The Roots We Share: 100 words to bring us together

by Susie Dent

Susie Dent, bestselling author, broadcaster and word expert, is on a mission to find light in the deepest, darkest corners of our language.

It takes just a short browse through the dictionary to spot how it is filled with negative words. But Susie has searched far and wide to unearth happy and uplifting words and phrases that, in some cases, are long forgotten, while others have only just been discovered.

Paired with beautiful illustrations, this is the perfect book to lift you out of your mubble fubbles (a slightly sad mood), make you grin like a gigglemug (someone who never stops smiling), and have you chortling (laughing) away in no time.

This joyous collection of 100 positive words and their origins will show readers young and old just how wonderful language can be - and how you can use your words to make the world a happier place.

Genres: Nonfiction, Language, Reference, History, Art, Poetry

128 pages, Hardcover

Published January 6, 2026

About the author

Dent was educated at the Marist Convent in Ascot, an independent Roman Catholic day school. She went on to Somerville College, Oxford for her B.A. in modern languages, then to Princeton University for her master's degree in German.

Dent is serves as the resident lexicographer and adjudicator for the letters rounds on long-running British game show Countdown. At the time she began work on Countdown in 1992, she had just started working for the Oxford University Press on producing English dictionaries, having previously worked on bilingual dictionaries.

Reviews

[Margaret Wakeling · Rating 4 out of 5]

A book to keep close by so that you can browse whilst having a cup of tea/coffee. It should bring a smile into your life.

[Pauline Reid · Rating 5 out of 5]

I picked this out at random via Bolinda Audio as an Audiobook.

Duration time - 1 hr, 20 minutes, so it's a short one readers.

We have had some very drab wintery days here, with dense fog and I found listening to this put me in a lighter mood since the sun wasn't shining as much, so a good one to pick up during winter, or just to jump start the day in the mornings.

It's been put in the children's genre, which I'm not doing as it certainly didnt seem to me childish.

Susie Dent reads it herself and has a lovely voice.

The blurb says

This is the perfect book to lift you out of your mubble fubbles (a slightly sad mood), make you grin like a gigglemug (someone who never stops smiling), and have you feeling forblissed (extremely happy) in no time.

And I do believe this is true.

Definitely a five star read.

[Erika · Rating 5 out of 5]

An absolute gem of a book, a treasure trove of words of old and more recent, all which are beautifully illustrated by Harriet Hobday, while Susie explains their meaning.
One to have on the coffee table, ready to hand at any time.

[jazz milsom · Rating 5 out of 5]

Here I am sobbing on christmas because I have never wanted to climb into a book more. The passion in the words and illustration make me want to hug everyone I see. This book has my heart. Susie dent and Harriet hobday you are Queens and geniuses

[Gini · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is fantastic!! If you love languages and the origins of words this is an incredible collection of words that make you smile, feel happy all the while learning the history of their origins and adding to your vocabulary something positive :)

[Ruby Rainbow · Rating 4 out of 5]

I read this on Borrowbox, and was delighted by the beautiful illustrations. I must get a physical copy.
The details of the origins of words is fascinating. I learned some very positive and beautiful new words from the book.

[Jo · Rating 5 out of 5]

Such a beautiful book; both the illustrations and the words and stories behind their origins. This has been a nighttime ritual for a few months, to savour it and just read a couple of pages before bed.

[LudmilaM · Rating 4 out of 5]

Beautiful & uplifting

[Ruby · Rating 4 out of 5]

Such a nice book and genuinely interesting

[Rod MacLeod · Rating 5 out of 5]

Just a delight - it makes you smile just to read it

[Beachcomber · Rating 4 out of 5]

A beautiful and interesting collection of words that either describe happy things or make us happy saying them, and with beautiful illustrations. I learnt a few new words, which is always good!

[Emma-Lee Conner · Rating 5 out of 5]

A beautiful book

[Suzanne Henry · Rating 5 out of 5]

Beautiful book Beautiful pictures . It is a book that I will dip into regularly especially when I need some me time

[Michaela · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is amazing. It’s so beautiful, both the writing and the illustrations. It was interesting and made me laugh and there’s so many words i want to start using. I think I’m going to keep re-reading it through the year to remind myself of the words. It’s a lovely book - everyone needs a copy.

[Susan · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a fun book. Beautifully illustrated. Many of the words are archaic, so not acceptable words for someone like me who is a Scrabble fanatic. (That was the only part that was a little frustrating about it.)

[Jon S · Rating 4 out of 5]

A nice, if short, book of 100 words that have left (or at least aren't so frequently used in) the English lexicon.

An entertaining listen, and read by the author clearly. Some amusing words to bring back!

[Elliott James Fraser · Rating 4 out of 5]

A quite delightful book. This book saved an otherwise horrible Christmas.
I have read this book over and over multiple times and it always brings me joy.
Which reminds me I need to seek out more books by Susie Dent.

[Alicia Lovely · Rating 1 out of 5]

I wouldn’t recommend this one. I found it pretty pointless & it’s not something I would ever find myself referring back to.

[Sophie Crane · Rating 5 out of 5]

Such an inspired book with something for all ages. Always brings a smile to anyone's face.

[Sammy · Rating 5 out of 5]

A really cute book, liked the words Zephyr, soss and Nefelibata the best! 4.5/5

[Chloe · Rating 4 out of 5]

Just beautiful and guaranteed to put a smile on your face. The illustrations really bring this book alive. It is a wonderful thing.

[Alanna KC · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a wee gem of a book, absolutely delightful and one I’ll go back to time and again

[Ellie · Rating 5 out of 5]

A lovely little book.

[Emma · Rating 5 out of 5]

Beautiful. I definitely felt finifugal as I turned the last page. Stunning illustrations that bring the words to life.

[Brittany · Rating 4 out of 5]

A fun little read of positive words! Our vocabulary is increasingly negative so this was a joy.

[Hannah · Rating 5 out of 5]

Gorgeous book with gorgeous illustrations. So lovely and calming to read, would make the perfect gift for word lovers!!

[Nick Grey · Rating 2 out of 5]

Rather twee.. A few too many cuddles, snuggles and "startlers" for my liking!

[Elaine · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5

[Ian · Rating 5 out of 5]

Bright

Lovely collection of whimsical words and their meanings I thoroughly enjoyed this very well illustrated book or words and I reccomend

[Jess Hember · Rating 4 out of 5]

Beautifully illustrated - my fave susie dent book to date!