A Winter Dictionary: A Collection of Words for the Festive Season

by Paul Anthony Jones

A wintry collection of words for the festive season from @HaggardHawks author Paul Anthony Jones

Genres: Nonfiction, Christmas, Language

252 pages, Kindle Edition

First published October 24, 2024

Reviews

[Sheila · Rating 3 out of 5]

I received a free copy of, A Winter Dictionary, by Paul Anthony Jones, from the publisher and Netgalley in exchange for an honest review. This book is a dictionary of winter words, most I have never heard of before like: foxing day, feefle, shawm, and barflog. This is an interesting read, I learned a lot of new words.

[Susan]

I really found A Winter Dictionary so interesting. I’m a lover of words so always like to find some I don’t know and work them into my vocabulary and this dictionary allowed me to do that! The word origins are included and there is cross referencing which is helpful. Many of the words are unique and were new to me. I especially enjoyed the section on snow and ice and found some favorites such as pipkrake, meldrop, chibbly and flother. Some of the entries made me laugh out loud! I think anyone with an interest in learning about words or some new words to add into their own vocabulary will enjoy this! Many thanks to NetGalley for the advanced reader copy!

[Stephen the Bookworm · Rating 4 out of 5]

A Winter Dictionary is a delight from start to finish.

In a world where spoken language is evolving but doesn’t often show a richness and variety then this book will certainly add a new dimension to your winters communications.

Whether you are a lexiphile or a logophile or have a general love of language then you will certainly enjoy this seasonal dictionary ..maybe you are a chimonophile (someone who enjoys wintery weather): or enjoy the cotlight ( the warm light seen inside a house on a winter’s night ) and enjoy the warmth and coziness of a fireside - peiskos.

Exploring the vocabulary of different periods of time and history and from different counties and cultures, Paul Anthony Jones has compiled an excellent dictionary - a book to dip into or just enjoy step by step and perfectly divided into seasonal sections of relevance.

A brilliant gift or a book to just savour on your own and then share your discoveries😊

As winter approaches I hope we don’t get a sudden stepmother’s breath that is highly twanking or I will have to slappety pouch myself 😊

[Bibliothecat · Rating 4 out of 5]

Many thanks to NetGalley and the author for providing an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

I'm interested in trivia and linguistics, and as a lover of the winter and Christmas period, A Winter Dictionary seemed like a perfect book to pick up. The structure of the book was generally different from what I expected, but it wasn't necessarily in a bad way and the main content of the book - namely the festive words - fully lived up to my expectations.

For the structure, the book groups the words together thematically. We start at the end of autumn where the cold starts to creep into the cosy season and from there move on through the different stages of the end of the year all the way through to the budding of spring. Some of the words provided aren't strictly speaking winter or Christmas related or even festive, but in the context given, they're definitely all suitable words.

Most of the words are of English origin including various dialects, but there are also a handful of words from other languages. Personally, I would have loved even more words from other languages but it's also perfectly fair enough that this book's focus was on English. The book does also go into quite a bit of detail behind the word origins and often gives examples of how the word or phrase can be used.

There were a few lines and paragraphs where the spacing between words was missing - it was hard to tell whether these were editing mistakes or just something that went wrong with the ebook format. If the former, it would be great to get this fixed. On an entirely personal preference note, I think this would be such a lovely book to have illustrations or decorated pages. I have similar books on other subjects and they often come with illustrations that suit the mood of the words provided. This book is perfectly fine and informative the way it is - had there been illustrations, it would have given it a nice aesthetic bonus to lift it up further.

Here are a few examples of some of my favourite words and phrases found within this book:

Stepmother's Breath - a sudden cold snap
Chimonophile - a lover of wintry weather
Snape - to nip or bite with cold
Dutch Feast - a party at which the host gets drunk before their guests
Greenout - the feeling of gladness or relief that a person who has endured the winter experiences on seeing something fresh and green for the first time

[Alyce King · Rating 4 out of 5]

A thoroughly interesting read - learnt a large number of new words! A delight to pick up on a soggy, dark evening!

