
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.
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]
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.

b. 1875
Best remembered for the comic pen name Gideon Wurdz, this American humorist delighted readers with playful nonsense, mock definitions, and light satire in the early 1900s. His books turn language itself into the joke, giving them a breezy charm that still feels fresh.
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