industrial studies > Media, entertainment, information and communication industries > Publishing industry and journalism > Publishing and book trade
Where can I read a sample of Word by Word?
You can read an official preview of the few pages here https://www.book2look.com/book/9781101870945
Who is/are the Author/s of the book Word by Word?
Kory Stamper
What are the ISBN numbers for the physical and digital editions?
Word by Word is available as hardcover(ISBN 9781101870945) and paperback(ISBN 9781101970263) and ebook(ISBN 9781101870952) and audiostreaming(ISBN 9781524776152) and audiostreaming(ISBN 9781524776169)
Where can I buy Word by Word online or support local independent bookshops?
You can buy Word by Word from below
Where can I buy Word by Word?