[Claudia Magnus · Rating 5 out of 5]

*Thank you NetGalley and Elliott & Thompson for an ARC of this book.

Talk about the opening lines drawing the reader in; this book certainly did this for me. I immediately felt like I was waking up on a cold winter’s day taking my dog out for a walk. This is very well done indeed Mr Jones. Upon reading the introduction it became abundantly clear that like popular slang used amongst teenagers I am not familiar with the vernacular of winter. Naturally my curiosity was piqued instantly.

As an avid reader and graduate of language studies, I knew right away that this book is right up my alley. Little did I know though how wonderfully it was composed. This dictionary manages to create a narrative hidden within the well-structured and organised pages. There is a lot of whimsy fused into the pages of this collection of words; a whimsy that transports the language enthusiast straight into the darker and more magical time of the year.

However, the words also include scientific, religious and rather contemporary words based on profound human needs such as the inability to go to sleep. In fact, reading this dictionary might just explain some of the typical emotions and sensations felt during the winter months and in turn makes the reader feel less alone and isolated. So, in a way, this dictionary can even be seen as a self-help book ;).

One of my favourite elements is the inclusion of poetry/literature to put the word into context. I love all words that could be found in a poem or a medieval verse. Some of my favourites are: akering-time, darkle, sniveler, frost hag, clinkerbell (NOT clinkerballs), feefle, flother, punder, stepmother’s breath, snerdle, mufflements (how cute is this word?), maggle… gosh I could just keep listing my new discoveries here as these words transport me into the English countryside or a fairytale at an instant.

[Goldie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you to the publisher for providing me with an advance copy in exchange for my honest review.

The Winter Dictionary was an enjoyable read that got me in the mood for winter/Christmas (even though summer has only just finished).

In terms of what you can expect.. it’s a dictionary but with a bit more going on to make it more entertaining. Each entry starts with a word in bold, followed by its part of speech and a concise definition. Beneath the definition, there’s often an interesting backstory or further explanation, including the word's origins or etymology, which adds historical or cultural context. And sometimes there’s a quote mixed in to fit the theme of the word. For me personally, I love to see an unexpected Joan Didion quote so this format worked for me!

Also this part surprised me, even as an English person who recognises we all talk about the weather too much: Research has shown that nine out of ten British people will have spoken to someone about the weather within the last six hours (while around a third will have talked about it in the last sixty minutes).

[Laura · Rating 5 out of 5]

Well this was a bundle of cozy joy. I absolutely devoured this in 5 hours.

I finally have words for the things I experience in these cold winter months, and I'm definitely going to be using them at any opportunity I can. Here's some of my favourites:

frost-hag (n.) a freezing mist.

moonbrough (n.) a halo-like circle of mist or cloud surrounding the moon.

chibbly (adj.) crisp and crackly with frost.

cotlight (n.) light seen shining warmly through the window of a house from outside.

fire-scordel (n.) someone - and in particular, a house cat - who sits happily by the fire all day.

feetings (n. pl.) fellow walkers' or animals' tracks left in a field of snow.

snow-bones (n.) the long white lines of untouched snow left on a road between the tracks of vehicles.

There's so many more...and they're all wonderful, whimsical and wintery ❄️🕯️✨

[Jessica · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was incredible. I found myself in the evening, getting the book back out to read my favourites to my husband.

I've already incorporated some into my day to day language and even my children have remembered some I have taught them.

Originally got from the library but I love seasonal books and will be purchasing this one. The beautiful cover helps too. It's my first book by this author and will now read his others. I hope he does more seasonal books.

[🌶 peppersocks 🧦 · Rating 5 out of 5]

Reflections and lessons learned/the content of this book made me feel…

…like singing Christmas tunes and telling everyone about the newly learned words - copies to be purchased for people for next year!

