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  • The Foolish Dictionary An exhausting work of reference to un-certain English words, their origin, meaning, legitimate and illegitimate use, confused by a few pictures [not included]
The Foolish Dictionary An exhausting work of reference to un-certain English words, their origin, meaning, legitimate and illegitimate use, confused by a few pictures [not included]

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The Foolish Dictionary An exhausting work of reference to un-certain English words, their origin, meaning, legitimate and illegitimate use, confused by a few pictures [not included]

by Gideon Wurdz

EN·~1 hours·9 chapters

Chapters

9 total
1

The FOOLISH DICTIONARY

0:01
2

An exhausting work of reference to un-certain English words, their origin, meaning, legitimate and illegitimate use, confused by - A FEW PICTURES - By WALLACE GOLDSMITH

0:10
3

Executed by - GIDEON WURDZ - Master of Pholly, Doctor of Loquacious Lunacy, Fellow of the Royal Gibe Society, etc., etc. - Cover designed by E.B. BIRD

0:18
4

To MY DOG, Who first heard these lines And didn't run away MAD, I Reverently Dedicate This Tome

0:06
5

"A Fool may give a Wise Man counsel."

0:02
6

Preface.

1:00:13
7

Postage and Postal Information.

2:10
8

A Few Mythological and Classical Names.

3:38
9

Legal and Local Holidays in the United States.

4:09

Description

A delightfully mischievous take on the world’s most familiar reference tool, this book turns the ordinary dictionary on its head. Instead of solemn definitions, it offers wry, tongue‑in‑cheek explanations that blend etymology with absurdity, inviting readers to giggle at the unexpected origins of everyday words. With only a handful of entries drawn from the half‑million‑word English lexicon, each one becomes a miniature comedy sketch, peppered with sly quotations and playful footnotes.

The author’s flamboyant voice—part scholar, part prankster—guides listeners through a parade of invented histories, from “ABSINTHE” as “to the bad” to “ADVICE” as a commodity only lawyers can sell. Illustrated with quirky sketches, the work feels like a Victorian parlor game brought to life, perfect for anyone who loves language, satire, and a good laugh. Whether you’re a word‑nerd or simply enjoy clever wordplay, the experience promises a series of chuckles that linger long after the page is turned.

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Full title

The Foolish Dictionary An exhausting work of reference to un-certain English words, their origin, meaning, legitimate and illegitimate use, confused by a few pictures [not included] An exhausting work of reference to un-certain English words, their origin, meaning, legitimate and illegitimate use, confused by a few pictures [not included]

Language

en

Duration

~1 hours (68K characters)

Publisher of text edition

Project Gutenberg

Credits

Produced by David Garcia, Michelle Croyle, Jeannie Howse and the Online Distributed Proofreading Team at http://www.pgdp.net

Release date

2007-04-01

Rights

Public domain in the USA.

About the author

Gideon Wurdz

Gideon Wurdz

b. 1875

A newspaper man with a quick wit and a gift for wordplay, this early 20th-century humorist delighted readers with playful mock dictionaries and other comic books. Writing as Gideon Wurdz, he turned everyday language into jokes that still feel light, odd, and inventive.

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