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Word Watching

Word Watching One Man's Quest for Linguistic Immortality

Paperback (07 Jul 2011)

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Publisher's Synopsis

Alex Horne loves words. He loves them so much, in fact, that he's gone on a mental safari and invented some of his own ... all he needs to do now is get them into the dictionary.
But, as Alex discovers, gaining entry into the official lexicon takes more than just a gentle word in the ear of the editor. Evidence is required - Alex needs what the dictionary authorities call a 'corpus' of examples, hard data showing that his new words are in widespread and long-term usage by people other than just him and his mum. So a corpus he resolves to create, no matter what obstacles he might meet on the way. This is the ridiculous story of one man's struggle to break into the dictionary. From covert word-dropping on Countdown to wilfully misinforming young schoolchildren, Alex tries it all in his quest for word-based stardom. Does he succeed? Exactly what is a 'mental safari'? And are you already using one of Alex's words without realising it? You won't regret spending your hard-earned honk on this hugely entertaining book.

About the Publisher

Virgin Books

Our list is a diverse and far-reaching one. Primarily a non-fiction house, we publish across a broad range of subjects from popular science, humour and biography to health and lifestyle, TV tie-ins, sport and reference. We also publish a small dark-fiction list and series fiction. Our aim is to publish innovative, high-quality and commercial titles that make a difference. We also have a strong and exciting backlist containing names such as Charles Bukowski and Spike Milligan.

Book information

ISBN: 9780753515754
Publisher: Ebury Publishing
Imprint: Virgin Books
Pub date:
DEWEY: 422
DEWEY edition: 22
Language: English
Number of pages: 328
Weight: 234g
Height: 197mm
Width: 127mm
Spine width: 23mm