[Alice · Rating 4 out of 5]

4*
I loved this, so many great words to get to know from so many languages and cultures.

'A Winter Dictionary' is a collection of wintry words relating to the festive season, the environment and the emotions that come with this time. The book is divided into 11 chapters, beginning and ending with words for the transitional period into and out of winter. There are chapters for the season's joys: Christmas, New Year and keeping cozy, but also for the period's restlessness and melancholy. The weather-words describe beautiful snows, mists and frosts, but also fierce snowstorms, ice and rain.

I really liked this, and it was a joy to dip into as and when, or to pick a chapter and explore the many descriptive words relating to the central theme. I particularly liked the range of words selected from different time periods and from different ancient and modern languages, from Old Norse, Old English and Latin, to Dutch, Manx and Icelandic.
My favourite word was Powl, with 19th-century origins, meaning "to leave work early to go to the pub"!

I don't really have any complaints about this book! I would really recommend it as a gift to the family logophile.

Thank you very much to Elliott and Thompson and NetGalley for providing an advance reading copy.

[Gilly · Rating 5 out of 5]

Delightfully hits all the right buttons for a word nerd - and a 𝒄𝒉𝒊𝒎𝒐𝒏𝒐𝒑𝒊𝒍𝒆, at that - like me.

[Joanne Ellis · Rating 4 out of 5]

*Paul Anthony Jones’ A Winter Dictionary is a delightful and charming exploration of the English language, uncovering the forgotten, rare, and sometimes whimsical words that bring the winter season to life. Known for his fascination with etymology and his knack for uncovering obscure words, Jones takes readers on a frosty linguistic journey that invites us to rediscover how language can capture the magic, beauty, and even harshness of winter.

Structured like a lexicon, A Winter Dictionary collects dozens of unusual words, each perfectly suited to describe the nuances of winter in ways most of us never imagined. From poetic terms like “frost-dogs” (tiny frozen snow particles that shimmer in the cold air) to the playful “crapulent” (the feeling of post-indulgence malaise, particularly relevant after festive feasting), Jones’ selections add depth to the way we experience the season. The book taps into the wonder of winter’s unique qualities—cold snaps, quiet snowfall, and festive indulgences—with words that feel as though they’ve been plucked from a long-lost winter storybook.

One of the joys of A Winter Dictionary is the way Jones not only introduces readers to these words but also delves into their etymology and cultural origins. For example, the term “stepmother’s breath”—used to describe a sudden, biting cold snap—carries with it a historical and cultural weight, evoking folk traditions and the personification of the season’s harshness. By contextualizing the history behind these terms, Jones invites readers to see how language has always been shaped by our environment, and how words have been used to capture winter’s icy grip for centuries.

Jones’ love for language shines through in his vivid, descriptive prose. His writing manages to make this collection of words feel more like an evocative journey through the season than a dry academic reference. As readers flip through pages filled with frosty metaphors and forgotten expressions, they will be struck by how these words paint vivid pictures of a winter long past, yet still recognizable today. Whether it’s the comforting idea of a “hibernaculum” (a winter refuge) or the chill of “gelicide” (killing frost), each entry offers its own glimpse into how winter shapes human experience.

Beyond being a lexicographical treasure trove, A Winter Dictionary is also perfect for readers who love to revel in the seasonal spirit. Whether you’re curled up by a fire, watching snow fall outside your window, or embracing the festive rush of the holidays, this book is an ideal companion to help articulate the moods and moments of the colder months. It’s easy to imagine quoting some of these words over mulled wine or bringing them into conversation during a snow-covered stroll, transforming everyday winter observations into something far more poetic.

While the book is brimming with fascinating discoveries, some readers may find the dictionary-like format better suited for dipping into than reading in one sitting. However, this is also part of its charm—each word is like a little snowflake, something to savor slowly.

In conclusion, A Winter Dictionary by Paul Anthony Jones is a wonderful celebration of both winter and language. For lovers of words, folklore, and the magic of the cold season, this book offers a unique and enchanting perspective on how we describe and understand winter. It serves as a reminder that language is not only functional but deeply expressive, and that even in the darkest, coldest months, there is warmth and wonder to be found in words. Perfect for book lovers, logophiles, and anyone looking to enhance their winter vocabulary, A Winter Dictionary is a cozy and engaging read for the season.

[The Sassy Bookworm · Rating 4 out of 5]

Book Review: A Winter Dictionary: A Collection of Words for the Festive Season by Paul Anthony Jones

Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Hey there, fellow book lovers! I just finished reading A Winter Dictionary: A Collection of Words for the Festive Season by Paul Anthony Jones, and I’m excited to share my thoughts. This isn’t your typical dictionary; it’s a delightful dive into the rich vocabulary that beautifully encapsulates the winter season.

As the chilly nights creep in and winter starts to weave its magic, this book presents a treasure trove of unique words that perfectly capture the essence of the season. From quirky terms like "frost-dogs" (those adorable little frozen snowflakes) to "Stepmother's breath" (a sudden, frosty chill that makes you shiver), Jones takes us on a journey through language that’s both fascinating and fun. He even introduces us to "hibernaculum," which, let’s be honest, is just a fancy word for a cozy winter hideaway. And who can forget "crapulent"? You know, that feeling you get after enjoying one too many festive treats!

What I really appreciated about this book is the way it’s structured. Each entry kicks off with a word in bold, followed by its part of speech and a neat definition. But here’s where it gets interesting: Jones doesn’t stop there! Each definition is paired with backstories and etymological nuggets that add depth and context. Sometimes, there’s even a fitting quote that ties everything together. It feels more like storytelling than just flipping through a reference book.

The collection is thoughtfully divided into 11 chapters, starting and ending with transitional winter terms. There are sections dedicated to celebrating the joys of the season—think Christmas and New Year—as well as chapters that touch on the more restless and melancholic emotions that can surface during these colder months. And let’s not forget the weather words! From enchanting snowfalls to fierce ice storms, Jones covers it all.

I found myself dipping into this book whenever I had a spare moment, exploring each chapter at my own pace. The diversity of words from various time periods and languages—Old Norse, Old English, Latin, Dutch, and more—kept me engaged and eager to learn more about the origins of these terms. It’s like a cozy blanket of words wrapped around me during those chilly evenings!

In conclusion, A Winter Dictionary is a charming blend of education and entertainment that will warm your heart (and maybe your vocabulary) this festive season. If you're looking for a unique way to embrace the winter months, I highly recommend picking up this delightful read. It’s perfect for those cozy fireside evenings or when you just want to ponder the beauty of winter through the lens of language. Happy reading!

⚠️This review was written based on personal opinions and experiences with the book. Individual preferences may vary⚠️

[Joanne · Rating 5 out of 5]

As someone who is a real word geek and fascinated by etymology, I’ve read several of Paul Anthony Jones’ books before and am an avid follower of his Haggard Hawks alter-ego on social media. I’m also someone who loves winter and always hopes for snow. So his latest book, A Winter Dictionary, definitely appealed to me.

The book does follow the style of a dictionary with words in alphabetical order but the book is split into chapters roughly following the season’s progress from late Autumn into early Spring. At the beginning of each chapter, Jones explains the theme for that chapter. Every word has its definition, a little about its origins if known, which part of the world it is thought to come from and often includes an example of the word in its original context.

I found it so interesting that many of the words are so regional and would never have been known outside the local area. Certainly I recognised some of the Scots words but the vast majority of words and phrases in this book were new to me. Even though they are now seldom if ever used, they have all been considered important enough in the past to be recorded which thankfully means they haven’t disappeared entirely. I think we should have a campaign to bring some back into everyday use!

I’m going to share just a few of the words which particularly caught my fancy:

Cosmognosis – the instinctive force that tells an animal when and where to migrate. This is something I find fascinating.

Momijigari – the Japanese custom of visiting forests in Autumn to look at the changing foliage. This is a word that could have been invented for me. I am a huge lover of Autumn and always enjoy walking in woods in Autumn time admiring the beautiful colours.

Hogamadog – a ball of snow made larger by rolling it through a snowfield. You know, like when you make a snowman!

Old-fashioned – a winter bringing heavy snow. I found this particularly interesting given our current concerns with climate change as this is a word from the early 19th century when the people then were looking back at colder winters.

St Andrew’s blast – a period of late autumn frost and snow that tends to fall around St Andrew’s Day. This is very appropriate given St Andrew’s Day is approaching as I write this.

I’m very grateful to the publishers for allowing me to read an early digital copy through Netgalley. However, I do feel this is a book that you will want to have a physical copy of. Just look how beautiful the cover is! It’s absolutely an ideal Christmas gift for the logophile and chionophile* in your life. Let the snow fall outside, grab a blanket and snuggle up by the fire with this fascinating book.

*chionophile – Someone who loves snow and cold weather. The word comes from the Greek words khiōn, meaning snow, and phile, meaning lover of. The word also be used to refer to animals, plants, or fungi that have adapted to survive harsh winters.

[Joanne Bough · Rating 4 out of 5]

A Winter Dictionary is about the magic and mystery of language. This novel is uncovering lost words and brings together a selection of wintry terms from different cultures, time periods, and regions. Some are familiar yet carry a forgotten depth, while others are so rare that they almost feel like secret treasures. The book is filled with words that express the nuances of winter in ways that modern language sometimes struggles to convey.
This dictionary has the ability to provoke deep reflection about the relationship between words and our environment. For instance, reading about specific terms for the many kinds of snow or frost in languages like Inuit or Scots makes you consider how intimately language is tied to our surroundings. Each word opens a window into how different cultures perceive and interact with the natural world.
Beyond the words themselves, they provide thoughtful context, often weaving in folklore, history, and literary references that deepen your appreciation of winter. The narrative that accompanies each word gives so much meaning, turning what could be a simple list into a rich exploration of human experience and memory.
What’s most striking about A Winter Dictionary is how it elevates everyday moments. Suddenly, the act of noticing frost on your window or feeling the bite of a cold wind becomes infused with a deeper meaning. The book encourages mindfulness, asking us to pay attention to the world around us, to notice the subtleties of the season and appreciate how language can enrich that awareness.
A Winter Dictionary is a thought-provoking, with a deeper meaning on the power of words and the season they describe. This is a book for anyone who loves language, who enjoys the beauty of the changing seasons, or who simply wants to slow down and reflect on the world in a more nuanced, poetic way. It’s a reminder that words can shape how we experience the world around us, and that even in the depths of winter, there is warmth to be found in language.
Thank you to NetGalley and Elliot & Thompson for the advanced copy in exchange for an honest review.

[Jaffareadstoo · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love words, their solid beauty and the way in which language has evolved over time. To have a winter dictionary seems like the perfect idea especially when it’s written and presented in such a lovely way. These books, by this talented wordsmith, are always beautifully presented, from the tactile nature of the beautiful book cover to the immersive, educational and downright fascinating information found within its pages.

The contents are nicely divided into eleven clear chapters which take us from the changing seasons, through winter storms, ice and snow and further towards Christmas Day and into the snow melts of a new year. The words are well explained and placed in context, all evoke a strong sense of time and place whilst at the same time explaining the meaning of words, all perfectly appropriate, many of which I had never heard before. Some made me smile, some words, no longer in common usage, just seemed really perfect and made me wonder why we had stopped using them and then, of course, there’s the local variations, specific dialect and the gradual evolution of words and phrases which are very much part of our ancestry.

This is definitely the most perfect wintery read, it’s one of those gently fascinating sorts of books which you can just dip into and out of it at whim and by merely opening a page at random you will discover something fascinating you never knew you needed to know.

[H Noss · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love dictionaries. I love winter. This was the perfect book to start my December with.

Reading A Winter Dictionary, I was overwhelmed with how many words were either related to winter or with winter holidays, and I'm thrilled with the information found inside. I found potential writing prompts to use for writing exercises, I found words I want to use myself, and I found incredibly interesting etymological links to follow.

This is a gift for your writer friend who wants to use winter to write more. Give them this book and let them go wild. Encourage them to expand their vocabulary or just flick through it to find a word to write about!

Many of the words are of Old English, Scottish, Latin, and Greek etymological roots, so if your friend is also keen on those languages, or uses them as inspiration, they will love this, I promise.

I need the author and publisher to create A Spring Dictionary, A Summer Dictionary, and An Autumn Dictionary (a shame it breaks the mould) in the future too, please!

Thanks to the publisher and NetGalley for the ARC!

[Shari · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a fun collection of words related to all things winter, starting with the end of autumn transition to early winter and ending with the late winter transition into spring. In between there are chapters devoted to various aspects of winter, such as the weather as experienced both outside and from the inside, festive holiday rituals and activities, landscape, and more. It's a delightful assemblage of words, some relatively new, some old, and some archaic. Each entry includes the word, its part of speech, its earliest known use, a definition, and often amusing examples. There's a word list in the back. As someone who loves winter and finds that it always goes by too fast, I loved diving into this winter wonderland of words and could see myself going back to the book again and again at all times of the year. Whether you're a lover of winter, a lover of words, or both, this is a book to appreciate.

I thank NetGalley, the publisher, and the author for a digital review copy.

[Sue Hill · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is such a perfect book as we head into winter. Who knew that there were so many words to describe all the wintery things that we never had a word for. Paul Anthony Jones is a wonderful wordsmith who has collected together the most beautiful words to describe all aspects of winter. This book is ideal for those cold winter evenings when you can dip into a world of descriptive words to suit your mood.
The author not only gives us such wonderful words such as crapulent and darkle but he delves into the origins of these words and phrases many of which have been lost over the years. By introducing the history of these words he brings them to life and gives thought and power to them. It helps you to appreciate the narrative of different cultures and languages.
This book has a charm all of its own and will make winter walks all the more magical as we look for frost dogs in the cold air. Beautiful, thought provoking, one to be enjoyed again and again by all the family

[Rachel N · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a beautiful collection of words long forgotten that relate to winter. Each word gets a brief definition and placing in time and geographical area, then goes more fully into the meaning of the word and how it was used. There are some beautiful old words that it would be lovely to see back in use (‘filipendulous’ means hanging by a thread; ‘huckmuck’ for frustration at things being out of place; ‘darkle’ meaning to become gradually darker, so the nights drawing in). Each word is really brought out by the author to give it life and provide a glimpse of the life and times of those who used them. Since the words are about winter, there’s a rally cosy feel to it too – this would be a beautiful Christmas present for anyone with an interest in words.

Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for an advance copy in return for an honest review.

[Kira K · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily. This was an educational read and I found a few words to describe things I have noticed or experienced but have never had a name for before such as frigolabile and meteorotropism and I was especially interested in learning some more words from my own heritage (Scots Gaelic). The abbreviation list at the beginning is helpful for those who haven’t used a dictionary in a while (abbreviation for slang and phrase) and helpful to me to make sure I was interpreting the country/origin correctly/ I liked the traditional dictionary bit in bold then a more in depth explanation provided below to help me better understand the word and found that the word finder is great as I will definitely remember some and forget their meaning.

[Lucy · Rating 5 out of 5]

I'm interested in words and where they come from so I requested this ARC on NetGalley. As it's a dictionary, I didn't really read it all in one go, but read it in bits and pieces over two winters. But I had a delightful time with it, the words were strange and unusual, but sometimes familiar, and the descriptions of their meanings, where they came from and the possible changes the words may have had been common usage to modern day was fascinating.

There isn't much to say about this book, it is exactly what it says on the cover. Chapters range from festive drinking to when winter starts to turn into spring, and the way it's set up, it's perfect to dip into these cold, wintery nights. I know someone who would love this for a present and I'm already thinking about buying it for them for Christmas.

[Tania · Rating 4 out of 5]

A delightful look at some words associated with winter. Most of them are dialect words or words that have fallen out of use, so there are plenty of new words to learn.

The words have been divided into separate categories, so there are ones on the changing season, Ice and Snow, Keeping Cosy, Party Season, and many others.

Some of my favourites were
Boo helly - 5th day before Christmas.
Darkle - the nights drawing in.
Peiskos - a feeling of business that comes from sitting by the fire
Foxing Day - a day that turns out finer than expected.
Subnivium - the ecosystem found beneath the snow..

There are many more to enjoy here.

*Many thanks to Netgalley and the publishers for a copy in exchange for an honest opinion.*

[Paper Privateer · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you love words, both nearly extinct and ones that you could add to your vocabulary for a cold winter morning, this is a delightful book. While some of the words aren’t particularly useful, there’s a sense of whimsy and wonder that comes from seeing such a large collection of wintery words.

My favorite thing about this dictionary was the breadth of time periods, countries, cultures and experiences the words come from. I would have enjoyed seeing some more words from other languages, but I loved the ones I got in the book. I love etymology, so I enjoyed the word origins and the humorous way some of the words were explained.

This is a fun book to just browse through or to look through more deeply.

[Erin Elizabeth · Rating 4 out of 5]

I am a nerd in that I love learning word origins or looking up new words for things that aren't used in today's everyday vernacular. I really liked this one as a cozy reference book. Not necessarily a page turner by any means but certainly a conversation starter or something to go to every once and while when curiosity is piqued. The one thing I really wish this book had that was missing was a phonetic spelling of the word so one not familiar with it could know how to pronounce it. Overall though, it was educational, ethereal, and very interesting!

Thank you NetGalley for an ebook version of this publication in exchange for an honest review.

[Kelly Hollingworth · Rating 5 out of 5]

When I was growing up and learning to read someone wise told me that I should strive to learn at least one new word in every book I read. This book has new words in abundance! A perfect read for colder days and nights, wrapped up in a blanket or by a log fire with a hot beverage, this book immerses the reader in wonderful wintery words. Brilliant, unusual words like frigostable, belsnickel, yule-gut and clinkerbell! Many made me smile and all were very interesting. I love the season of winter and the book celebrates it perfectly. I enjoyed the structure of the thematic chapters and appreciated the research that the author has clearly carried out to create such a book.

[Dr. des. Siobhán · Rating 4 out of 5]

*I received an ARC via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review. Thanks for the free book.*

"A Winter Dictionary" is a wonderful collections of words connected to, as the title hints at, winter. I am fascinated by the linguistic variety (and also geographic specificity) and I enjoyed this book. You should not plan on reading it in one go, but to rather enjoy bits and pieces of it. Wonderful!

4 stars because I read it too fast and that was a bit exhausting. You need to give this book time. And early winter is the best time to read it, I believe.

[Fiona Henderson · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a perfect winter reading companion and an ideal coffee table book that can be easily picked up and referred to. I learned so many new words from different dialects, and even revisited some old ones from my own dialect (Scots) that I haven’t heard in years.

I like how this book is separated into sections relating to different parts of winter, i.e. the Christmas period and New Year, and describes words associated with each in an interesting way and with well researched descriptions.

[Jane · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was asked to review this interesting book for NetGalley.

This would make a really interesting book for Christmas 2024.

This is a really fascinating book that I will keep on the coffee table this Festive period as I learn new words and phrases relating to winter.

I love english, history and this I was really transported in the bleak midwinter.

Truly inspiring loved it.